The summer transfer season is officially in the books and there were various last-minute deals that shocked world soccer. The transfer of Antoine Griezmann to Atlético Madrid can be described as nothing short of blockbuster. While Emerson Royal’s move to Tottenham provided a lot of material for social media.
This transfer window was defined by the moves made by Lionel Messi to PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United, but there were other signings that in their own way will be ones to watch for the clubs and players involved. While clubs have done the best they can to limit spending others like Manchester City and Manchester United have thrown the kitchen sink in order to land their targets.
Here is a review of the last-minute transfers from August 31st, while some names may not be striking, they could very well be huge for the club and player involved. Here are 7 last minute transfer window signings to take notice this season.
7. Emerson Royal – Barcelona to Tottenham, €25 million
Emerson Royal (Getty)
22-year-old Brazilian, Emerson Royal made an unexpected and interesting move to Spurs on the final day of the transfer window. Royal who was involved in a strange operation in 2019 which saw him move from Atlético Mineiro in Brazil to Spain in a joint transfer between Real Betis and Barcelona. Royal played two seasons for Betis and later Barcelona exercised their buy option and bought 100% of the player for €9 million from Betis. Two months later Barcelona sold Royal to Spurs for €25 million, in need of cash Barcelona made a good deal off a player who has had a modest career in Europe. For Royal, a chance to play at Spurs and be away from all the Barcelona drama can help him get back on the Brazilian national team.
6. Tiemoue Bakayoko – Chelsea to AC Milan, Loan
Tiemoue Bakayoko (Getty)
Tiemoue Bakayoko is just one of those Chelsea players stuck in limbo and has been loaned out yet again this time for a second stint at AC Milan. The French midfielder has good pace and dribbling and now back at Milan will hopefully impress and live up to his potential.
5. Luuk de Jong – Barcelona, Loan
Luuk de Jong (Getty)
Despite being 1 billion euros in debt, Barcelona is still a destination for players. Netherland’s striker Luuk de Jong moved to Barcelona on a loan from Sevilla. For de Jong he is entering a good situation personally as he is highly rated by Ronald Koeman. Barcelona is in rebuild mode and Koeman’s job will depend on getting the most from “his” players.
4. Matthew Hoppe – Real Mallorca, € 3.3 million
Matthew Hoppe (Getty)
An American cracks the list, Matthew Hoppe was the subject of a lot of transfer rumors this offseason and the young American kept a cool head. The 20-year-old striker jumps from Schalke 04 and all their issues to Real Mallorca of La Liga for € 3.3 million. Hoppe has a huge upside due to his age, in Germany he was the first American player to ever score a hat-trick in the Bundesliga.
3. Nuno Mendes – Sporting CP to Paris Saint-Germain, Loan
Nuno Mendes (Getty)
Nothing is going to stop PSG from making a push for this season’s Champions League and 19-year-old Nuno Mendes will be along for the ride. The left back played very well for Sporting CP on their way to the title last season and will be a good helping hand for the long season at PSG. PSG is the place to be right now, and Mendes is in great company.
2. Saúl Ñíguez – Chelsea, Loan
Saúl Ñíguez (Getty)
Spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez is just another top player on an already stacked Chelsea side that will look to win the Premier League and defend their Champions League title. Ñíguez is a central midfielder that has good passing ability and will hope to link up well with the Chelsea attack when called upon.
1. Antoine Griezmann – Atlético Madrid, Loan
Antoine Griezmann (Getty)
Maybe the biggest move on the last day of the transfer window, French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann returns to Atlético Madrid after an up and down stint at Barcelona which saw him score 22 goals in 74 La Liga games. Barcelona needed to clear Griezmann’s salary and once again sent a player to a direct rival, while for the French star it’s a chance to get back to the top of his game.
