It’s time to take stock. Since September 1, 11 p.m., the 2022 summer transfer window has closed in the majority of countries, even if it continues to be in full swing in some places. As often, the transfer market has had its share of surprises and big transfers, especially on the Old Continent and in the five biggest European championships. Focus on the 10 biggest transfers of the summer, which, added together, give the modest sum of 778.8 million euros (excluding bonuses).
Manchester United holds the palm in this summer ranking. The Red Devils paid out €95 million (+€5 million bonus) to convince Ajax Amsterdam to let go of their talented Brazilian striker Antony (22). The native of São Paulo, recruited in 2020 by the Lancers for 15.75 M€, allowed Ajax to realize a nice capital gain in this transfer which becomes the most expensive in the history of the Eredivisie. . Difficult not to leave the overpowering Premier League. Wesley Fofana (21), sold for €80.5 million by Leicester to Chelsea, is in second place in this ranking. A superb progression for the French defender trained at AS Saint-Étienne.
Two French on the podium
Decidedly, the French have the rating. Bought 80 M€ (with bonuses that might increase the operation to 100 M€) from AS Monaco, Aurélien Tchouameni (22 years old) completes the podium and confirms a little more that he indeed embodies the future of Blues in midfield. Behind the former Bordelais then comes Darwin Núñez (23), the Uruguayan striker recruited by Liverpool from Benfica in exchange for a check for €75 million. A colossal investment intended to make people forget Sadio Mané, who went to Bayern. The top 5 ends with Casemiro (30), for whom Manchester United, once more, splurged (€70 million paid to Real Madrid).
Visibly frustrated at having failed on multiple tracks this summer, Newcastle did not hesitate to drop €70m for Alexander Isak (22). A choice considered madness or a panic-buy for some. The Swede, now a former Real Sociedad scorer, will be keen to prove that the Magpies made the right choice. Another big transfer, that of Matthijs de Ligt (23) from Juventus to Bayern Munich (€67m). The opportunity for the Dutchman to recall why the Vecchia Signora had invested €85.5 million in him in 2019.
The Premier League, queen of the transfer window
For once, the last three most expensive movements on the market concern the English. Chelsea, who had a spending spree under new owner Todd Boehly, strengthened their left lane with Marc Cucurella (24), sold for €65.3m following just one good season in the Premier League with Brighton. Erling Haaland (22), Manchester City’s new superstar, earned him “only” €60m at Borussia Dortmund because of his release clause paid by the Cityzens. In view of his thunderous debut in England (9 goals in 5 games), it’s a cheap price.
There are two transfers to close this ranking. Tied are thus Richarlison (25), for whom Tottenham put 58 M € on the table to snatch it from the clutches of Everton, and Raphinha (25), bought the same sum by FC Barcelona in Leeds. Lucas Paqueta (25), sold by OL to West Ham for €61.630 million including €18.680 million in bonuses spread over the player’s 5-year contract, cannot be included in this top 10. The average age of this ranking does not exceed 23.5 years, proof that clubs are generally more inclined to spend on players of the future. The Premier League confirms its dominance in the figures (8 English buyers out of 11, 573.8 M€ spent).
The top 10 most expensive transfers of the summer
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Antonyfrom Ajax to Manchester United for 95 M€
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Wesley Fofanafrom Leicester to Chelsea for 80,5 M€
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Aurelien Tchouamenifrom Monaco to Real Madrid for 80 M€
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Darwin Núñezfrom Benfica to Liverpool for 75 M€
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casemirofrom Real Madrid to Manchester United for 70 M€
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Alexander Isakfrom Real Sociedad to Newcastle for 70 M€
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Matthijs de Ligtfrom Juventus to Bayern Munich for 67 M€
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Marc Cucurellafrom Brighton to Chelsea for 65,3 M€
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Erling Haalandfrom Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City for 60 M€
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richarlisonfrom Everton to Tottenham for 58 M€ / Raphinhafrom Leeds to FC Barcelona for €58 million
