Deadline Day delivered its usual dose of chaos. Late faxes, hijacked deals and moves falling through at the final hurdle. But who came out on top as the window slammed shut?
Juventus
For once, Juventus look like a club with a plan. For once, Juventus look like a club with a plan. Edon Zhegrova arrives to add pace and width on the right, while Lois Openda comes in up front after talks for Randal Kolo Muani collapsed. Add in the free transfer of Jonathan David earlier in the summer and Juve suddenly look sharp in attack. Two wins from two without conceding shows they might finally be back on track.
Liverpool
It took all summer, but Liverpool finally landed their man. Alexander Isak joins from Newcastle in a record-breaking £130m deal, giving Arne Slot the focal point his system craves. Harvey Elliott’s move to Aston Villa cushions the financial blow, and while Marc Guehi slipped away for now, Liverpool are expected to circle back when his contract runs down. This window feels like a statement from the club.
Marseille
Marseille had a busy deadline day. Benjamin Pavard is the headline name, prised away from Inter. He’s joined by Emerson Palmieri, Arthur Vermeeren, Nayef Aguerd and Matt O’Riley on loan from Brighton. Roberto De Zerbi suddenly has depth, versatility and European experience to lean on. It’s a rebuild on the fly, but one that looks smart.
Fulham
Fulham finally woke up. After drifting through most of the summer, the Cottagers splashed €45m on Shakhtar winger Kevin, while Samu Chukwueze arrives on loan from Milan with an option to buy. Highly rated teenager Jonah Kusi Asare is also coming in from Bayern on loan. It’s bold and risky, but it transforms a squad that looked flat a week ago.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart played the market brilliantly. Flipping Nick Woltemade for £71m after picking him up for nothing is outrageous business on its own, but they didn’t stop there. Badredine Bouanani has joined from Nice, while Bilal El Khannouss, tracked by Tottenham and Palace, arrives from Leicester. El Khannouss in particular could be a shrewd signing if he hits his ceiling.
Plenty of clubs have spent big this window, but these five look like the real winners from the final day scramble. Now comes the hard part – proving it on the pitch.
