The summer transfer window in the Premier League was a record-breaking one. The 20 top-flight sides spent a massive total in excess of £3 billion. The precise figure varies according to different outlets. This is because many fees are undisclosed, and sources may use slightly varying exchange rates. Additionally, they often feature add-ons and complex payment structures.
At least 14, and possibly 15, sides spent over £100m. Liverpool were the biggest spenders by some distance, splashing a cool £446m. With this vast league-wide outlay, we saw some world-class footballers move to Premier League sides. However, the biggest transfer of all was, of course, between two Premier League clubs.
Below you can see our selected Premier League transfer XI. This is the best team, comprising the best signings for each position, from the summer window. And, spoiler alert, £130m man Alexander Isak makes the team!
So much money was spent on attacking talent that we will simply have to load our XI with attackers. As such, we have opted for an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. The front four will be very fluid, and in truth, the bench for this Transfer XI is also looking rather strong in terms of attacking potency.
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma
Man City bought the two most expensive goalkeepers of the window. They re-signed James Trafford for around £30m and paid a similar sum for PSG’s Italian number one, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Donnarumma got the nod in the Manchester derby, so we can assume he is to be their number one. Perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world, he will improve City’s defensive record.
Left-back – Rayan Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri got the nod over Milos Kerkez, but it was a close call. His Premier League experience will benefit this team, and although he does not turn 25 until June, he has already made well over 130 appearances in the competition. City paid Wolves a fee that may rise to £37m for the Algerian, and that looks good value.
Centre Back – Cristhian Mosquera
Mosquera, who is 21 years old, made his Arsenal debut at right-back but has already impressed in the middle, standing in for William Saliba. The powerful Spaniard is yet to play for the senior international side but has represented his country at every age group from U15 upwards. His pace and anticipation mean the Gunners now have excellent cover for either Saliba or Gabriel. The £13m initial fee the club paid may be the bargain of the Premier League transfer window.
Centre Back – Piero Hincapié
We add another Gunner to the backline in the shape of Ecuador international Hincapié. The club signed him on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite being just 23 years old, he has played for Ecuador almost 50 times. Arsenal have an option to buy him for around £45m, and we expect they will take it up. He can also play at left-back, so he forms a nice partnership here with his right-sided clubmate.
Right-back – Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong’s incredible attacking stats make him an obvious choice to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. Arne Slot sanctioned a £30m move for the versatile Dutchman, and Bayer Leverkusen will really miss him. In his last three league seasons in Germany, he netted 22 goals from 98 games, and the Reds will be hoping for more of the same.
Midfield – Martin Zubimendi
Our two midfielders are going to have their work cut out defensively, but they won’t be short of options when they look forward. Arsenal paid Real Sociedad £60m for the Spanish international, and that already looks like a bargain. Two goals in four Premier League games already – one a stunning world-class volley – suggests he is far more than a defensive midfielder. Mikel Arteta’s toughest task may be deciding where to play the classy, versatile man from San Sebastian.
Midfield – Tijjani Reijnders
Reijnders has settled quickly at Man City, and the £46.5m Dutch ace is also very versatile. He brings a touch of everything to City’s midfield, and his mobility will be much-needed in this Transfer Dream Team. His ability to press quickly is something City have lacked at times, but he also has the all-round game required at the very highest level.
Left-Sided Attacker – Alexander Isak
Isak could play centrally and no doubt will at times. He is a player who defies easy categorisation, but he will bring goals aplenty to this side and Liverpool. As one might expect for a base fee of £125m. His dribbling, heading, movement, passing, and strength are all exceptional. However, Liverpool signed him for his goals, and 62 from 109 games for Newcastle suggests he has what it takes.
Number 10 – Florian Wirtz
Wirtz can play in a range of positions, but we will start him as a number 10. He has shown some nice touches for Liverpool without setting the league alight just yet. However, it is surely only a matter of time. The Reds will pay Bayer Leverkusen up to £116m for the German star if all add-ons are achieved. His intelligence, vision, and chance creation could make that look like a bargain.
Right-sided Attacker – Estevão
A curveball here, as we are going with Chelsea’s young Brazilian starlet, Estevão. On early-season form alone, we could have gone with Noni Madueke, who has surprised many. However, the former Palmeiras man has already shown enough to suggest he could be a future Ballon d’Or winner. Just 18, he is the latest to be compared to Lionel Messi. This time, the comparisons could be justified.
Centre Forward – Viktor Gyökeres
There were doubts over the Swede’s ability as a Premier League striker. However, he quickly silenced his critics by netting three times in his first four games. His record of a goal every 103 minutes is second only to Erling Haaland, and he will surely improve as he and his teammates develop an understanding on the pitch. If he can produce anything like the numbers he did in Portugal, Arsenal may just have a chance of challenging Liverpool.
Substitutes
We could select any number of subs given the number of exceptional stars that signed for Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window. However, we will restrict ourselves to the following seven:
- Djordje Petrovic – Goalkeeper, Bournemouth
- Milos Kerkez – Defender, Liverpool
- Bafode Diakite – Defender, Bournemouth
- Eberechi Eze – Midfielder, Arsenal
- João Palhinha – Midfielder, Spurs
- Jack Grealish – Attacker, Everton
- João Pedro – Attacker, Chelsea
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