The 2020 October football transfer window has been as busy as ever. Early fears that the financial difficulties brought on by the recent health crisis have proven unfounded so far. Let’s take a look at the biggest transfer dealings this Autumn. How will they affect your fantasy football draft?
Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea) – £70m
Kai Havertz was the most scouted youngster in football until Chelsea earned his signature. It was a particularly busy transfer window for the Londoners, yet Havertz may just be the club’s most exciting move in years. (Note that Chelsea was unable to transfer players in the January transfer window).
A Bayer Leverkusen regular, Havertz is comfortable playing in several positions. He is already an important squad member of the German national team. Some have even gone so far as to compare him to a modern Johan Cruyff. Time will certainly tell.
Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid to Arsenal) – £45m
Thomas Partey was greeted by Arsenal fans as a potential savior. That may be a tall order, but the reaction to the news was predictable. Partey is the Gunners’ most exciting transfer in seven years. Mikel Arteta proved he can reenergize a failing Arsenal squad and his recent addition to the squad could be the missing piece to the puzzle.
Victor Osimhen (Lille to Napoli) – £74m
Victor Osimhen’s transfer from Lille to Napoli may end up, after add-ons, to be the most expensive before the 2020 transfer window close. The teenager was sensational for Lille last season. His skill, strength, and vision earned him comparisons to world football’s elite striker.
With the eyes of so many scouts fixed on Osimhen it is really no wonder that Napoli would opt to spend this amount of cash. While only 21 years of age, the Nigerian striker could be the future’s great star.
Ben Chilwell (Leicester to Chelsea) – £50m
Ben Chillwell’s great performances for Leicester last season, in all honesty, took many by surprise. The left-back showed the kind of potential few expected of him. Chillwell was part of a squad that battled for a Champions League place until the very end.
While Manchester United was also eager to sign the England player according to Sky Sports, it was Chelsea that won his signature. It remains to be seen if he can carve out a legacy under Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
Miralem Pjanic (Juventus to Barcelona) – £59m
Miralem Pjanic, one of Juventus’ longest-serving senior players, joined FC Barcelona. The deal also saw Brazilian midfielder Arthur going the other way. It’s a difficult period in Barca’s recent history. Pjanic possess plenty of experience and the Camp Nou directors will hope this can make a positive difference.
Nathan Ake (Bournemouth to Manchester City) – £40m
Nathan Ake finally joined one of the Premier League’s top sides. It’s a move that has been a rumor for a while and took place as soon as the transfer window as open. Pep Guardiola will want to improve Man. City’s often frustrating defensive line. Have City found their own Van Dijk?
Ruben Dias (Benfica to Manchester City) – £62m
Ruben Dias arrived at the EPL vice-champions for much the same logic as Nathan Ake. Manchester City look lost when having to defend, and have the money to change that. Dias is one of many Portuguese players making their move to the England top-tier in recent years.
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig to Chelsea) – £47.5m
Timo Werner was a teenage-goalscoring-machine back in the Bundesliga. For that reason he was also one of the most sought after players in the world. Chelsea won his signature and immediately made him a starting player.
Werner’s talent is certain. It now remains to be seen how he will handle the pressure and England defenders’ tendency for roughhousing.
Leroy Sane (Manchester City to Bayern Munich) – £44.7m
Leroy Sane’s transfer saga is an interesting one. The German winger’s arrival to Man. City in 2016 offered him the chance to show he is one of the best players in his position. Injuries and Pep Guardiola’s unwillingness to start him more often took their toll.
Sane rejected an offer to sign a new contract with the Citizens. This started the football transfer gossip mill. Instead, he joins the champions of Europe, Bayern Munchen. He is most likely to shine here if he remains free of significant injuries.
Donny van de Beek (Ajax to Manchester United) – £34.7m
Donny van de Beek finally made the move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. It was a while coming. At 23 years of age, van de Beek has already played in the final stages of important competitions. He is seen as one of the most skilled midfielders in the world. And, rightly so. He joins United in a difficult transition. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils know how to properly make use of Donny van de Beek’s considerable talent.
