'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As another transfer window slammed shut yesterday, it marked the end of a month-long sojourn of the rumour mills churning out story after story.
The month started with Bayern Munich’s open flirtations with Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi but it ended on The Blues' terms as they took matters in their own hands by preventing the Englishman from moving to Germany.
Speaking of Chelsea, they once again loaned out a plethora of players including high profile ones in the form of Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid) and Michy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace). Christian Pulisic was secured for the summer while Gonzalo Higuain arrived on loan.
A couple of clubs, Newcastle and Cardiff City broke their transfer records with the signings of Miguel Almiron and Emiliano Sala respectively, although, the unfortunate disappearance of the former Nantes man has meant that the Bluebirds won’t be seeing their record signing in action.
A majority of the top six decided against spending a penny in this inflated market, focussing more on the outgoings than on the incomings.
This year’s transfer window was more of a docile affair and as a result, we witnessed a few transfers that slipped through the minds of the supporters. On this note, we take a look at 5 transfers that went under the radar:
#5 Dominic Solanke to Bournemouth
A somewhat of a surprise transfer, as a loan move would have been more understandable. Yet, £19 million for a striker who managed a single goal in the entirety of last season would make anyone take the cash.
The 21-year old might be a gamble, but as history shows, Eddie Howe has a track record of finetuning youngsters. So, it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for both Solanke as well as the Cherries. After all, young players thrive on confidence.
Solanke might have looked out of his depth at Liverpool but the young English striker has a great track record at youth level. He won the Golden Ball in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, chipping in with four goals as England won the tournament.
With a free-flowing style of play, Bournemouth might just bring out the best out of Solanke. After a lot of ifs and buts, only time will tell if Solanke has the mental fortitude to make his way to the top.
#4 Peter Crouch to Burnley (Player Exchange Deal)
After analysing one of England’s future, we move on to someone who has excelled at the top level for almost 20 years. It is none other than our own ‘Crouchy’.
Crouch made a switch to Burnley from Championship side Stoke City on a contract until the end of the season. Sam Vokes moved in the opposite direction.
It is a huge compliment to the 38-year old’s fitness and attitude that a relegation-threatened side thinks of him as their potential matchwinner.
Crouch, who holds the record for the most number of headed goals in the Premiership, has enjoyed successful spells with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Stoke City. In fact, the 6 ft 7 in striker spent eight years at the bet365 stadium, with all appearances coming after the age of 30.
With a direct style of play under Sean Dyche, it will suit Peter Crouch and his experience is sure to come in handy for the youngsters.
#3 Lazar Markovic to Fulham (Free)
The forgotten man at Liverpool, Lazar Markovic finally ended his nightmare stay on Merseyside with a move to Fulham on deadline day.
The Serbian international played his last Premier league game more than two years ago for a relegated Hull City team. Markovic is still young and at 24-years of age, he should be approaching his prime. Instead, the Serbian was last seen playing for the Liverpool Under-23 team.
After a string of failed loan spells at Fenerbahçe, Sporting, Hull and Anderlecht, Markovic gets a fresh start at Craven Cottage to rediscover his mojo and find his old self that tempted Liverpool to pay £20 million in 2014.
Joining up with his international teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic, Markovic has to hit the ground running if Fulham are to stand any chance of surviving the drop.
If only Markovic’s shot sneaked under the bar on that day against Sunderland, things might have panned out differently. After all, football is a game of fine margins.
#2 Victor Moses to Fenerbahçe (Loan)
An important cog in Chelsea’s title-winning side only a couple of years ago, life has come a full circle for Victor Moses.
The 28-year-old Nigerian started out as an impressive young winger at Wigan, where his performances made the big boys take notice. In the end, Chelsea won his signature in the summer of 2012.
After some mediocre showings, Moses was loaned to the likes of Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham but none of the moves proved to be beneficial.
It was only after the arrival of Antonio Conte and an early 3-0 hammering by Arsenal in the Premier League that Moses got his chance. After the debacle at the Emirates, Conte switched to a back five, thus, the Nigerian got a new lease of life playing at right wingback.
Moses played an important role as Chelsea cantered to the title after an early blip. After a good couple of seasons, Maurizio Sarri’s arrival this summer has again pushed the Nigerian down the pecking order.
Moses’ sub-standard attacking output combined with an inadequate defensive skill means that he can neither play as the first-choice winger nor as a right back in Sarri’s four-man defensive system.
Owing to a lack of game time, the 28-year-old decided to make a temporary switch to Turkey, joining Fenerbahçe in the process.
#1 Cedric Soares to Inter (Loan)
A solid and a dependable right back, Cedric Soares was always destined to play for the big boys. Despite Southampton’s recent struggles, Cedric’s level never dropped.
The 2016 Euro winner finally got the recognition he deserves, as he joined Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy for £9.5 million in the summer.
The 27-year old joined the Saints from Sporting CP in 2015. Since then, Cedric has gone on to cement his position as one of the best right backs in the Premier League, combining good positional skills with a great delivery into the box.
Inter Milan have a great defensive record in Serie A this season, having conceded just 15 goals all season (second only to Juventus) and the Portuguese’s arrival will bolster the backline further.
All in all, a no brainer of a deal for the Italian giants, who might just have found a steal in this inflated market.
