Transfer Deadline Day Is Here!

The summer transfer window, packed with dramatic twists, hijacked deals, and frantic negotiations, enters its final phase as clubs scramble to complete business before the shutters come down on Monday evening (7pm BST).

This has been a chaotic period, a transfer window like no other, with record-breaking spending and last-minute drama dominating the headlines. Yet, even as the football world braces for closure, there remains the promise of more movement before the focus shifts back to the pitch.

You can follow all the news by visiting EPLNews, as well as keeping an eye on our YouTube channel, where we will be posting developing stories as they happen and give our verdicts on transfers.

At the heart of the frenzy, one name has dominated: Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. His determined stance to secure a move to Liverpool has overshadowed much of the summer’s activity. After weeks of tension and rejections in their search for strikers, Newcastle finally reached an agreement late on Sunday, sanctioning Isak’s £125m switch to Anfield. The arrival of Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade paves the way for Isak’s departure, ending the toxic atmosphere surrounding the saga.

Elsewhere, Arsenal pulled off a shock move by hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s long pursuit of Eberechi Eze. The £60m deal saw the boyhood Arsenal fan join the Gunners, despite Spurs having already agreed terms. This was one of the biggest coups of the window and a bitter blow for their north London rivals.

So far, Premier League clubs have shattered records with a combined spend of £2.73bn. Arsenal lead the way in net spend at £248m, but Liverpool’s overall spend of £290m makes them the top buyers. Chelsea, too, are close behind with £281m.

Key Transfer Window Statistics

• Premier League spending: £2.73bn to date, with the figure potentially exceeding £3bn should deals like Isak’s be finalised.
• Net spend: Over £1.2bn for the league, contrasting with most other leagues – except the Saudi Pro League – where balance sheets show profit or break-even.
• Club records: Eight Premier League sides have smashed their transfer records this summer, while six clubs have made their most lucrative sales.
• Biggest spenders: Liverpool (£290m), Chelsea (£281m), and Arsenal (£255m). Arsenal, however, remain the highest net spenders at £248m.

Isak Finally Bound for Liverpool

Newcastle executives met with Isak last Monday before facing Liverpool at St James’ Park, hoping to change his mind. The Swedish forward, however, staged a one-man rebellion to force through his move to Anfield. His decision ends what has been the longest-running transfer saga of the summer.

Isak’s exit is painful for Newcastle fans. Once a hero after scoring the decisive goal in their Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool – the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years – he now leaves for the very side he conquered.

Newcastle’s capture of Woltemade triggered the chain reaction that allowed Liverpool to complete the Isak signing. He will undergo a medical on Monday before penning a six-year contract.

Elsewhere, tension surrounds Nicolas Jackson’s proposed Chelsea departure. Bayern Munich had agreed an initial £13m loan move for the 24-year-old, but Chelsea withdrew permission for a medical following Liam Delap’s hamstring injury.

Donnarumma’s Uncertain Future

Gianluigi Donnarumma, hero of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph last season, has said farewell to PSG fans after failing to agree a new contract. Now marginalised at the French club, his next destination is unclear – though Manchester is a strong possibility.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United are linked. United’s goalkeeping struggles are evident, with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir unconvincing. The club has already looked at Antwerp’s Senne Lammens and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

City, meanwhile, signed James Trafford from Burnley, but doubts remain after his shaky performance in the defeat to Spurs. If Ederson departs amid interest from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, Donnarumma could be the logical replacement.

Wayne Rooney has weighed in, telling BBC Sport: “It would be crazy if Manchester United didn’t go for him.” Whether it is Old Trafford or the Etihad, Donnarumma’s PSG career is over, making him one to watch before the deadline.

Newcastle’s Next Striker Move

With Woltemade in and Isak out, Newcastle may not stop there. They are expected to pursue a second forward before Monday’s deadline.

Wolves have rejected bids of £50m and £55m for Jorgen Strand Larsen, who only joined permanently in July after a successful loan. The Midlands side are reluctant to sell, especially as they finalise a £24m move for Genk’s Tolu Arokodare.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is another target. The forward has voiced frustrations with his club, but Brentford remain firm. Newcastle’s need is pressing, especially with Callum Wilson also unavailable. Another striker is almost certain to arrive.

Guehi’s Possible Palace Exit

Crystal Palace could lose captain Marc Guehi before the deadline. Liverpool are leading the race for the England defender, who is unwilling to run down his contract. Spurs had interest, but Guehi’s preference is a move to Anfield.

Palace have already lost Eze to Arsenal, and although Oliver Glasner is keen to retain his captain without replacements, negotiations are underway.

Talks are progressing for Toulouse’s Jaydee Canvot, 19, while approaches have been made for Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Roma’s Evan Ndicka. Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande remains a top target but is considered too costly. Should reinforcements arrive, Guehi’s exit will likely be sanctioned.

Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool Dilemma

Harvey Elliott, star of England Under-21s’ Euros triumph with five goals and a Player of the Tournament award, faces a career crossroads. Despite his potential, he made only six league starts last season and none this term.

Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are keen, while Premier League rivals could also make late moves. Liverpool, however, would demand a significant fee, noting that England Under-21 teammates Tyler Dibling and Omari Hutchinson moved for £40m and £37.5m respectively. Elliott is considered a more valuable asset.

The 22-year-old must decide whether to fight for his place at Anfield or seek regular minutes elsewhere, with the World Cup in mind.

Manchester United’s Transfer Merry-Go-Round

Manchester United’s window remains turbulent. Alejandro Garnacho has sealed a move to Chelsea, while Kobbie Mainoo’s situation is unresolved. Despite featuring in England’s Euro 2024 final, he has fallen out of favour with Ruben Amorim and requested a loan move. Napoli are keen, but United insist he stays.

The saga of Antony also drags on, with a proposed £81.3m switch to Real Betis collapsing. Napoli are set to take Rasmus Hojlund on loan, while Jadon Sancho could move to Roma. Tyrell Malacia is being pursued by Elche.

For United, departures are the priority, but a new goalkeeper and midfielder remain potential incomings before Monday.

Réflexions finales

This transfer window has already been one for the ages: record-breaking spending, dramatic hijackings, and headline-grabbing exits. Yet, with hours still remaining before the 7pm BST deadline, more shocks are certain to come.

From Isak’s blockbuster move to Liverpool to Donnarumma’s uncertain future, Newcastle’s striker hunt, and Elliott’s big decision, the next twists will ensure the 2024 summer window goes down as one of the most extraordinary in Premier League history.