July 28 – Young players are again high in demand this summer, as teams around Europe undergo a ‘rebuild’ phase.
This is particularly noticeable in the case of AC Milan, who received €65 million for midfielder Sandro Tonali, but have since reinvested that money in young talent such as Okafor, as well as more experienced internationals that are out of favour, as such Chelsea duo Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (earlier in the window).
Arsenal are this week’s biggest spenders as they continue to hold the title of world’s largest spenders this summer, despite no significant financial offloads. As of the 25 July, they have spent €231.6 million on three players in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. They have recouped just shy of €20 million from the sales of the ex-captain Granit Xhaka and defender Pablo Mari.
Of the players in the table, only three are over 25 years old, with teams looking to gamble on future-proofing squads with young talent whilst Saudi-based clubs coax older players away from Europe with lucrative contracts.
Despite the headline-hugging Saudi spending this summer, the Saudi Premier League (SPL) barely dents the week’s most significant transfers. Only Seko Fofana joined the SPL’s impressive player roster, who was secured for €7 million less than his market value.
The table shows that pace is also something that managers are seeking up front, with speedsters Elanga, Starr, Zaha, Diaby, Openda, Okafor and Pulisic all finding new clubs.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734995782labto1734995782ofdlr1734995782owedi1734995782sni@o1734995782fni1734995782