Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea sign Saul Niguez as Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann rejoins Atletico Madrid
Follow all the reaction after a thrilling transfer deadline day that saw a number of deals go to the wire
It was a tremendous transfer deadline day with several transfers completed with minutes to spare as the Premier League dominated the market once again in terms of total spend.
There were big deals elsewhere though, including Eduardo Camavinga signing for Real Madrid from Stade Rennais, but the one that didn’t happen dominated the headlines: Kylian Mbappe stays at Paris Saint-Germain, that’s despite the France international having just one year remaining on his contract and Real Madrid making a bid of £172m (€200m).
For PSG, it was all about the Champions League and they even splashed out late on Nuno Mendes to ram home the point and prove their strength to resist Los Blancos in the ongoing power struggle.
Cristiano Ronaldo is now officially a Manchester United player and was unveiled in a red shirt - though we now await what number he will wear at Old Trafford in his second spell at the club. The return of the Portuguese allowed Daniel James to move on and finally join Leeds United for £25m two years after coming as close as possible to signing for a team when he left Swansea.
Chelsea had a fine window, signing Romelu Lukaku and adding Saul Niguez late on via a loan, with an option to buy, though they did miss out on one big deal, centre-back Jules Kounde stays at Sevilla despite interest from the Blues.
Arsenal were the other busy club as the deadline expired, retaining the disgruntled Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who had spoken out on his desire to leave, while allowing Hector Bellerin to join Real Betis on loan and bringing in Japan right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna for around £17m.
There is still the potential to add free agents, which will be the route for Serge Aurier after his Tottenham contract was mutually ended, with Spurs signing Emerson Royal from Barcelona - here’s all the latest news and reaction to the summer transfer window.
Barcelona’s surprise Griezmann sale hammers home mis-management at Camp Nou
Antoine Griezmann’s late return to Atlético Madrid late last night took plenty by surprise, with Barcelona’s desperation to cut their losses on the France forward leading them to accept a loan with obligation-to-buy deal from the club which beat them to the La Liga title last season.
Joan Laporta’s cost-cutting measures since returning as President of the Catalans earlier this year have, of course, included allowing Lionel Messi to depart on a free transfer, but the Griezmann deal arguably emphasises the horrendous financial mis-management at Nou Camp in recent even more.
Griezmann is Barcelona’s third most expensive purchase in history, at somewhere around €120m. The only two men more expensive than him? Ousmane Dembélé and Philippe Coutinho, two players whose time with the club has been equally as unsuccessful.
That Barca have accepted a cut-price deal for one of their ‘star’ men from a major rival shows just what a mess one the sport’s most important institutions now finds itself in.
Daniel James relieved to get Leeds move over the line
New Leeds signing Daniel James admitted to feeling “deja vu” as he completed his move to the Elland Road club from Manchester United.
Winger James was close to signing for Leeds in 2019 from Swansea but the transfer fell through in the final moments of the window.
“I’m happy to be here now, and I can’t wait to play in front of these fans,” James told Sky Sports. “I think there has always been interest in me from Leeds since I nearly signed from Swansea.
“It kind of happened in the last day or two. It happened very quick, but I’ve got my head around it and this is where I want to be moving forward.
“It feels brilliant to be here. Last time I had signed everything, but obviously it fell through at the last minute. Everything I’ve done today feels like deja vu, it feels like yesterday. In football terms, everything moves so quick.
“I’m delighted that everything is over the line now, and obviously I’ve got an international now, and then I’m looking forward to getting back and playing that first game back against Liverpool.”
Harry Kane’s “conscience is clear" after plotting move from Tottenham to Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane says he feels his “conscience his clear” after the transfer deadline passed with the forward remaining at in North London.
A protracted dalliance with Manchester City ultimately failed to result in a move to the Etihad Stadium for the England skipper, who has started Spurs’ last two matches.
“I think anyone involved in the football industry knows the ins and outs,” he told talkSPORT. “I was quite calm with the situation, but when you’re in it, and you know the truth, then your conscience is clear.
“There’s always going to be noise. My whole career, I’ve had ups and downs from when I’m young to where I am. That’s just part of the parcel of it.
“A lot of people that know me will say I’m a professional athlete who’s dedicated my life to this game, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.
Harry Kane claims his ‘conscience is clear’ despite failure to join Manchester City
Kane feels relationship with Tottenham has not been damaged
Saul Niguez opens up on Chelsea move
New Chelsea signing Saul Niguez has opened up on why he has has made the move to the Premier League following his departure from Atletico Madrid.
The Spain international joined the European champions late on deadline day and then gave an interview to Twitch streamer Ibai Llanos.
The 26-year-old indicated that he had grown frustrated at being moved around the pitch at Atletico and that he has joined Chelsea to play in central midfield.
“Chelsea’s option was to leave [my] comfort zone,” Saul said. “It won’t be easy to get into that team.”
“At Chelsea I will train in my position. Then we will see if I play. That is the biggest cause of my decision.”
Arsenal complete right back switch as Tomiyasu replaces Bellerin
It took until 15 minutes before the deadline but Arsenal managed to confirm the signing of Japan international right back Takehiro Tomiyasu on a permanent deal from Bologna.
The move followed the exit of Hector Bellerin, who departed the Emirates after 10 years at the club to sign for Spanish side Real Betis on a season-long loan.
Tomiyasu, 22, was signed for a reported fee of £17 million - which takes Arsenal’s summer spending to around £140m, the most of any club in the Premier League.
“Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
“He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad.”
Everton complete Salomon Rondon free transfer
Another late deal which just got over the line on deadline day was Everton’s move for free agent striker Salomon Rondon.
The 31-year-old’s contract with Chinese side Dalian Professional expired earlier this summer and he rejoins Rafa Benitez after the pair had worked together at Newcastle.
Rondon scored 11 goals and provided seven assists for Newcastle in his last season in the Premier League in 2018/19. He also represented West Brom during his first spell in England.
“I’m really glad to be back in the Premier League. It’s a competition I enjoyed playing in and where I felt the fans’ support in every game,” the Venezuela international said.
“Defending the colours of a club with a history as rich as Everton’s fills me with pride. I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and be reunited with Rafa Benítez, a coach who has changed the way I understand the game. I’m really grateful for the faith he’s shown in me.”
Tottenham end transfer window with Emerson signing
Barcelona also sold right back Emerson Royal to Tottenham, with the Brazil international arriving on a £25.8million deal.
Emerson had spent the past three seasons out on loan at Real Betis but impressed at the Copa America this summer.
His signing led to the mutual termination of Serge Aurier’s Spurs contract after the Premier Legaue side couldn’t find a new club for the player.
Emerson is likely to compete with Japhet Tanganga for the starting spot in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, and is a more natural attacking option than the 22-year-old.
“I’m here to show my joy, to be in the best league in the world and at one of the best clubs in the world,” Emerson said.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity that Tottenham is giving. I’m looking forward to arriving soon to get a taste of this wonderful club. Come on you Spurs, see you soon.”
Barcelona’s crazy transfer deadline day
The shock transfer of deadline day was undoubtedly Antoine Griezmann’s return to Atletico Madrid after just two seasons at Barcelona, a move which sums up the current state of the Catalan side.
Barcelona signed Griezmann for around £100m in 2019 but have now seem him return to their La Liga rivals on a €10m loan deal, which could turn into a €40 permanent transfer next summer.
It left Barcelona scrambling for a replacement. They wanted Atletico’s Joao Felix to move in the opposite direction but Diego Simeone refused, which led to the 3am signing of Luuk de Jong from Sevilla - a puzzling move from the five-time European champions.
Premier League transfer deadline day winners and losers
Winner - Chelsea
Chelsea came away from deadline day with extra cover in midfield, which should have been the priority of two potential incomings as the window closed.
N’Golo Kante must be protected, and the arrival of Saul Niguez on loan, despite failing to hit his best form over the last year, looks an astute signing to join Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho to complete Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The option to buy at a reported €35m (£30m) also appeals and the Blues will hope this move is as successful as Kovacic’s initial loan from Real Madrid before a permanent deal.
Jules Kounde might have been the cherry on top of the cake, but Trevoh Chalobah has excelled and should be trusted when called upon.
The squad is there now to apply heat to Man City in the title race and back up their Champions League win in the Premier League.
Premier League transfer deadline day winners and losers
There was plenty of late business as usual as clubs moved to strengthen their squads for the new season
That’s it for tonight, as Chelsea leave it late to bolster their midfield with Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid.
Crystal Palace also left it late, but crucially added Odsonne Edouard for around £14m, which could be vital in their hopes of survival and an alternative for Christian Benteke for Patrick Vieira.
Arsenal were busy late on too, farming out Hector Bellerin on loan to Real Betis, with Takehiro Tomiyasu arriving for £17m.
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