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The last couple of weeks events have put the usual transfer window shenanigans very much in perspective. Players movements understandably seem quite insignificant now in light of the awful situation that unfolded surrounding Emiliano Sala's move to Cardiff. Even before tragedy struck the football world though, it was a more muted window than usual.
Chelsea were the only big movers, upgrading Alvaro Morata for Gonzalo Higuain, securing Christian Pulisic for the summer and bidding farewell to Cesc Fabregas. Elsewhere, clubs were more frugal than usual, trusting their current squad in a refreshing change for world football. Indeed, spending dropped in the Premier League for the first time since 2012.
However, several high profile players did change clubs during the window, despite the lack of traditional fanfare. Here are five signings made this window that you might have missed.
Victor Moses: Chelsea to Fenerbahce, Loan
Victor Moses has had an unusual career. An exciting prospect at Crystal Palace and Wigan, he then seemed to have been swallowed up by the Chelsea loan machine. However, after spells at Stoke, Liverpool and West Ham, he was suddenly made an integral part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning side, using his athleticism and work rate to great effect as a wing back.
Since Mauricio Sarri replaced his countryman though, Moses once again returned to a bit-part player, and surely has no role in Chelsea’s future. Not a conventional defender, Moses would be an extremely loose fit in a back four, and lacks the attacking quality to usurp the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian or Pedro.
His move to Turkey is probably the best decision for all concerned, and he seems to have hit the ground running with a goal under his belt already.
Medhi Benatia: Juventus to Al-Duhail, $9 million
Over the past few seasons, Juventus have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches at centre back. Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli are three of the finest defenders of a generation, and have been perhaps the most important aspect of their incredible seven (probably eight) league titles in a row.
Benatia was signed three years ago, seemingly as cover, but with a reputation as one of the better defenders in Europe, forged at Roma and Bayern Munich. Benatia had the quality to deputise for Juve, making an impact in all competitions and picking up several trophies.
He left to Qatar in search of playing time though, having only made 5 league appearances this season. With Chiellini and Barzagli both in their mid thirties, it seems strange that Juventus would let such a premiere defender go so cheap, especially one several years younger than the pair.
They have bought in Martin Caceres, who has been unable to hold down a starting berth at Southampton, Hellas Verona and Lazio, since he left Juve to make way for Benatia. Their loss is the Qatari league's gain though, who will be relishing such an elite player moving in the prime of his career. Reports suggested he turned down several offers from clubs in Europe.
Sebastian Giovinco: Toronto FC to Al Hilal, $7 million
A lengthy enquiry is taking place among the fans and staff of Toronto FC to assign blame for failing to agree on terms with Sebastian Giovinco, who has left the Canadian club for Abu Dhabi.
Those with even a vague interest in the MLS will know that Giovinco has been one of the stars of the competition in recent years, setting the record for the most goals and assists in a single season and starring in Toronto FC's first appearance in the playoffs, as well as an MLS Cup victory.
Far from treating America as a retirement home, Giovinco has played arguably the best football of his career there, forcing his way back into the most recent Italian squads after several years absent. Time will tell whether the Toronto hierarchy were correct to deny him the contract he wanted, but undoubtedly Toronto have just lost the greatest player in their history.
Moussa Dembele, Tottenham to Guangzhou R&F, $14 million
Tottenham's injury concerns this season have been highly publicised. Midfield is where they have been felt most keenly, with Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama both spending long blocks of the season so far on the treatment table. Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko have been Pochettino's go to men in midfield, with 18-year-old Oliver Skipp in reserve in his debut season.
It is strange then, that not much fanfare has been made of the decision to allow Moussa Dembele to move to China, a player who his peers nearly unanimously regarded as the finest at the club.
Dembele has been a staple of Pochettino's Spurs teams prior to this season, but was clearly unsettled in the summer. It seems likely that the notoriously business savvy Daniel Levy wanted to cash in on a player the wrong side of 30, who seemed unwilling to sign any kind of new deal.
In the short term though, Dembele's absence will undoubtedly be felt, and he is sure to have a huge impact in the Chinese Super League, where he joins Eran Zahavi, Guangzhou's prolific striker.
John Obi Mikel: Tianjin TEDA to Middlesbrough: Free
With 374 appearances in 10 seasons at Chelsea, John Obi Mikel played more for the Blues than Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole, and Claude Makelele. He is a familiar face for any longtime fan of English football. Now, the Nigerian, whose initial move to England was so controversial, returns once more.
Primarily remembered for his contributions at the base of midfield, where he succeeded Michael Essien, Mikel has also demonstrated his creative powers in international appearances for Middlesbrough, in a more advanced role. Still only 31 years old, Mikel will add quality, versatility and experience to a Middlesbrough side right in the mix for a promotion spot. It is not inconceivable that he will be playing at Stamford Bridge once again next season, albeit in unfamiliar colours.
