The transfer window saw many players make moves all over Europe, especially to England, with the Premier League’s total spend of €2.24billion topping every other league in Europe. Today we will look at the top 5 biggest panic buys of the transfer window.
5. Casemiro
Brazilian International Casemiro moved from Real Madrid to Man United for a reported fee of around £70million. The 30-year-old has undoubtedly been one of, if not the standout defensive midfielder in Europe over the last decade, winning an astonishing 5 UEFA Champions Leagues during his time in Spain.
However, it is unlikely Casemiro would’ve been at Old Trafford if United managed to sign their number 1 target Frenkie De Jong, who they actively pursued all summer.
Following United’s 4-0 loss to Brentford, as well as De Jong making it clear he was unwilling to join the Red Devils, the Club moved swiftly to wrap up a deal for Casemiro.
Given that the Brazilian has only started one game so far (the Europa League loss to Real Sociedad) and that he was on the bench during United’s Manchester Derby loss, many have begun to wonder whether Casemiro was a signing driven by the board and not manager Erik Ten Hag. Furthermore, supporters are convinced the Glazers stumped up the cash for Casemiro in an attempt to silence the fans, who were actively expressing their anger at United’s start to the season.
4. Pierre – Emerick Aubameyang
Fresh off the back of bagging his first goal for Chelsea, striker Pierre – Emerick Aubameyang will be hoping to cement his place in boss Graham Potter’s plans for the future.
Former Arsenal captain Aubameyang joined the Blues in a deal worth a reported €14million and that saw Marcos Alonso move in the other direction.
Chelsea were desperate for attacking reinforcements after the disappointment of the Romelu Lukaku transfer last season, which did nothing to improve their attack. And with the striker market lacking quality, former manager Thomas Tuchel turned to his trusted ex-player to change Chelsea’s attacking fortunes.
However, the German coach’s sacking in early September left many wondering if Aubameyang still had a future in West London. But given Chelsea’s issues in front of goal, as well as the sale of Timo Werner and the poor form of Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, the Blues have little choice but to stick with the Gabonese International and hope he finds the form he displayed for Arsenal prior to his contract extension.
3. Antony
Before anyone says I’m sprouting utter nonsense with this one, hear me out.
Antony is undoubtedly a talented young player and Man United had been tracking him throughout the summer, especially after the appointment of former Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag. But the price paid for the Brazilian International on deadline day, given what the he’s accomplished in his fledgling career reeks of desperation.
United completed the deal for Antony from Ajax on the last day of the window for a reported €100million with add-ons, making it the most expensive deadline day transfer in history.
Antony racked up 8 goals and 4 assists in 23 Eredivisie games last season, a decent return, but far less than Cody Gakpo’s 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances, a player United considered as an Antony backup and who would’ve been available for a lot cheaper.
All in all, we’re not saying Antony is bad player. He’s started the season off decently, scoring twice in as many PL games against Arsenal and Man City, respectively. However, it’s the price tag that suggests this move had an element of panic in it.
2. Diego Costa
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa signed for Wolves after the transfer window was shut, due to the player being a free agent since January this year.
Almost 9 months of not playing any football didn’t deter Wolves from contracting the Brazilian-born former Spanish International, who’s last club was Atletico Mineiro of Brazil.
Costa was signed after deadline day signing Sasa Kalajdzic suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut, likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.
Wolves currently have the worst attack in the league, only scoring 3 goals in their opening 8 games. In fact, last season the Midlands club only scored 38 goals in the entire league campaign, with the 3 sides that scored less all being relegated.
Wolves are clearly desperate for attacking options if they’re willing to call on a player that hasn’t played for 9 months, and that has a history of fitness issues.
1. Arthur
Liverpool completed the loan signing of Brazilian midfielder Arthur towards the end of the transfer window after a poor start to the season and an injury crisis in midfield.
The Reds were sitting on a disappointing 8 points from their opening 5 league games by the time Arthur had signed, indicating he was contracted more out of circumstance rather than being a player Liverpool had been tracking.
Arthur appeared for less than 1000 minutes in Serie A for Juventus last campaign, and was even linked with a move to Arsenal in January. However, the Gunners turned down the opportunity to sign the player after Juve were insistent on adding an obligation to buy on the deal.
So far, the Brazilian has made just one 13-minute appearance for the club, unsurprising given reports which emerged weeks ago, that Liverpool were already considering ending his loan spell in January, following unimpressive performances in training.
Arthur will need to improve his game and adapt quickly if he’s to salvage not just his career in England, but in Europe as well, after his reputation has taken a massive hit since trading Barcelona for Juventus in 2020.