The Premier League summer transfer window is now officially open ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, with the expectation of another big-spending market from the world’s richest league.
The 2022 summer transfer window saw the Premier League spend a world record amount on new signings, with Chelsea breaking their own record for the biggest spending spree in any transfer window in the history of football.
The January 2023 transfer window proved to be just as exciting in the Premier League, given the incredible wealth football’s richest league boasts. Indeed, the Premier League blitzed the rest of Europe, spending more than double on its own than the rest of Europe’s big five leagues combined.
The 2023 summer transfer window, which opened on 14 June, is certain to be every bit as crazy, with Premier League clubs already spending obscene amounts of cash.
Here are some of the most notable deals that have been completed or are close to completion so far.
Brighton
The Seagulls have been one of the most active clubs in the market, splashing out £30 million for Watford attacker Joao Pedro, who scored 15 goals in the Championship last season. They also snapped up veteran James Milner and Mahmoud Dahoud on free transfers from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.
However, they also lost one of their key players, as Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister joined Liverpool for £35 million.
Liverpool
The Reds have been relatively quiet so far, but they pulled off a coup by signing Alexis Mac Allister1 from Brighton. The 24-year-old was one of the most creative players in the league last season, registering 10 assists and four goals.
However, they also parted ways with some of their experienced players, such as Naby Keita, who joined Werder Bremen on a free transfer, and Roberto Firmino1, who was released after his contract expired.
Aston Villa
The Villans have made a statement of intent by signing Youri Tielemans on a Bosman deal from relegated Leicester after his contract expired. The Belgian midfielder was one of the best performers for the Foxes last season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in all competitions.
They also released some of their fringe players, such as Jed Steer and Ashley Young.
Chelsea
The Blues have been at the heart of the majority of business so far, as their mass exodus is set to also strengthen their rivals. The reigning champions are set to let Mason Mount leave to Manchester United with Mateo Kovacic going to Manchester City and Arsenal have moved in to sign Kai Hazertz.
They also saw club legend N’Golo Kante leave on a free transfer for the riches in Saudi Arabia. He could soon be followed there by some other Chelsea players.
However, they have also brought in some reinforcements, such as Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez, who joined from Independiente del Valle for £17.27 million, and French attacker Christopher Nkunku, who arrived from RB Leipzig for £52 million.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have been busy in the market, as they look to challenge for the title next season. They are trying to buy from Chelsea Mason Mount2, who will add quality and depth to their midfield and attack.
However, they have also released some of their unwanted players, such as Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Galbraith and Phil Jones.
Manchester City
The champions have been relatively quiet so far, but they have made one signing for the future in young striker Spike Brits, who joined from AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee. The 18-year-old scored 25 goals in League One last season and has been tipped as a future star.
They also released Benjamin Mendy on a free transfer after his contract expired. Disappointingly for many City fans Captain, Ilkay Gundogan, is moving to Barcelona on a free transfer with Mateo Kovacic coming in from Chelsea. Looks also like City are moving for England powerhouse Declan Rice from West Ham.
Wolves
The Wolves have been hit hard by the lure of the Saudi Pro League, as they are set to lose their star midfielder Ruben Neves3 to Al Hilal in a deal worth £47 million. The Portuguese international was one of the best players in the Premier League last season, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists.
They have not made any signings so far, but they are reportedly looking for a replacement for Neves.
Other deals
Some of the other notable deals that have been completed or are close to completion are:
- Jordan Beyer from Borussia Monchengladbach to Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
- Michael Obafemi from Swansea to Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
- Ashley Barnes from Burnley to Norwich on a free transfer.
- Shane Duffy from Brighton to Norwich on a free transfer.
- Hamed Traore from Sassuolo to Bournemouth for £20 million.
- Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth to Crystal Palace on a free transfer.
- Jack Butland from Crystal Palace to Rangers on a free transfer.
- Dujon Sterling from Chelsea to Rangers on a free transfer.
- Yankuba Minteh from Odense Boldklub to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee.
The Premier League summer transfer window will close at 23:00 BST on Friday 1 September, but clubs in Saudi Arabia will be able to sign players until 20 September4, which could have an impact on the English top flight.