Monday marked the Transfer Deadline Day for European soccer teams. It was the last chance for clubs to strengthen their squads until the transfer window reopens in January. The biggest deals had all been wrapped up well before the deadline, but there was still a flurry of activity and some notable wheeling and dealing. However, due to various financial difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many clubs were unable to spend to their usual levels, meaning big-name stars like Jadon Sancho and Kalidou Koulibaly stayed put. Here is a recap of some of the deadline’s biggest transfers.
Thomas Partey to Arsenal:
Defensive midfielder Thomas Partey has been linked to Arsenal since at least January, and the Gunners’ interest reportedly stretched all the way back to 2018. According to The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid insisted that the only way Partey would leave the club was through triggering his release clause. Arsenal balked at that price for most of the summer but opted to make the move on Deadline Day, paying 45 million pounds for Partey. He is expected to be a key part of Arsenal’s midfield moving forward.
Alex Telles to Manchester United:
Manchester United was linked to nearly every big name on the market this summer but had come away mostly empty-handed before deadline day. That started to change when they signed 27-year-old left-back Alex Telles from Porto for 13.6 million pounds. Telles is expected to help shore up a struggling United defense that conceded six goals in a loss to Tottenham on Sunday.
Edinson Cavani to Manchester United:
It was a busy Deadline Day for Manchester United, as they also finalized the signing of 33-year-old striker Edinson Cavani on a free transfer. Cavani signed with United after rumored moves to Atletico Madrid and Benfica collapsed earlier this summer. Cavani comes to United from PSG, who opted not to renew Cavani’s contract when it expired at the end of the season. Cavani is PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 200 goals for the club in all competitions.