Winners and losers of summer transfer window so far

Updated: 3 Aug 2021 13:20 BST
5 min read

Ben White, Arsenal, Premier League — © ProShots

The summer transfer window is now in full flow, with deals aplenty happening all across Europe.

Many signings are still yet to be confirmed, with big money moves for both Harry Kane and Jack Grealish expected to happen, while the likes of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United have already gone through.

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The long-term financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic have impacted potential deals, and several clubs have lost out as a result.

But who are the winners and losers of the transfer window so far?

Winner - Paris Saint-Germain

Having lost their stronghold in France after being beaten to the Ligue 1 title by Lille last season, Paris Saint-Germain have set things straight this summer.

While Lille have lost their manager, and not strengthened, PSG have done the exact opposite. Mauricio Pochettino is still at the helm, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi Danilo Pereira and Georginio Wijnaldum have all been acquired.

Hakimi and Danilo are the only ones to arrive for a transfer fee, with the other three joining on free transfers. Former Inter man Hakimi solves their right-back issue, Ramos adds leadership that has been missing since Thiago Silva's departure, Wijnaldum improves their lacklustre midfield, and in Donnarumma they've signed the most promising goalkeeper in world football.

Kylian Mbappe is also still at the club, and a first ever Champions League win is looking very possible.

Loser - Real Madrid

While PSG are happy that Mbappe is staying put, Real Madrid certainly aren't. He's their dream signing, but they can't raise the funds needed for him.

Furthermore, as mentioned, Ramos has left for free, and his former partner at the back Raphael Varane is joining Manchester United.

Their first choice centre-back pairing has left, and although David Alaba has been signed, it's not enough. The Austrian may have not cost a transfer fee, but Madrid paid the Austria international a huge €17.7 million as a sign-on fee, with his agent Pini Zahavi earning €5.2m as his commission as part of the deal, while Alaba’s family netted €6.3m since the player’s father also acts as one of his representatives.

It's been an awful summer so far for Los Blancos - they need reinforcements both in attack and defence.

Winner - Leicester

Leicester are now a fully-fledged top six side in England now, and this summer they've taken yet another stride forward.

Jamie Vardy is ageing, but in Patson Daka they have signed an unbelievable replacement. The former RB Salzburg man netted 34 goals in 33 starts in all competitions last year, and he will be linked with a huge move away sooner or later.

Furthermore, in Boubakary Soumare, they have added much-needed depth in midfield. He will provide cover for the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans, and after helping Lille to the title last season, he's a high profile addition. He also gives Brendan Rodgers the option to move to a diamond midfield at times, with Ndidi, Tielemans, Soumare and Maddison playing behind a front two of Daka and Vardy.

Expect Leicester to consolidate their status as a Europa League side, and push for Champions League football once more.

Loser - Newcastle

It's becoming a habit, but Newcastle's business has been woeful. In fact, they are the only club in the Premier League yet to add to their squad, and they are arguably the side most in need of reinforcements.

Steve Bruce has failed to impress in the dugout, and Joe Willock, last season's star, has returned to Arsenal, with a move for him increasingly unlikely.

With others around them improving, relegation back down to the Championship is looking on the cards.

Until the business of this proposed Saudi Arabia takeover is done with, they will have to recruitment plan.

Winner - Premier League

While most top leagues are still struggling from the coronavirus, the Premier League doesn't seem to be. Money is being spent left, right and centre, and quality players are being added to the league.

Both Sancho and Varane will add true star quality to the league, while Romelu Lukaku or Erling Haaland very well may join them.

With a plethora of talent in every position, particularly centre-back, and at managerial level, the Premier League is in great shape right now - and the gulf is only going to get bigger.

Loser - Arsenal

Finally, it's Arsenal. Now, they have signed three players, all of which fill a hole in their squad, but it's still been a disappointing summer.

The race to sign Emiliano Buendia was won by Aston Villa, both Ramos and Manuel Locatelli weren't interested in signing, and they paid over the odds for Ben White.

William Saliba has been loaned out again, despite impressing in France last year, and spending €58.6m (£50m) on White doesn't seem logical. He's a very talented defender, but with Saliba available, it begs the question as to why they didn't opt for him.

They needed reinforcements to climb back up the league, but with the likes of Leicester and Aston Villa strengthening, they may face a fight to even finish in the Europa League spots.