Antoine Griezmann reacts as he arrives for a training session at the Meineau stadium in Strasbourg
(AFP)
It was a tremendous transfer deadline day with several transfers completed with minutes to spare as the Premier League dominated the market once again in terms of total spend.
There were big deals elsewhere though, including Eduardo Camavinga signing for Real Madrid from Stade Rennais, but the one that didn’t happen dominated the headlines: Kylian Mbappe stays at Paris Saint-Germain, that’s despite the France international having just one year remaining on his contract and Real Madrid making a bid of £172m (€200m).
For PSG, it was all about the Champions League and they even splashed out late on Nuno Mendes to ram home the point and prove their strength to resist Los Blancos in the ongoing power struggle.
Cristiano Ronaldo is now officially a Manchester United player and was unveiled in a red shirt – though we now awai what number he will wear at Old Trafford in his second spell at the club. The return of the Portuguese allowed Daniel James to move on and finally join Leeds United for £25m two years after coming as close as possible to signing for a team when he left Swansea.
Chelsea had a fine window, adding Romelu Lukaku and they added Saul Niguez late on via a loan, with an option to buy, though they did miss out on one big deal, centre-back Jules Kounde stays at Sevilla despite interest from the Blues.
Arsenal were the other busy club as the deadline expired, retaining the disgruntled Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who had spoken out on his desire to leave, while allowing Hector Bellerin to join Real Betis on loan and bringing in Japan right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna for around £17m.
There is still the potential to add free agents, which will be the route for Serge Aurier after his Tottenham contract was mutually ended, with Spurs signing Emerson Royal from Barcelona – here’s all the latest news and reaction to the summer transfer window.
Barcelona’s crazy transfer deadline day
The shock transfer of deadline day was undoubtedly Antoine Griezmann’s return to Atletico Madrid after just two seasons at Barcelona, a move which sums up the current state of the Catalan side.
Barcelona signed Griezmann for around £100m in 2019 but have now seem him return to their La Liga rivals on a €10m loan deal, which could turn into a €40 permanent transfer next summer.
It left Barcelona scrambling for a replacement. They wanted Atletico’s Joao Felix to move in the opposite direction but Diego Simeone refused, which led to the 3am signing of Luuk de Jong from Sevilla – a puzzling move from the five-time European champions.
Jamie Braidwood1 September 2021 08:14
Premier League transfer deadline day winners and losers
Winner – Chelsea
Chelsea came away from deadline day with extra cover in midfield, which should have been the priority of two potential incomings as the window closed.
N’Golo Kante must be protected, and the arrival of Saul Niguez on loan, despite failing to hit his best form over the last year, looks an astute signing to join Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho to complete Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The option to buy at a reported €35m (£30m) also appeals and the Blues will hope this move is as successful as Kovacic’s initial loan from Real Madrid before a permanent deal.
Jules Kounde might have been the cherry on top of the cake, but Trevoh Chalobah has excelled and should be trusted when called upon.
The squad is there now to apply heat to Man City in the title race and back up their Champions League win in the Premier League.
Jack Rathborn1 September 2021 07:53
That’s it for tonight, as Chelsea leave it late to bolster their midfield with Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid.
Crystal Palace also left it late, but crucially added Odsonne Edouard for around £14m, which could be vital in their hopes of survival and an alternative for Christian Benteke for Patrick Vieira.
Arsenal were busy late on too, farming out Hector Bellerin on loan to Real Betis, with Takehiro Tomiyasu arriving for £17m.
Jack Rathborn1 September 2021 00:12
Pablo Sarabia leaves PSG for Sporting on loan
Pablo Sarabia has left PSG and moved to Sporting on loan.
Jack Rathborn31 August 2021 23:55
Saul Niguez reacts to Chelsea move
Saul said: ‘I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea.
“Blues fans, I am one of you now and I can’t wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. See you soon!’
While Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “We welcome Saul to the Club and believe he completes our squad as we compete for honours in five different competitions this season.
“He is a proven winner, a player with huge experience and we know he will be very well-suited to the challenges that face us on all fronts in the coming year.’
Jack Rathborn31 August 2021 23:52
Chelsea confirm Saul Niguez loan from Atletico Madrid
Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid.
Jack Rathborn31 August 2021 23:46
What are we still waiting for?
So, the deadline has passed, but we’re still waiting on a few deals.
Reports suggest there is a hold-up in Spain, which is impacting Chelsea’s hopes of signing Saul – with a £4m loan fee, plus a £30m buy clause.
But if Barcelona cannot shift Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid, it might fall through.
The Catalan club are active too, with Luuk De Jong their target from Sevilla.
Jack Rathborn31 August 2021 23:43
Stade Rennais complete signing of Gaëtan Laborde
Stade Rennais have completed the signing of Gaëtan Laborde from Montpellier.
The 27-year-old already has two goals in three games this season.
Jack Rathborn31 August 2021 23:29
PSG sign Nuno Mendes from Sporting
PSG have signed Nuno Mendes from Sporting on a loan move for a €7m loan fee.
The French club have a €40m buy option that they can take up in June 2022.
Jack Rathborn31 August 2021 23:26
Arsenal complete Tomiyasu deal
Arsenal have officially signed Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.
The two clubs agreed a £19.8m deal for the 22-year-old defender, who was also wanted by Spurs.
Thomas Fenton31 August 2021 23:01
