Manchester United landing Nemanja Matic was the signing of the summer while Arsenal were inept...Sportsmail reporters dissect the winners and losers of the transfer window

  • As the transfer window has now closed, it's time to reflect on all the business
  • Manchester United and West Brom excelled with eye-catching signings 
  • Newcastle will be bitterly disappointed and Rafa Benitez could walk away  
  • Sportsmail's reporters offer their verdict on another chaotic summer window  

The hectic transfer window has finally slammed shut and it's time to forensically examine another summer of astronomical dealings. 

£1.4 billion was spent on transfer fees in the Premier League alone, so which clubs were able to purchase the best bang for their buck, and who is already pining longingly for January?

Sportsmail's reporters offer their verdicts on everything from the best signing, to the under-the-radar star they tip to impress.  

Jose Mourinho brought in the key signings of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic 

Jose Mourinho brought in the key signings of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic 

 

ROB DRAPER 


What is the best signing of the summer?

Nemanja Matic. Not because he's the best player but because clubs are so short of intelligent players in that position. In one move, Jose Mourinho secured an important part of the Man United jigsaw and hurt a key rival, which just happened to be his former club.

Of the newcomers to Premier League, I would suggest one of the players set to replace Matic at Chelsea: Tiemoue Bakayoko, the best value signing from Monaco this summer.

Nemanja Matic has already offered tremendous balance to United in midfield 

Nemanja Matic has already offered tremendous balance to United in midfield 

Which club has done the best business?

Tempted to say Everton, as they did most business early and delivered on what they set out to do, which is rare among Premier League clubs. But they have spent a lot. 

Swansea's loan signings of Tammy Abraham and Renato Sanches are eye catching. Who could have imagined Tottenham would be in this list three weeks ago? 

But Daniel Levy pulled off a good window and (more or less) balanced books, a trick which accounts for the club's rise. 

But gold medal to West Brom, who started awfully by losing Darren Fletcher, but recovered rather well with Kieran Gibbs, Gareth Barry, Ahmed Hegazi, Oliver Burke, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Jay Rodriguez as well as keeping Jonny Evans.

Which club has had a nightmare?

Newcastle's window has clearly been a debacle but for sheer ineptitude it's hard to look beyond Arsenal. It started out well with Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette and might have finished well had they signed Thomas Lemar. 

But to start offloading unhappy players at the last minute after a calamitous defeat, having insisted all summer they wouldn't, suggests no real plan. Equally, had they bid £91m for Lemar a month ago, he would be an Arsenal player now

Alexandre Lacazette's addition was a rare highlight for Arsenal who don't seem to have a plan

Alexandre Lacazette's addition was a rare highlight for Arsenal who don't seem to have a plan

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

He hasn't scored for Everton yet, but scouts say Sandro Ramirez at £5m could prove the bargain of the window - though it does depend on how he adapts. 

I would say Grzegorz Krychowiak on loan at WBA is an excellent signing. He was world class for Sevilla and it's surprising clubs looking for central midfielders, notably Chelsea, never even thought about it.

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

It's harsh on Nathan Ake, as he's a decent player who deserves a chance. But £19m suggests Chelsea's model of 'stack 'em up/loan 'em out' works (sadly). 

The Kyle Walker fee also sticks out. Had he been French and playing like he does for PSG, or Spanish and doing the same at Atletico, around £25m would sound about right. 

 

KIERAN GILL 

What is the best signing of the summer?

Instead of opting for a multi-million pound signing, it is the loan of Renato Sanches to Swansea that intrigues me most. 

Paul Clement will look like a genius if Sanches can show us why Manchester United and the rest of Europe's elite clubs were so keen on him before his move to Bayern Munich. Swansea, by the way, are £30.5m in profit from this window.

Which club has done the best business? 

Manchester City. You get what you pay for. Despite them missing out on their £60m signing of Alexis Sanchez, City have seriously strengthened their squad. Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Ederson, Danilo, Kyle Walker, and more. If Pep Guardiola doesn't deliver the title...

Bernardo Silva was one of the major new signing brought in by Pep Guardiola 

Bernardo Silva was one of the major new signing brought in by Pep Guardiola 

Which club has had a nightmare?

Newcastle United. You only have to look at the meltdown on social media from their supporters to understand why. Who knows what Rafa Benitez is thinking. And what Mike Ashley is thinking for that matter too.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain? 

Nathaniel Chalobah to Watford for £5m. He finally broke free of Chelsea and is gaining more recognition for it, so much so that Gareth Southgate has called him up for England. Still ever-so-slightly under the radar.

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'? 

There's only one winner - Neymar costing Paris Saint-German £198m. In the Premier League alone? Kyle Walker, 27, costing City £50m. 

Neymar's transfer from Barcelona to PSG shattered the previous record in a £198m deal

Neymar's transfer from Barcelona to PSG shattered the previous record in a £198m deal

 

IAN HERBET 

What is the best signing of the summer?

Manchester United's Nemanja Matic from Chelsea. £40m – barely more than Chelsea paid for Danny Drinkwater – is a steal to fill a position which needed resolving, and with such a proven talent. No wonder Antonio Conte is unhappy.

Which club has done the best business?

Everton. Real boldness. Early dealing. Club seems transformed. Didn't shirk from madness of the market with the huge Gylfi Sigurdsson outlay. They turned the £75m Romelu Lukaku into an opportunity, even though they seem a striker short.

Gylfi Sigurdsson joined Everton from Swansea after a long and protracted transfer saga

Gylfi Sigurdsson joined Everton from Swansea after a long and protracted transfer saga

Which club has had a nightmare?

Hard to get past Arsenal – who knew Sanchez wanted out yet painted themselves into a corner where they refuse Manchester City's £60m offer for a player who will be free to negotiate the terms of a free transfer four months from now. Criminal.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

Andy Robertson, Hull City to Liverpool - £8m. The Scottish left back's consistent ability to attack with menace and cross with pinpoint accuracy may see him become more than mere back-up for James Milner and Alberto Moreno. Bournemouth's £10m for Asmir Begovic a steal too

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

Kyle Walker, Tottenham to Man City - £54m. Sorry, I know City needed full backs but that is the ultimate over-inflation of this summer. Walker is just not that good

Kyle Walker cost Manchester City the eye-watering sum of £54million from Tottenham

Kyle Walker cost Manchester City the eye-watering sum of £54million from Tottenham

 

ADAM CRAFTON 

What is the best signing of the summer?

Nemanja Matic to Manchester United. It may not be enough to win Jose Mourinho the title but the stability and balance he brings will see United come very close for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Which club has done the best business?

Three weeks ago, I'd have said West Ham's business looks very smart. Then they started playing football.

Manchester United and Liverpool will be very pleased with their summer's work. Both are on short of their ideal (United a winger, Liverpool a centre-half) but the two clubs end the summer with a very positive frame of mind.

Liverpool can be relatively pleased with their business after signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool can be relatively pleased with their business after signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Which club has had a nightmare?

Newcastle. They have a world class coach in place in Rafa Benitez who will keep them up regardless (if he stays) but what a missed opportunity to use the atmosphere of renewed hope to really push on this season.

Brighton really needed more attacking recruitments and will probably now go down as a result of their failure to sign. And where to start with Chelsea's numerous tales of being gazumped? And don't get me started on Arsenal....

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

Darren Fletcher will help Stoke re-emerge as a force after last season's underwhelming campaign. However, West Brom have replaced him with Grzegorz Krychowiak on loan from PSG. He was outstanding in Spain for Sevilla and represents a real coup for Tony Pulis.

Darren Fletcher is one of the best under-the-radar signings along with Grzegorz Krychowiak

Darren Fletcher is one of the best under-the-radar signings along with Grzegorz Krychowiak

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

Gylfi Sigurdsson's £45m transfer to Everton. He may have been worth that much to Swansea, for his ability to keep them in the division, but he will not have a transformative effect on Everton. 

With Wayne Rooney also in town, it is unclear how the balance will be found and whether Sigurdsson will even be in his favoured central position. 

Ronald Koeman needed to spend big on a striker this summer to replace Romelu Lukaku and secure a guarantee of goals.

 

MIKE KEEGAN 

What is the best signing of the summer? 

Nemanja Matic, although we will get a better sense of how good his new employers are when they play somebody decent. To take a key player from a rival at a relatively good price is stunning business from Jose and Ed.

Which club has done the best business? 

If we are saying value is irrelevant, then City, who appear to have addressed their needs if Vincent Kompany is fit. Also like what Everton have done.

Which club has had a nightmare? 

Newcastle. Einstein's definition of insanity clearly hasn't reached Sports Direct HQ yet.

Rafa Benitez will be fuming with the lack of transfer activity at Newcastle this summer

Rafa Benitez will be fuming with the lack of transfer activity at Newcastle this summer

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain? 

Sead Kolasinac. It is lost a little at the moment, given the #shaambles at Arsenal, but Kolasinac is a fine player who cost nothing.

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'? 

Take your pick. Gylfi Sigurdsson, who admitted himself the market is 'crazy' is one. Great player, but how much? Others followed, and last night's Danny Drinkwater deal, for a ludicrous £35m, was a fitting end. Madness, but that's economics for you. 

 

OLIVER TODD 

What is the best signing of the summer?

Renato Sanches to Swansea City, even on loan, is the biggest coup from a club looking above their station. 

A run of games might re-ignite the sort of talent seen powering Benfica's midfield and with Portugal at Euro 2016. 

Renato Sanches raised a few eyebrows when he joined Swansea on loan from Bayern Munich

Renato Sanches raised a few eyebrows when he joined Swansea on loan from Bayern Munich

Which club has done the best business?

Manchester United. All polished off early, got quality in every area they needed to address — bar a winger — and Jose Mourinho can have little reason to moan.

He probably will at some point, though. Also impressed by West Brom's incomings, provided some injury-prone buys stay fit.

Which club has had a nightmare?

Newcastle United. Stripped the depth off a Championship quality squad, but then significantly failed to add quality. 

Rafa Benitez faces an uphill challenge and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him on his way at some point after two consecutive disappointing windows.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

Harry Maguire might have cost £17m but as an English centre back with genuine ability that price tag might rise in as soon as 12 months' time. 

Leicester City have bought a player with potential to improve who has already impressed through late last season and the beginning of the new campaign. 

Harry Maguire has adapted to life at Leicester very quickly and was called up by England 

Harry Maguire has adapted to life at Leicester very quickly and was called up by England 

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

Nothing has really surprised in the Premier League, given the influence of television money and the huge cash outlays of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain elsewhere. It would be great to see an English side try to match their ludicrous spending power.

 

JACK GAUGHAN 

Best signing of the summer?

Bernardo Silva (Monaco to Manchester City - £43m). 

Bags of talent and the long-term successor to David Silva, the Portuguese is mesmeric on the ball and looks such good value for money given the cash thrown around elsewhere (and inside the same club!).

Which club has done the best business?

Manchester United.

The jury may still be out on Victor Lindelof but Jose Mourinho identified two key areas - up front and central midfield - he wanted strengthening and Ed Woodward just went out and sorted deals for Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, weakening rivals in the process.

The jury may be out on Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof but United solved key problems

The jury may be out on Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof but United solved key problems

Which club has had a nightmare?

A very difficult one. Arsenal and Chelsea earn deserving mentions but Newcastle appear to have endured the worst. 

Rafa Benitez is not a happy man today after signing nobody in the last fortnight, despite performances suggesting they need reinforcements.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

Andy Robertson (Hull to Liverpool - £10m)

Looks a shrewd piece of business by Jurgen Klopp in an area Liverpool really wanted an extra body. Alberto Moreno has come back with renewed vigour but Robertson should be the No 1 left back soon enough.

Andy Robertson has been given time to bed in by Jurgen Klopp and looks like a classy operator

Andy Robertson has been given time to bed in by Jurgen Klopp and looks like a classy operator

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

Andre Gray (Burnley to Watford - £18m)

Scored nine Premier League goals last season - five of which came in two games - and not someone Sean Dyche was too bothered about keeping. Gray had also entered the final year of his contract. 

 

LAURIE WHITWELL 

What is the best signing of the summer?

Leicester moving early for Harry Maguire means his transfer cost of up to £17million looks even more appealing after the escalation of recent weeks. 

Maguire has already shown his composure at the back and ability on the ball and in time will be worth many millions more. A potential future captain for Leicester and England.

Which club has done the best business?

Manchester United were calm, calculated, and composed come deadline day. Jose Mourinho strolled around London without a care; the definition of a good transfer window. 

All three signings will raise the quality of the first XI. Honourable mentions go to Burnley, West Brom, and Leicester. Each made interesting signings and only sold high (or not at all).

Romelu Lukaku could score plenty of goals for Manchester United this season and started well 

Romelu Lukaku could score plenty of goals for Manchester United this season and started well 

Which club has had a nightmare?

It has to be Arsenal. Keeping a player who is free to discuss terms with new clubs in January, rather than banking £60million now, is just madness. 

The replacement should have been sorted weeks ago. The erratic thinking over Shkodran Mustafi and Thomas Lemar add to the mix.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

Oliver Burke cost a pretty penny at £15m but for a 20-year-old of such potential that may prove a snip. He is strong, quick, and can finish and though he had difficulties at RB Leipzig the German club ideally wanted to loan rather than sell him. Under Tony Pulis, he could excel.

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

West Ham paying Stoke £24m for Marko Arnautovic. He has talent, for sure, but only showed it in patches for Stoke and as we have already seen can be a liability. At 28, he will not be sold for more in his career. Stoke paid £2m in 2013. 

 

JOE BERNSTEIN 

What is the best signing of the summer?

Dominic Solanke of Liverpool. For £4million, they've got a player who could lead the line at a top-six club for the next decade. That's just ridiculous in this day and age.

Which club has done the best business?

West Brom have really done well to sign Jay Rodriguez, Oliver Burke, Kieran Gibbs, Gareth Barry, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Ahmed Hegazi - and keeping Jonny Evans

Oliver Burke comes from RB Leipzig full of promise and could really impress

Oliver Burke comes from RB Leipzig full of promise and could really impress

Which club has had a nightmare?

Arsenal made £18million profit when they needed new players. Crystal Palace have put nearly all their eggs in the Mamadou Sakho basket which may be inspired, or a disaster.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain?

Newcastle United centre-forward Joselu is a real Rafa Benitez-type target man and at £5million, seems undervalued compared to others

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'?

Admittedly, I'm not a huge Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fan and for Liverpool to pay £35million when he had a year left on his contract seems bonkers. That's more than Aguero cost, or Sadio Mane last year. £45m for Gylfi Sigurdsson also required a sharp intake of breath

Oxlade-Chamberlain may have cost Liverpool too much as they paid £35m on deadline day

Oxlade-Chamberlain may have cost Liverpool too much as they paid £35m on deadline day

 

SAMI MOKBEL 

What is the best signing of the summer? 

Nemanja Matic - Exactly the sort of player Manchester United were crying out for. He gives the rest the license to unleash merry hell.

Which club has done the best business? 

West Brom. Tony Pulis has worked wonders on a shoestring budget - and keeping Jonny Evans was a bonus.

Which club has had a nightmare? 

Newcastle. Rafa Benitez won't be happy after a mediocre summer. Expect him to walk before too long.

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain? 

Grzegorz Krychowiak. Great piece of business to bring the midfielder in on loan from PSG. Classy on the ball and has the physical strength to deal with the Premier League.

Krychowiak joining West Brom on loan is a huge coup for Tony Pulis and the club

Krychowiak joining West Brom on loan is a huge coup for Tony Pulis and the club

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'? 

Kyle Walker. Not because he isn't an excellent player, but £50million for a full-back? Come on! 

 

DOMINIC KING 

What is the best signing of the summer? 

Wayne Rooney. I am putting this deal forward for non-footballing reasons. 

There have been a lot of deals during this window - and a lot of antics from clubs and players - that have left a sour taste. Rooney's return to Everton from Manchester United had the feel of a bygone era, a transfer that brought smiles to many faces and was done for the right reasons. Turns out he's not a bad player, either.

Which club has done the best business? 

Manchester United. Three signings were wanted at the beginning of the summer - striker, midfielder, central defender. Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Viktor Linderlof arrived long before the deadline and allowed Jose Mourinho to step away from the frenzy. He now has a squad that looks primed to win the title.

Which club has had a nightmare? 

Arsenal. What was their plan? Do they actually have a plan? Is it more a case of them making things up as they go along? They are screaming out for strength and leadership in the middle but bought a left-back and a forward. This campaign has the potential to go horribly wrong.

Arsene Wenger is again under enormous pressure as Arsenal seem rudderless 

Arsene Wenger is again under enormous pressure as Arsenal seem rudderless 

Which under-the-radar signing do you think will prove a bargain? 

Kasey Palmer will spend the season on loan at Huddersfield from Chelsea and looks to have the tools to make a big impact. 

He was fast, direct and aggressive when coming on as substitute against Southampton and he is held in high-regard by The FA. He has the potential to thrive under David Wagner as Izzy Brown did last season.

Which transfer made you think 'Football really has gone mad'? 

Blaise Matuidi moving from Paris St Germain to Juventus for £18million. The reason? It applied perspective to what has gone on here. 

Matuidi is outstanding, with 58 France caps and 11 major hours and has joined one of the top three teams in Europe for a respectable price. What does £18m get you in England? Kevin Wimmer (Stoke to Tottenham).