5 Biggest Moves in the Premier League on Deadline Day
And breathe.
Another deadline day is behind us now, with plenty of interesting deals that happened and some that didn’t. In this piece we analyse the most important EPL transfers that took place yesterday.
You can visit this page for a full recap of what happened.
Sterling to Arsenal
This was the biggest one to be announced after the deadline at 11 PM UK time, as a loan deal was agreed for the Chelsea winger to spend 2024/25 in north London. This deal does not include an option or obligation for a permanent deal at the end of his spell with the Gunners.
This move reunites Sterling with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant for much of Sterling’s seven-year spell at the Etihad.
Ugarte to United
A move that had been rumoured all summer was finally sealed on deadline day. PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte finally got his transfer to Manchester United, where he will be hoping to provide some solidity in midfield. The transfer fee is understood to be £42.1 million up front, with another £8.4 million in potential add-ons.
Here is what the man himself had to say about the transfer: “It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world. The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player.
“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford. I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Nketiah to Crystal Palace
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah had also been linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium for a long time now, which took place yesterday. He joins Palace on a five-year deal after the Eagles paid a reported £25 million initial fee, plus another £5 million in add-ons.
Nketiah will wear the number 9 shirt for Palace and he had the following to say about the move: “It’s amazing to sign for Crystal Palace – I’m excited to get going. Every time I come back to South London, it always puts a smile on my face, so it’s good to be back home.”
Lacroix to Crystal Palace
The Eagles were a busy bunch yesterday, also confirming the arrival of centre-back Maxence Lacroix, also on a five-year contract, from German side Wolfsburg.
After sealing a move reportedly worth £18 million, Lacroix had the following to say: “It’s like a dream for a young football player. I’m really happy to be here and arrive at this good team.
“I watched Palace’s last games and I was really happy for the coach, because I’d played under him before. I think it’s the right moment to move to the Premier League.”
Andre to Wolves
We could argue that Wolves have struck a bit of a coup by bringing in Fluminense defensive midfielder Andre, who had been the subject of interest from plenty of Premier League clubs last season.
The 23-year-old Brazilian joins Wolverhampton in a deal touted at £18.5 million, with another £2.5 million in potential add-ons. Speaking about their latest recruit, the club’s sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “It’s one that I thought we were going to miss out on, so I’m unbelievably excited to have him come and join us.
“He’s physically good and we think he’ll thrive in the Premier League. It’s a player that we’re picking on the way up – he’s not coming to us having won his trophies on the way down.”
Sancho to Chelsea?
While some reputable outlets (including the BBC) report a loan deal as being completed for Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho to play for Chelsea this season, there is no confirmation from either club at the time of this writing.
We’ll be keeping an eye on developments here.