Arsenal and PSG were transfer window winners, while Liverpool faced setbacks. The summer window saw massive spending across Europe, with the English Premier League clubs setting a record by splashing €2.79 billion. Major transfers included Declan Rice (€116m) to Arsenal, Moisés Caicedo (€116m) to Chelsea, Josko Gvardiol (€90m) to Man City, Rasmus Højlund (€75m) to Man United, and Dominik Szoboszlai (€70m) to Liverpool.
In other top leagues, Real Madrid secured Jude Bellingham (€103m), Bayern signed Harry Kane (€100m), and PSG acquired Randal Kolo Muani (€80m) and Manuel Ugarte (€60m). In total, European clubs spent €2.93 billion. Saudi Arabia made a splash with Neymar (€90m) and Gabri Veiga (€40m).
Arsenal secured their top target, Rice, for €116m. They hope injured Jurriën Timber will recover and strengthen their squad. Kai Havertz, a €78m forward, has potential. Folarin Balogun was sold to AS Monaco for €30m. Man City revamped their squad, signing Josko Gvardiol (€90m) and Jérémy Doku. Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic strengthened midfield.
Bayern Munich landed Harry Kane for €100m and bolstered their defense with Kim Min-jae (€50m). They made smart signings like Konrad Laimer and Raphaël Guerreiro but missed out on João Palhinha. PSG retained Kylian Mbappé and made smart additions like Manuel Ugarte and Bradley Barcola. They also signed experienced players like Lucas Hernández and Ousmane Dembélé while recouping €141m from sales.
Saudi Arabia, Individual transfers and Manchester United
Saudi Arabia attracted world stars like Neymar, Benzema, and Sadio Mané. Young talents like Rúben Neves and Veiga joined too. West Ham lost Rice but gained Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse. Mohammed Kudus (€43m) adds flair. However, Arsenal did better them.
Man United strengthened with André Onana (€52m) and Mason Mount (€64m). Sofyan Amrabat added tenacity. However, their planning seemed scattergun. Chelsea continued their youth-focused strategy, signing Caicedo (€100m) and Nkunku (€60m). The squad’s experience remains a question. Liverpool lost several players and made signings like Szoboszlai (€70m) and Alexis Mac Allister (€42m). Their pursuit of top targets like Moisés Caicedo and Jude Bellingham fell through.
João Palhinha’s €65m Bayern move collapsed at the last minute, leaving him embarrassed. Wolves faced upheaval with a new manager, Gary O’Neil, and limited funds. They signed Matheus Cunha for €50m but lost key players. Harry Maguire stayed at Man United despite speculation. His prospects under Erik ten Hag are uncertain due to agility and ball skills concerns.
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