Deadline day in this summer’s transfer window was rather quiet for Premier League teams, as the majority of clubs did not do much business, with Manchester United being the most active. The Red Devils brought in five players, three of whom are youngsters, while the likes of Everton, Southampton and Leeds United also went shopping to add depth to their squad.
Premier League sides can still buy from EFL clubs, i.e. Championship and below, until October 16, but Premier League sides cannot buy or sell among each other.
Let’s take a look at the 3 bargain buys on deadline day in the Premier League:
Alex Telles
Manchester United did a lot of business on deadline day, and one of the most notable – and perhaps most important – was the signing of left-back Alex Telles. The Brazilian full-back joined the Red Devils from Porto, ending his four-year stint with the club. He was bought for a fee of around £15 million by United, which is a bargain considering the experience and talent he possesses.
The highly-rated 27-year-old is an attacking full-back and could be a better option than Manchester United’s current first-choice full-back, Luke Shaw. Telles scored 13 goals last season, while also racking up numerous assists for Porto. He could offer United the attacking threat that has been missing in the full-backs for the last few years.
Ben Godfrey
Everton have had a dream start to the Premier League season, winning all four of their games so far. The Toffees have invested wisely this season, bringing in a string of talented midfielders, who have made Everton an exciting side to watch.
But the Merseyside club needed reinforcements at the back due to manager Carlo Ancelotti having just three first-team centre-backs. Everton brought in central defender Ben Godfrey from Norwich City, who was one of the positives from the Canaries’ disastrous 2019-20 Premier League season. The 22-year-old centre-back was signed for £20 million, which seems like a bargain considering his age and potential. Godfrey is a leader at the back and has shown tenacity in defence, while also showcasing his passing ability.
Edinson Cavani
Manchester United fans have been up in arms about their club’s spending this season, as they missed out on Sancho, while they have also not addressed the obvious lack of quality in central defence. The fans expected a high-profile player to come to the club, and the United board will argue that they delivered that with the signing of Edinson Cavani.
The 33-year-old forward has been signed on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. The Uruguayan has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in Europe over the last few years, and he will bring experience, work-rate, and goals to Manchester United. While he is no Jadon Sancho, he is a much better alternative to Odion Ighalo, who will leave the club in January.
Signing him on a free transfer means that this is a good deal for Manchester United, and the veteran forward could perhaps give Solskjaer a more clinical option up front.
