Premier League: Five biggest signings of the summer

With the dust still settling on a record breaking transfer window, clubs must now look ahead to this weekend’s busy schedule of action, with the Merseyside derby kicking things off on Saturday afternoon. 

On Thursday, 14 of the 20 Premier League sides signed at least one player on a deadline day filled with drama, shocks and big money moves.

Fans will get to see a number of new signings in action for the first time this weekend, while others will have to wait for their respective debuts.

It has been reported by Deloitte via The Guardian that, as a whole, Premier League clubs broke the record for the most spent collectively in one window this summer, with fees totalling £1.9 billion.

Here, we take a look at the Premier League’s five most expensive new arrivals.

1. Antony: Ajax to Manchester United – £85.6 million

Antony could make his Manchester United debut on Sunday

Brazilian winger Antony became the most expensive deadline day signing in football history when he finalised his deal to join United on Thursday, although in reality the move had been in the pipeline for a number of days, if not weeks. The ex-Ajax man reunites with Erik ten Hag, who he played under for the Eredivisie side up until the end of last season when the Dutchman departed for Old Trafford. The winger, who has signed a five-year deal with United, scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 matches for Ajax. The 22-year-old is not expected to start United’s game against Arsenal on Sunday, but could make his debut at some point.

2. Wesley Fofana: Leicester City to Chelsea – £99.5 million

Another deal that was far from a well kept secret was Fofana’s move to Chelsea. Speculation prior to the confirmation had suggested that the move may break the record for the highest fee paid for a defender, but in reality it is likely to fall around £5 million short of the £80 million that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire. Fofana is in line to make his debut against West Ham United on Saturday, and will provide welcome reinforcements to Thomas Tuchel’s backline.

3. Darwin Nunez: Benfica to Liverpool – £64.3 million

Nunez was sent off on his home debut against Crystal Palace

Nunez has certainly made an impression during his first few weeks in England. The forward netted on his debut in Liverpool’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, before adding his first Premier League goal against Fulham, also registering an assist in that match. His home debut was one to forget, though, as he was sent off for headbutting Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen. The Uruguayan has since missed The Reds’ last three matches through suspension, but is set to return for the Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon. If the performance-related add-ons are met, the fee for the 23-year-old could reach £85 million, which would make him the club’s most expensive signing of all time.

4. Casemiro: Real Madrid to Manchester United – £60 million

Casemiro has reunited with former Real Madrid teammates Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro arrives in Manchester having won the Champions League five times in the last eight years. The 30-year-old also made more than 330 appearances for former side Real Madrid, and will undoubtedly add experience to Ten Hag’s squad. Having been substituted on in each of United’s last two games, it looks increasingly likely that Casemiro will make his full debut for the club against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

5. Alexander Isak: Real Sociedad to Newcastle United – £59 million

Isak scored on his debut at Anfield

Swedish striker Isak made an instant impact on English football, netting at Anfield on his Magpies debut. The forward had a second goal ruled out fo the narrowest of offsides, but looks to have plenty of the attributes that tend to ensure success in the Premier League. Callum Wilson has been in good form over the past six months, but his injury record has hindered him and his latest problem forced Eddie Howe to act and move for Isak.