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.
Edouard undergoing Crystal Palace medical
Odsonne Edouard is currently undergoing his medical with Crystal Palace ahead of a move to the Premier League side.
The 23-year-old striker is expected to make the move to the West London outfit from Celtic later today.
Celtic are expected to replace him with Giorgos Giakoumakis from Dutch side VVV-Venlo.
Spanish midfielder Cucurella joins Brighton
Brighton have confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Marc Cucurella from Getafe.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the south coast side as they look to push on in the Premier League this season.
Manager Graham Potter said: “We have been keen to bring Marc to the club, and we are really pleased to finally welcome him here and are excited to begin working with him.
“He has had a fantastic education in the youth teams at Barcelona and he has gone onto make a real impression in La Liga and within the national set up. He is a versatile player, and he will add competition and options to the squad.”
Solskjaer and Ronaldo back together
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Cristiano Ronaldo have reunited at Old Trafford more than a decade after they played together.
The former Manchester United teammates will now work as manager and player in a bid to bring the glory years back to the club.
Ronaldo could feature in United’s next Premier League game at home to Newcastle on Saturday 11 September.
What happens if Michael Edwards leaves Liverpool as sporting director?
First, the fact: Michael Edwards is a supreme operator and one of the premier sporting directors in world football. If he does indeed depart Liverpool next summer when his contract expires, his exit will undeniably be felt.
His work in the transfer market has been heralded, but the influence stretches far deeper: he led the recruitment of Jurgen Klopp and the esteemed research team was crafted by Edwards’ design, crowned by the coup of landing Ian Graham.
But what happens if he leaves?
What happens if Michael Edwards leaves Liverpool as sporting director?
The man tasked with shaping football operations at the club is regarded as one of the best in the field and his departure would be a big loss
Cavani says Manchester United won’t let him leave
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has said the club will not let him leave before the end of the transfer window, according to journalist Gerard Romero.
He went on to add that it is ‘not an easy negotiation’ to force a move.
The Uruguayan will be pushed down the pecking order following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
English youngster Mason Greenwood is also in contention for a role as the centre forward having netted in all three of their opening Premier League games.
Bellerin set for Arsenal exit
Sky Sports understand that Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is set to leave the Emirates in a transfer saga that has been rumbling on all summer.
Bellerin is set to join La Liga side Real Betis as they look to finalise a deal for the right-back, whose Arsenal contract expires in 2023.
A lot of comings and goings in North London.
Ronaldo releases Instagram post
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken on Instagram about his move back to Manchester United.
He said: “Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United. The years I spent in this club where absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.
“I can’t even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide. It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man. United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands. This is absolutely 100% the stuff that dreams are made of!
“My first domestic League, my first Cup, my first call to the Portuguese National team, my first Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this special connection between me and the Red Devils. History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word!
“I’m right here! I’m back where I belong! Let’s make it happen once again! PS - Sir Alex, this one is for you…”
Hourihane’s message to Villa fans
Conor Hourihane has just posted a message to Aston Villa fans after joining Sheffield United on loan.
He said: My time as an @avfcofficial player has come to an end. An incredible 4 and a half years at the club.
“Arriving mid table in the championship and now the club going from strength to strength in the premier league is something I’m proud to have been apart of. I gave everything for the club while I was there.
“From our play off final defeat to our play off final win. Our carabao cup loss to our final day great escape. It’s been an amazing journey.
“Special times and special memories that will stay with me forever. I wish the club nothing but the best moving forward and il be watching on now as a fan! UTV.”
Maitland-Niles will not train with Arsenal first team
The Mirror have revealed that Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles will not be training with the first team.
This comes after he attempted to force a move to Everton in the closing days of the transfer window.
But the Gunners refused to sell and are now set to oust him from training with the first team squad altogether.
Ndombele to stay at Tottenham
Sky Sports are reporting that Tanguy Ndombele will stay at Tottenham despite handing in a transfer request.
The midfielder wanted a move away from Spurs and the club were preparing to listen to offers for him.
But they have not been able to find a suitor and as a result he will remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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