Whether you are a fan of the transfer window or not, there is no denying that summer deadline day is one of the most compelling shows in town.
The Premier League is the top attraction too with television money ensuring many of the top flight clubs can splash the cash at a level not previously witnessed.
Yet before seeing how the movers and shakers have influenced the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds, there is one story which comes along every so often which gives you a glow.
This time it has focused on a player who has been mooted as one of the game’s bright young talents for a fair few years now.
Only in bursts has he been seen up to date but no-one, not even the most ardent fan, could have predicted he would leave the bright lights of Catalonia for the south-coast and the seaside of Brighton.
Step forward Ansu Fati.
You may remember him as Barcelona’s second youngest debutant when he came on against Real Betis aged 16 in August 2019. Four days later, he became the club’s youngest ever scorer by finding the net against Osasuna.
The Spain international has suffered injury issues but still made 51 appearances last season, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more as Barca won the La Liga title.
Deemed surplus to requirements at Barca this season, where would he go?
Well, as Scott McCarthy from a popular fan site associated with his new home, eloquently put: ‘September 1, 2023, will go down as one of the most surreal days in the history of the Albion. Little old Brighton signing the best players from Barca’s academy on the same day the Europa League draw gives us matches against former European champions Ajax and Marseille, along with a trip to AEK Athens.’
And it is so true.
Brighton had spent 35 years out of the top flight until 2018 and now they are so attractive that they can attract a player of his talent.
It also shows how attractive the football served by manager Roberto De Zerbi is proving.
The manager himself says he has an ‘overwhelming duty’ to help the player and he has been entrusted to do just that.
De Zerbi, who recently lost Julio Enciso to a long-term knee issue, says he simply “can’t make mistakes” as he bids to develop the exciting forward during his stay at the Amex Stadium.
At a time when the giant clubs flex their muscles seemingly on a whim, what a heartening signing this is for Brighton and the game generally.
The club’s burgeoning ability to improve youngsters has clearly made players – and clubs – sit up and take notice. If they can get Fati firing again, what a fine team they’ll be to watch.
Of course, when the big clubs start moving, that’s what triggers everything else and that was very evident on deadline day.
Who were the winners apart from Brighton?
Well, having already made a promising start to the new campaign, there is also another club which is going places under a smart and experienced figure that appear to have recruited well.
Aston Villa have further strengthened by sealing the loan signing of French international Clément Lenglet.
The centre-back joins Villa from Barcelona and returns to the Premier League having spent last term on loan at Spurs.
Lenglet started his career with Nancy in his native France before going on to enjoy a spell at Sevilla and will be a useful addition after centre back Tyrone Mings sustained a leg injury on the opening weekend.
He is one of a number of arrivals at Villa Park this summer, including Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby.
There are some promising moves elsewhere too.
Nottingham Forest, who have sold winger Brennan Johnson to Spurs, seem to have bought well too in Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, midfielder Nicolas Dominguez from Bologna, goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos from Benfica and Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares.
Less so Everton, who appear weaker, and Luton who, presumably, have not had the funds to go shopping anywhere other than the bargain basement. It may prove telling come next May.
Of course, all of the established big hitters are starting from a position of strength and are expected to deliver the main Premier League highlights over the next nine months.
But I ask a final question, what do you make of Chelsea’s recruitment?
On Friday they signed their 13th player of the summer by completing the initial £40m signing of Cole Palmer from champions Manchester City.
The winger has signed a seven-year deal with the option of an extra year in a boost to manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has been pushing his employers to buy an attacking player since losing Christopher Nkunku to a long-term knee injury last month.
This is a player who made an encouraging start to the season, scoring against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup, and also played a pivotal role in England’s Under-21s winning the European Championships this summer.
However, with Belgian Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes now recruited, Palmer needs regular football and his sale will strengthen City’s Financial Fair Play position. Money received for academy products counts as pure profit in FFP terms.
So, there you have it.
While the big clubs will continue to have a distinct advantage, but there are smart, astute moves to be had.
Who are your winners and losers?
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