For the uninitiated, soccer’s summer transfer window is a time when billions are spent upgrading squads for the upcoming season. For reasons unknown to many outside of the sport, some clubs leave their business unless the very last day of the window – known colloquially as transfer deadline day.
Sometimes that late, late business is due to necessity – if a bid comes in for a player that is accepted, the club has to source a replacement as chaos unfolds all around them.
But for other clubs, those that have not planned their window well or who have a last-ditch bout of desperation, the desire to bring in fresh faces is overwhelming.
Of course, with dozens of transfers taking place all over Europe in the space of 24 hours or so, it can be easy to miss some of the more interesting deals that take place. So, here’s a round-up of some of the more intriguing:
Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford to Fulham)
Given that Fulham were already the favorites in the English Championship odds, transfer deadline day for them was about simply putting the finishing touches on their squad.
They’ve done just that, with Domingos Quina joining on loan from Watford and Nathaniel Chalobah arriving on a permanent deal from the same club.
It’s eleven years since Chalobah made his first appearance in the Chelsea first team, and the fact that he’s still only 26 shows just how much experience he has under his belt.
Capped by England, he also knows what it takes to get out of the second tier having been promoted with Watford the last term, and so Fulham’s prominence in Championship betting tips has been solidified.
Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid to Chelsea)
This loan deal, which could be made permanent at the end of the season, was completed with just 15 minutes of the transfer window left!
Chelsea has gained a quality operator in Saul, who was a key figure as Atletico Madrid won the Spanish La Liga title last season.
Comfortable playing in a variety of different roles in midfield, the 26-year-old is another stellar addition to a Chelsea squad aiming for domestic and continental success this term.
Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona to Atletico Madrid)
Atletico was keen to move Niguez on so that they could add a familiar face to their squad.
Antoine Griezmann made his name in Madrid, plundering 121 goals for the club in a highly successful spell.
That persuaded Barcelona to fork out around $140 million for the Frenchman, who never quite took to life at the Nou Camp in the same way.
The 30-year-old is a fantastic talent, however, and a return to his spiritual home in soccer is likely to see him restored to former glories.
Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes to Real Madrid)
Those who watch a lot of French football believe Real Madrid has got a steal by capturing Eduardo Camavinga for just $35 million.
The 18-year-old was a sensation for Rennes last season, playing more than 2,700 minutes and delivering a number of eye-catching performances in midfield.
In a few years’ time, he could be worth double or triple what Real Madrid has paid for him – especially if he can break into the first team at the Bernabeu Stadium as the Galacticos look to dominate Spanish football once more.
Emerson Royal (Barcelona to Tottenham)
It was a case of out with the old and in with the new at Tottenham.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo decided to ask right-back Serge Aurier to mutually agree to terminate his contract, and after the Ivorian agreed it freed up capital for Spurs to sign a replacement.
They’ve opted for Emerson Royal, the Brazilian that has been at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years and yet barely played a minute for them.
The 22-year-old, signed in January 2019, immediately went out on loan to Real Betis, where he has remained pretty much ever since… until his move to London, that is.
The question remains: which of these quintets will have the biggest impact on their new employer this season?