The 10 most expensive deals of the summer transfer window
Wednesday 2 September 2015 11:42, UK
With the transfer window now closed, we round up the 10 most expensive deals of the summer.
Big-spending Manchester City occupy the top two places with their deals for Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling at £54.5m and £49m respectively.
Manchester United's £36m signing of Anthony Martial ranks as the fourth most expensive deal of the summer, and you can see the full list below.
Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg to Manchester City, £54.5m)
De Bruyne's move to the Etihad Stadium made him the second most expensive player in Premier League history. City parted with a club record £54.5m to prise him from Wolfsburg, where his goals and assists brought him to the attention of top clubs. The Belgian international has been described as "phenomenal" by fellow Belgian Vincent Kompany, and the Premier League leaders will be hoping he can take them to an even higher level.
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Raheem Sterling (Liverpool to Manchester City, £49m)
After a protracted transfer saga, City eventually sealed a deal that could rise to £49m to sign Sterling from Liverpool in July. His acrimonious departure from Anfield has turned him into a pantomime villain for fans up and down the country, but he has settled quickly at the Etihad Stadium. The 20-year-old has impressed in City's perfect start to the season and claimed his first goal in their 2-0 win over Watford.
Angel Di Maria (Manchester United to PSG, £44.3m)
After struggling to settle at Old Trafford following his British record move from Real Madrid in 2014, United decided to cut their losses on Di Maria. They managed managed to recoup a considerable chunk of the £59.7m they paid for the Argentine, and it seemed like a good deal for everyone involved. Di Maria made an encouraging start at United, but he lost his place in the team in the final weeks of the campaign as his form tailed off.
Anthony Martial (Monaco to Manchester United, £36m)
Man Utd's late swoop for Monaco striker Martial came as a surprise to just about everybody. The 19-year-old has only played one full season in his fledgling career, but his move to Old Trafford has made him the world's most expensive teenager. Martial is a pacey, tall frontman regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents, and he has also drawn comparisons with a young Thierry Henry. With United struggling in front of goal, Louis van Gaal will be hoping Martial can start fulfilling his potential sooner rather than later.
Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia to Manchester City, £33m)
The Argentina defender has arrived to strengthen Manchester City's central defence having shone in La Liga with Valencia last season. Otamendi faces a battle to win his place in the side, with Eliaquim Mangala and Vincent Kompany showing signs of considerable improvement so far this season, but his hefty transfer fee suggests he will get his chance sooner rather than later.
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa to Liverpool, £32.5m)
Liverpool's strike-force has undergone a major overhaul after their struggles in front of goal last season. Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have departed, with £32.5m man Benteke arriving to spearhead their attack. The big Belgian scored 42 goals in 88 Premier League appearances during his three seasons with Aston Villa, and he opened his Liverpool account in their 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim to Liverpool, £29m)
In a bid to add more creativity to their ranks following the departure of Sterling, Liverpool secured a £29m deal for Brazil international Firmino from Hoffenheim. The 23-year-old impressed in the Bundesliga, where he scored 23 goals and claimed 21 assists in his last 66 appearances. Firmino was handed his full debut in Liverpool's goalless draw with Arsenal.
Memphis Depay (PSV to Manchester United, £27.9m)
Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo may be a little hasty, but Manchester United's new No 7 provided a glimpse of his star quality with two stunning goals against Club Brugge at Old Trafford. The Dutch international was Eredivisie top scorer for champions PSV last season, and Louis van Gaal – his former international boss – was quick to wrap up a £27.9m deal for his signature this summer.
Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton to Manchester United, £25m)
Central midfield has been something of a problem position for Manchester United in recent seasons, and Schneiderlin is one of the men tasked with filling the void this season. The French international was consistently impressive for Southampton following their promotion to the Premier League in 2012. The likes of Arsenal and Tottenham were also thought to be interested, but United won the race for his signature to clinch a £25m deal.
Pedro (Barcelona to Chelsea, £21.4m)
Jose Mourinho snatched Pedro from under Manchester United's noses and the Spaniard shone on his debut against West Brom, scoring once and setting up another in a 3-2 win. The former Barcelona man couldn't prevent their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, but his pace, movement and finishing ability gives the Blues an added threat in the final third. He already looks like a smart signing.