10 historical deadline day transfers in the English Premier League
The end of the transfer window calls for a frenetic activity at the business-end of the clubs as they look to make those last minute signings. Especially the summer transfer window is the one where managers try to acquire or drop players in order to improve team chemistry or turn it into a more formidable unit before their season campaign kicks off.
Whether they are seeking replacements for unexpected injured numbers or adding to bolster their lacking quality, history has enough evidence that last-minute signings have made significant contributions to their clubs achievements following their moves. Hence, we look at the 10 best historical Deadline Day summer transfers of the Premier League.
#10 Marouane Fellaini (Everton to Manchester United)
After Sir Alex’s retirement as Manchester United manager, David Moyes took charge of the club and one of the few bright spots of his managerial stint at Old Trafford was luring his protege Marouane Fellaini from Everton for a then-wild fee of £27.5m. Eventually, David Moyes was fired from his job but Fellaini still continues to be an important player for the Red Devils.
#9 Robinho (Real Madrid to Manchester City)
The deadline day in the summer of 2008 was a fight between the Manchester clubs as the neighbours were involved in some hard transfer activity. After prime target Dimitar Berbatov joined Manchester United, their noisy neighbours chose to successfully complete a last-minute signing of Robinho for a British record £32 million.
Robinho played an impressive debut season for The Citizens scoring 16 goals, however, failed to keep up to his level and was eventually loaned out to Santos, never returning to Manchester as he eventually made a permanent move to AC Milan.
#8 Ashley Cole (Arsenal to Chelsea)
This transfer was one of the biggest deadline day upsets as Ashley Cole moved from the North London club Arsenal to their fierce rivals in West London for a measly fee of £5 million. Although Cole upset a great deal of Arsenal fans, the wing-back vindicated his decision to move to Chelsea as he won a host of trophies including the Premier League title, League Cup, four FA Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League.
#7 Anthony Martial (Monaco to Manchester United)
Anthony Martial was a name barely known to the football fraternity but it only took a level of desperation from Manchester United and a huge fee that was actually a record for the most expensive teenager. Later, the £36 million transfer achieved popularity as he was arguably one of the best performing players for the Louis Van Gaal side, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances.
#6 Hugo Lloris (Lyon to Tottenham Hotspur)
An absolute steal at £8 million, Tottenham Hotspur had foreseen a star goalkeeper when they signed him from the French club in 2012. Known for his lightning quick reflexes and good decision-making, Hugo Lloris is also the captain of the Premier League club and the France national team with more than 70 appearances. Recently, he led France to the finals of the Euro 2016 at home.