Transfer Window Verdict: Winners, Losers, and a Billionaire’s Playground.
The summer transfer window has slammed shut, leaving football enthusiasts buzzing with excitement and curiosity about how these new signings will shape the season ahead. However, it’s essential to remember that the success of a team’s transfer window doesn’t always translate to success on the pitch. In this article, we’ll explore the winners and losers of the 2023 summer transfer window and take a closer look at some big movers. My rankings are based solely on how effectively these teams conducted their transfer business, not on their potential performance in the upcoming season.
WINNERS
Brighton & Hove Albion: 9.5/10 Cash Flow Connoisseurs
Brighton indeed stands out as one of the winners of this summer’s transfer window. Their shrewd business in selling Caicedo to Chelsea for a whopping £115 million was a masterstroke, especially for a player with limited Premier League experience. This windfall allowed them to reinvest wisely, bolstering their squad with quality talent. The addition of Bart Verbruggen as a replacement for Robert Sanchez demonstrates their commitment to improving areas of concern as Sanchez was one of the worst goalkeepers in the Premier League last season. Brighton’s ability to turn a substantial profit and strengthen their squad deserves high praise, making them a standout in this transfer window.
Bayern Munich: 8/10 Kane’s Chance for Title Glory?
Bayern Munich’s capture of Harry Kane was undoubtedly one of the headline-grabbing moves of the summer transfer window. Kane’s arrival brings immense goal-scoring prowess to the Bavarian giants, and his presence alone elevates Bayern’s trophy ambitions. However, their German Super Cup loss to RB Leipzig served as a reality check, a reminder that even with a world-class striker, success isn’t guaranteed.
Nonetheless, with Kane’s adjustment period and the acquisition of top defenders like Kim Min Jae and Raphael Guerrero, Bayern’s squad has been fortified for the challenges ahead. The potential for Kane to finally secure a major trophy in his career adds an exciting narrative to the season. Once the “Spurs jet lag” fades away, expect Bayern and Kane to hit their stride and contend for silverware, making their transfer window a solid 8/10.
AS Roma: 7.5/10 Miracles on a Budget
AS Roma’s financial prowess in this transfer window is the kind of manoeuvring that would make Julius Caesar himself raise an eyebrow and say, “Veni, Vidi, Vendidi” (I came, I saw, I sold).
In the face of daunting financial difficulties that would leave Julius Caesar scratching his head, wondering where it all went wrong in Rome, the Giallorossi pulled off a miracle. They turned the transfer market into their own profit arena, making savvy sales of youth prospects, the ex-wunderkind Justin Kluivert, and even an elder statesman like Nemanja Matic.
But the pièce de résistance was their daring move to sell one of their best defenders, Roger Ibanez, to Al-Ahli for a princely sum. They didn’t just balance the books; they rewrote them.
What truly deserves a standing ovation, however, is their knack for securing top talent on a budget. Free transfers like Aouar and Evan Ndicka, coupled with bargain acquisitions like Lukaku, Renato Sanches, Azmoun, and Paredes, have turned Roma into the masterful architects of the transfer market. When it comes to financial conundrums, AS Roma has rewritten the playbook, making Julius Caesar wonder if he should’ve tried his hand at football management instead.
Milan Clubs: 9/10 The Milanese Revolution
The Milanese Revolution deserves commendation, a transformation that even Da Vinci would be proud of. Both AC Milan and Inter Milan have witnessed a resurgence in recent years, the end of last season threw them a Champions League curveball. However, they bounced back in style, both reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
AC Milan’s summer began with the loss of their golden boy, Sandro Tonali, who made his way to Newcastle. Fans were left wondering about the future, especially with the departure of Paolo Maldini. But they turned Tonali’s transfer into an opportunity, wisely reinvesting the funds. Players like Yunus Munsah, Tijjani Reijnders, Samuel Chukwueze, and Pulisic arrived for reasonable fees, bolstering the squad in key positions.
As for Inter, keeping hold of Lautaro Martinez was a significant victory. They skilfully replaced outgoing players like Milan Skriniar with Benjamin Pavard, a perfect fit for the wide centre-back position. Thuram and Juan Cuadrado joined the ranks for free, adding depth and quality. The club also made lucrative sales, notably Andre Onana and Ruben Golsens.
Both Milan clubs have not only navigated the summer challenges but have emerged stronger and better prepared for the season ahead. Their transfer dealings deserve a resounding 9/10, proving that the Milanese Revolution is in full swing and ready to conquer new heights.
Barcelona: 8.5/10 No one’s laughing at Barcelona anymore
Barcelona’s summer transfer window has been nothing short of extraordinary, a financial tightrope walk that would make even the most seasoned acrobats shudder. Despite facing crippling financial challenges, the club handled their business with unparalleled swag.
The departure of players like Dembélé, Griezmann, and Kessié, raising over £80 million, showcased their ability to navigate the transfer market with finesse. What’s even more impressive is that they spent a mere £4 million on player acquisitions. Barcelona’s squad received a substantial upgrade with the arrivals of Joao Cancelo, Felix, Ilkay Gundogan, and Inigo Martinez — all top-tier players.
The fact that they accomplished all of this while grappling with financial constraints is a testament to their resourcefulness. The true cost of these transfers will indeed become apparent in the form of wages, but for now, Barcelona stands as the undeniable winner of the Spanish League transfer window. A solid 8.5/10 rating reflects their remarkable summer dealings, proving that in football, swag can sometimes be the most valuable currency.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen: 8.5/10 It is the Alonso party
Bayer 04 Leverkusen played the transfer market smartly, cashing in on Diaby’s hefty transfer to Aston Villa. Their acquisition of Nigerian international Victor Okon Boniface and the experienced Granit Xhaka demonstrated their intent to strengthen the squad. While they faced a significant loss, they made wise moves to ensure they remained competitive in the Bundesliga. Coupled with that, they still managed to keep hold of priced assets like Jeremie Frimpong, Tapsoba and Florian Wirtz
RB Leipzig: 10/10 Effortless Efficiency
RB Leipzig’s performance in the transfer window is nothing short of spectacular. Despite losing key players like Christopher Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Josko Gvardiol, they made the transition look effortless. Their business-as-usual approach saw them welcome promising talents like Benjamin Sesko, Louis Openda, Xavi Simons, Lukeba, and more. It’s a testament to their organizational prowess and scouting network that they can lose significant talent and still emerge as Bundesliga transfer window winners with a perfect 10/10 rating. Impressive indeed!
LOSERS
Manchester United: 5/10 Left much to be desired
Manchester United’s summer transfer window can best be described as underwhelming and disappointing. While the club made several additions to their squad, the context surrounding these transfers and the money spent left much to be desired.
The window began with promise, but it quickly became evident that United struggled to offload players at reasonable prices. The club seemed unable to navigate the transfer market effectively, resulting in low-value sales and players like Maguire seemingly holding them hostage. Moving on players like Anthony Martial, Van de Beek, and McTominay proved challenging, further contributing to the underwhelming nature of their summer business.
While the individual players brought in may be considered good additions, the lack of a clear strategy and value-for-money assessment leaves a sour taste. This rating reflects the disappointment surrounding Manchester United’s transfer window, a 5/10 that underscores the need for improvement in their transfer operations.
Chelsea: 5.5/10 The Billionaire’s Playground
Chelsea’s summer transfer window had moments of brilliance, but it also left room for questions and raised eyebrows. The Blues started the window strongly by making substantial sales, capitalizing on the willingness of some clubs to pay hefty fees for players like Havertz and Mount. Clearing out the deadwood and sending players to the Saudi league showcased their savvy in the transfer market.
The early acquisitions of players like Malo Gusto, Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson seemed to strengthen an already promising squad. With returning loan players like Ian Maatsen and Levi Colwill, Chelsea appeared to be building a squad that would be a nightmare for opponents.
However, as August rolled in, it seemed like Chelsea started to spend money for the sake of it. The exorbitant fee paid for Caicedo, in particular, raised eyebrows, especially for a defensive midfielder. Additionally, missing out on a player like Victor Osimhen who could have cost a few million more than Caicedo, added to the scrutiny. The signings of Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and numerous minors from Brazil felt like excessive spending.
Despite the enormous investment of over a billion dollars in the past year, Chelsea’s squad still appears to have massive gaps. The financial backing from their owner offers a bright future, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to immediate success. This rating of 5.5/10 reflects the mixed nature of Chelsea’s summer transfer window, with room for improvement in squad balance and spending restraint.
Liverpool: 5.5/10 Midfield Muddle
Liverpool’s summer transfer window leaves room for concern. After a disappointing campaign that saw them finish outside the top four for the first time in over half a decade, the problems from last season were evident, particularly in the defensive transition due to the exposed midfield.
The primary task for Liverpool this summer was to acquire a defensive midfielder, a position that had been lacking steel. However, they opted not to pursue players like Manu Kone or Florentino Luis who were available in the market. Instead, they bolstered their midfield with more attack-minded players like Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and MacAlister, all of whom are talented individuals but may not provide the defensive mettle needed to dominate the midfield.
Liverpool’s mettle could be tested when Salah departs for AFCON, and early signs of heavy reliance on goalkeeper Alisson, who is saving an impressive 4.5 shots per game, raise concerns about the team’s defensive stability. This rating of 5.5/10 reflects the missed opportunity to address their midfield issues and the potential challenges they may face in the season ahead.
