Another hectic summer transfer window has come to a close and there was no shortage of drama on the final day.
It proved to be a record-breaking summer in the Premier League with around £1.9billion being spent, smashing the previous record of £1.4billion in 2017, while nine of the 20 teams in the top-flight spent over £100million.
Forest Assemble New Squad
Nottingham Forest were the most active club this summer, signing 23 players as they attempt to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League after promotion, while Leicester were at the other end of the scale with just two new faces added to the squad.
Steve Cooper, fresh from leading Forest out of the Championship, immediately got to work on enhancing his squad with 13 players arriving before the end of July.
Forest continued to splash the cash throughout August and it was no surprise to see them pushing for further deals right up to Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
Willy Boly was first through the doors on Thursday, completing his switch from Wolves on a two-year deal to strengthen Cooper’s hand at the back.
Winger Josh Bowler was next to be announced after a deal was struck with Blackpool but he’s set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Olympiacos.
Rennes defender Loic Bade also joined in the final moments of the window, although he has only agreed a loan switch for the season.
Chelsea Strike Late With Auba
This summer was always set to be an interesting one for Chelsea with new owners at the helm and there was no shortage of backing for Thomas Tuchel.
Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella arrived earlier in the summer but there was more to come on the final day.
Former Arsenal frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been handed a two-year deal after a short stint with Barcelona, where he netted 11 goals in 18 La Liga games.
Denis Zakaria also came through the doors at Stamford Bridge, joining on loan from Juventus but Chelsea have the option to make his move permanent next summer.
In terms of exits, Chelsea announced Marcos Alonso would be leaving by “mutual consent” with the Spaniard expected to sign for Barcelona.
Midfielder Billy Gilmour has also moved on after penning a four-year contract with Premier League rivals Brighton.
United Set Deadline-Day Record
Manchester United missed out on top-target Frenkie de Jong after failing to strike a deal with Barcelona, however, they did manage to complete one big deal on deadline day.
Erik ten Hag has reunited with a familiar face in the shape of Antony. The pair worked together at Ajax last season and the winger has signed a deal through to 2027.
United are understood to have parted with £82million to bring in the Brazilian – a record deadline-day fee and making Antony the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history.
The Red Devils also added to their goalkeeping options with Martin Dubravka joining on loan for the rest of the season.
Title Rivals Make Late Moves
Defending Premier League champions Manchester City did most of their business early but Pep Guardiola did complete one late move.
Switzerland international centre-back Manuel Akanji was snapped up from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract.
Liverpool also looked to have done their work in the opening weeks of the window but injuries led Jurgen Klopp into a late deal.
Midfielder Arthur Melo came in on loan from Juventus until the end of the season, while there is an option to make the switch permanent next summer.
