So, yesterday concluded another English summer transfer window. We've had shocks, betrayals, record signings, and more rumours than you can shake a stick at. But which clubs came out on top and which ones are left to pick up the pieces?
The Winners
West Ham
The hammers were the busiest on deadline day securing four players and sending one out on loan. Croatian Nikica Jelavic links up with manager and fellow countryman Slaven Bilic. Irons fans will be hoping the partnership flourishes and reaps rewards on the pitch. Michail Antonio also joins from another Championship club in Nottingham Forest. Antonio claims he has attended games at Upton Park in the past which will only enhance his reputation among the Hammers faithful. The Irons also secured season-long loans for former loanee Alex Song and Chelsea's Victor Moses (is it too early to be calling them the fantastic four?). There was also late interest in Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor but that move fell through to due contractual disagreements between the player and the north London club.
The only outgoing of the day was winger Matt Jarvis who has struggled to justify his £10m price tag when joking from wolves in 2012. He makes the move from East London to Norwich on a season-long loan.
So the Irons have strengthened in key areas and coming back off a record victory away at Anfield over the weekend and with time to recuperate during the international break, Bilic's mean could become a real force this season.
Manchester United
The long running saga regarding goal keeper David De Gea has come to an end, for near future at least. The "will he, won't he?" questions never died down and he has seemingly been temporarily replaced by Argentina international Sergio Romero.
With De Gea's ability without question, it wouldn't be too hard for the Spaniard to regain his place as number one, however his mental state could make his situation all the more difficult.
The most interesting part of the drama is with Real Madrid themselves. The club gave its fans the opportunity to say whether they even wanted De Gea or not. Somewhat unsurprisingly, given his Atletico Madrid background, a resounding "no" was the overall feedback on one particular pole.
As it seemed a deal had been agreed between the two clubs only very recently, a technicality concerning paperwork registration stopped the deal being finalised (conspiracy theorists have been having a field day with that one!).
So for now The Red Devils get to keep their want away world class keeper. Who wouldn't want two highly capable men between the sticks, right?
On the buying front United finalised the £36m transfer of nineteen year-old Monaco forward Anthony Martial, who some are even touting as potentially the new Thierry Henry. Quite whether the Arsenal legend experiences "squeaky bum time" at any point during the season may be worth the watch.
AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe bagged a rather decent acquisition in Crystal Palace's Glenn Murray, possibly even a bargain at £4m. Murray promises to provide a certain steel upfront that a side like Bournemouth will need if they are to survive the drop this season.
The Cherries already have Callum Wilson scoring and growing in confidence and with Murray in the form he's in, a devastating partnership is possibly on the cards.
The Losers
Tottenham
Chairman Daniel Levy failed in another attempt to land West Brom forward Saido Berahino. The English striker has even handed in a transfer request in order to force through a move which has since come in vain.
So Spurs have no Berahino, an underfiring Harry Kane and still have Adebayor on their books earning tons of Levy's money and bench-warming like nobody's business. Oh, and they've loaned our young right-back DeAndre Yedlin to Sunderland, not that he was used much anyway, but if Kyle Walker hits a bad patch (has he had a good patch yet?) then their short on options for cover.
De Gea, Berahino and Adebayor
Could it be that we are starting to see the end of player power and clubs start to rule with an iron fist again?
First De Gea wants out, doesn't get his wish as United summon the powers that be and seemingly dodge a registration bullet.
Then Berahino follows suit, same happens to him. Chairman Jeremy Peace (ironic name for the situation) stamps his authority stating Levy pays what the baggies feel he is worth, which you'd feel Berahino might respect, which is met by childish protest by the youngster in which he claims he will never play for peace again (ironic once more).
Lastly, Adebayor tries to tear up his contract while getting the pay-off for it. Levy says no chance (possibly through tightly gritted teeth), and the former Arsenal man stays put.
Sky Sports Reporters (with nothing to report on)
You have to feel a certain sympathy for the men and women who stand outside the training grounds of clubs in all weathers while at the mercy of the all too embarrassing public ready to report all the deals that could happen, but never do.
Source: DSG
