4 most expensive Premier League transfers of the summer 

Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender with a move to Manchester United
Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender with a move to Manchester United

The transfer window for Premier League clubs has now officially ended, and its time for the season to return. The increasing popularity of the Premier League across the world and revenue from television rights means that even the smallest clubs in the league now possess the financial muscle power to splash huge amounts of cash and attract the best players from across the world.

Due to the inflation in the transfer market, the majority of the clubs had to break their club transfer records during this year's transfer window in order to land their preferred targets.

Some high-profile transfers have been completed during the last three months, and we pick the 4 of the most expensive ones from the lot.


#4 Tanguy Ndombele (Midfielder)

From: Olympique Lyon

To: Tottenham Hotspurs

Reported Transfer fee: £55 million

Tanguy Ndombele became Tottenham's club-record signing
Tanguy Ndombele became Tottenham's club-record signing

Tottenham became the first Premier League club last season to make no new additions to their squad, mainly due to the construction of their new stadium which hugely depleted their war chest. But despite that, they managed to finish inside the top 4 and reached the Uefa Champions League final last season. Tottenham's hierarchy agreed to splash huge amounts of money during this year's transfer window to build on last year's successful campaign, and have made Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele their club-record signing.

The midfielder enjoyed an incredible campaign with Lyon last season and earned himself a lot of admirers with his performances. A huge number of clubs across Europe were fighting for the Frenchman's signature. However, Ndombele decided to move to North London for a reported fee of £55 million which could rise up to £63 million. Ndombele is a brilliant addition for Spurs, bringing incredible energy and tenacity to their midfield. And if the 22-year-old manages to adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, he can help Spurs mount a title challenge next season.

#3 Rodrigo (Midfielder)

From: Atletico Madrid

To: Manchester City

Reported Transfer fee: £62.8 million

Rodrigo became Manchester City's club-record signing after the club agreed to pay his £68.5 million release clause
Rodrigo became Manchester City's club-record signing after the club agreed to pay his £68.5 million release clause

Manchester City have transformed into one of the most feared footballing sides in Europe under Pep Guardiola. Despite winning the domestic treble last season, the club have been relentless in its pursuit for greatness and have once again entered the transfer market to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The Citizens have been looking for a long-term replacement to the ageing Fernandinho and once again broke their club transfer record this summer to sign Rodrigo from Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of £62.8 million.

The 23-year-old midfielder draws comparisons to Sergio Busquets due to his incredible passing statistics and his ability to read the game. Defensive midfield is an incredibly key position, especially for a team like Manchester City who loves to attack. And Rodrigo seems to be the perfect player for the position due to his incredible energy and vision.

#2 Nicolas Pepe (Winger)

From: Lille

To: Arsenal

Reported fee: £72 million

Nicolas Pepe was one of the top performers in the in Ligue 1 last season.
Nicolas Pepe was one of the top performers in the in Ligue 1 last season.

After a disappointing end to last campaign, Arsenal were determined to strengthen their squad this summer. Although the Gunners were said to be under severe financial restriction, they still managed to have an incredible transfer window and hugely improve their team for the upcoming campaign. And one notable addition to the squad was the 24-year-old Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, for whom the Gunners splashed a club-record fee of £72 million.

Pepe was one of the top performers in the Ligue 1 last season, scoring an incredible 22 goals and providing another 11 assists for Lille. Elite clubs across Europe were fighting for the Ivorian's signature this summer, however, Arsenal were truly determined to sign the winger and made him the most expensive player in the history of the club. The addition of Nicolas Pepe is going to transform Arsenal into one of the most feared teams going forward.

#1 Harry Maguire (Centre-back)

From: Leicester City

To: Manchester United

Reported fee: £80 million

Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender
Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender

After a shambolic defensive record in the Premier League last season, Manchester United's priority this summer was to bolster their defence for the upcoming season. And the Red Devils splashed a reported £80 million to secure the signature of Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, making him the most expensive defender in the history of the game. The 26-year-old is considered to be amongst the best centre-backs in the league and was one of the standout performers for England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The 6'4" centre-back is the epitome of modern-day defenders - possessing amazing technique on the ball and offering great solidity at the back. Maguire is a great addition to the Manchester United squad and will definitely strengthen their backline, which leaked 54 goals in the Premier League last season. The Englishman signed a 6-year contract with the club, with an option to extend a further year.

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Edited by Jidonu Mauyon