Top 5 transfer deals completed on deadline day across the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Bundesliga
With the dust finally settling on the 2023 European summer transfer deadline day, we can look back at the five biggest deals that were concluded with just hours, and in some cases minutes, in the summer transfer window left.
Barcelona’s double swoop for Cancelo and Joao Felix
Fans of LaLiga giants Barcelona would have enjoyed the dealings of the transfer deadline day after the club managed to capture two Portuguese talents to bolster their squad as they look to retain their Spanish crown ahead of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
The Blaugrana welcomed Atletico Madrid’s wantaway forward Joao Felix, as well as Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, both on loan, on the final day of the European transfer window, with both players desperate to join Barcelona to avoid untenable situations at their parent clubs.
João² pic.twitter.com/IrIiASsIrc
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023
Cancelo was even willing to take a pay cut to see the transfer through, with the wing-back looking for a revival after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City.
Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool from Bayern Munich
After a series of rejections during the transfer window, Liverpool finally got an important piece of their midfield puzzle by pricing away Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich for a reported €40 million fee.
Introducing our new number 3️⃣8️⃣
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2023
The Dutch midfielder, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, will be a key part of the Reds’ season after failing to make the impact expected of him during his Bayern Munich spell.
Ryan on that @OnsOranje connection 🇳🇱🥰 pic.twitter.com/fAHFcwUg5A
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2023
Despite his struggles in Germany, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp still holds the belief that Gravenberch will be a suitable alternative to any of the team’s current midfield roles, with the Reds being light in the middle before his arrival.
Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United
Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat was the toast of clubs following the FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar, which ended with the Atlas Lions becoming the first African side to reach the semifinals of the tournament.
🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2023
🔴 Sofyan Amrabat = United 🔴#MUFC
The midfielder decided to pitch his tent with Premier League giants Manchester United after the Red Devils and Fiorentina agreed on a loan deal worth €10 million that also contains an option to buy for the Manchester side worth €20 million plus €5 million in possible bonuses.
🚨 Sofyan Amrabat has signed for Manchester United. Announcement to follow. Season-long loan for €10m, with option to buy at €20m + €5m add-ons. Medical successfully completed & #MUFC expected to cover full salary @TheAthleticFC #Fiorentina #DeadlineDay https://t.co/A8xr5V6KTC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2023
The 27-year-old midfielder was reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford, after seeing links to Barcelona and Liverpool break down as the transfer market drew to a close.
Brennan Johnson to Tottenham
Another big money deadline day move in the Premier League saw former Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson join Tottenham Hotspurs in a reported €55 million deal on a six-year contract as Spurs look to move on from the loss of Harry Kane.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Brennan Johnson! 🤍
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 1, 2023
Let's go, Brennan! 💪
Kane left Tottenham to join Bayern Munich in a deal worth more than £90 million, and Spurs have decided to splash the cash for the 22-year-old hoping he can lead the next phase of the club’s history.
Johnson scored 10 goals and assisted three more in 44 games in all competitions in his maiden Premier League season with Nottingham Forest, impressing as the Tricky Trees escaped relegation with a respectable 16th-place finish.
Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint Germain completed one of the deals of the transfer deadline day with the signing of France international Randal Kolo Muani, as they continued to show their intentions of building their team around a French core.
Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the signing of Randal Kolo Muani. The French striker, who will wear number 23, has committed to 5 years with the Club ✍️
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 1, 2023
❤️💙 #WelcomeKoloMuanihttps://t.co/dqv6CsrcB1
Kolo Muani joins international colleagues Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele as they look to strike up a familiar partnership at club level in Ligue 1.
💬☝️ "𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆"
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 1, 2023
❤️💙 #WelcomeKoloMuani pic.twitter.com/TOSOwGbGC0
The former Frankfurt forward joins the reigning Ligue 1 champions, who reportedly parted ways with €90 million to be paid as €75 million upfront and €15 in performance-related bonuses to secure Kolo Muani on a five-year contract until 2028.
The 24-year-old has already been presented as a new PSG player and will join up with his teammates immediately.