The Best Have Gotten Better In Crazy Transfer Window

Acts by the big clubs in Europe in the just concluded transfer window are akin to trashing the predictions that there will be a financial meltdown due to the pandemic. At the close of last season, UEFA wasn’t predicting a lot of open cheque books, noting in a report that clubs will be set back to the tune of £17.5b because of Covid-19. 

Premier League clubs alone are reported to have spent over £1b in getting new players and strengthening their squads., Big players have moved. Moves that were initially thought as improbable happened from early on right to the final days of the window. The best are better this season and there’s all expectation that their dominance will continue.

French giants PSG were clearly the biggest movers in the transfer window with five great signings. Lionel Messi’s capture was undoubtedly the headline of them all and while he remains a big name in world football, it is the speed with which PSG moved to complete the deal that surprised all. 

Even as he drew closer to the end of his contract, it wasn’t expected he’d leave Barcelona. There was a verbal agreement on a new contract but when the world was expecting the announcement, Barcelona shocked all with the statement that he won’t be staying. The rest is history – an emotional farewell from the player and a few hours later his unveiling in Paris.

The signing came after confirmations of Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid, Gianluigi Donarumma from AC Milan, Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan and Georginio Wijnadlum from Liverpool. 

With all the stars making moves, the season ahead is bound to be really exciting and the best online bookies listed on SportyTrader are also throwing in great incentives for new users. Bet365 has bonus offers of up to £100 while 1XBet have one of up to €130, Megapari €100, and many more.

While Messi made the switch to France, the other top player of the time, Cristiano Ronaldo packed his bags and in a move that was negotiated in about 24 hours, he was a confirmed Manchester United player, days after featuring in Juventus’ opening game of the season.

This too was a surprise move. Ronaldo still had 12 months to run on his deal and after a tough season in 2020/21, he had shown all indications he wanted to help the team do better. That didn’t come to pass, as he joined Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, the other new players at Manchester United. The team may still be short in midfield, but this signing makes them much better.

Chelsea also pulled what seemed improbable by plucking Romelu Lukaku from Inter, at the back of a successful season. Lukaku had just aided Inter win the Serie A title after a decade in the doldrums and a £97.5m offer was too hard for Inter to resist. The one area that was problematic for Chelsea was in attack, and Lukaku’s arrival sorts that, while the deadline day capture of Saul from Atletico strengthens an already formidable midfield.

Manchester City missed out on two key targets – Harry Kane and a late bid for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, they are still a formidable team and having acquired Jack Grealish for £100m from Aston Villa makes them an even tougher side. As they look to defend their title, City will definitely be stronger than they were last season.