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    Top 10 most expensive summer transfers with Man Utd leading the way and just two non-Premier League deals

    THE transfer window has closed once again and managers know exactly who they have at their disposal until it all starts over again in January. And it was a record-breaking summer with the Premier League splashing out a whopping £2BILLION on new signings.

    Chelsea were the biggest spenders this summer with new owner Todd Boehly writing cheques totalling £260m to give Thomas Tuchel nine new players.
    But who were the biggest signings of the summer 2022 transfer window?
    1. ANTONY – Ajax to Man Utd – £85.5m
    The transfer saga that rumbled on and on and had more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie classic, Antony finally signed for United on deadline day for a staggering £85.5m.
    Erik ten Hag was desperate to add the Brazilian winger to his attack and paid more than double what United had initially hoped to land him in the biggest transfer ever on deadline day, surpassing Gareth Bale’s record.
    Antony arrived at Old Trafford for £85.5m on deadline dayCredit: Getty
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    2. WESLEY FOFANA – Leicester to Chelsea – £70m
    Another deal that seemed to take an age to get over the line was Wesley Fofana’s switch to Chelsea.
    The Leicester defender went on strike, refused to train and then took a cheeky swipe at Brendan Rodgers after completing his “dream” move to Stamford Bridge.
    The £70m is the initial fee – as with the rest in this list – making him the third most-expensive defender ever after Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk but it could rise to £75m in achievable add-ons.
    Wesley Fofana hailed his £70m transfer to Chelsea as a “dream”Credit: Getty
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    3. AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI – Monaco to Real Madrid – £68m
    Aurelien Tchouameni’s move from Monaco to Real Madrid seems like it was done a lifetime ago, such was the frantic nature of the closing stages of the window.
    The European champions identified their target and got the France international in early to integrate him in the squad, where he is hitting the ground running alongside compatriot Eduardo Camavinga.
    Aurelien Tchouameni has already settled into life in the Real Madrid midfieldCredit: Getty
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    4. DARWIN NUNEZ – Benfica to Liverpool – £64m 
    Liverpool were one of several clubs to splash the cash on a new No9 this summer and landed Darwin Nunez from Benfica despite interest from Manchester United.
    He made an immediate impact with goals in the Community Shield and then at Fulham on the opening day before shockingly headbutting Joachim Andersen to earn a three-match suspension.
    Jurgen Klopp will be desperate that is a one-off incident and the Uruguayan converts his hot head into a hot streak.
    Darwin Nunez is hoping for more goals than red cards this season at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    5. CASEMIRO – Real Madrid to Man Utd – £60m 
    With a deal for Frenkie de Jong failing, Ten Hag knew he needed to bring in another midfielder and made a sudden swoop for the experienced Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
    The five-time Champions League winner could cost up to £70m and is being paid a staggering £350,000 per week for an initial four years – a huge investment for a 30-year-old who has never played in England.
    Tchouameni’s arrival meant Casemiro was not even a guaranteed starter under Carlo Ancelotti anyway – and the fee essentially covered the cost of the new signing.
    Casemiro adds plenty of trophy-winning experience at UnitedCredit: Getty
    6. ALEXANDER ISAK – Real Sociedad to Newcastle – £60m
    Eddie Howe was determined to add a striker to his Toon squad – and he certainly did that by landing Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.
    The Sweden international smashed the club record with his £60m move and wasted no time getting to grips with the Premier League by blasting in 38 minutes into his debut at Liverpool.
    Alexander Isak hit the ground running immediately with NewcastleCredit: Getty
    7. MATTHIJS DE LIGT – Juventus to Bayern Munich – £57m
    Matthijs de Ligt was dubbed one of the next generation of elite centre-backs but it did not quite work out for him at Juventus as hoped.
    Bayern Munich were not put off, though, and splashed out big money on the Dutch defender who will likely form a solid partnership with Dayot Upamecano for many years.
    Matthijs de Ligt completed his transfer from Juventus to BayernCredit: EPA
    8. MARC CUCURELLA – Brighton to Chelsea – £55m
    Despite having £50m Ben Chilwell who plays in the same position, Chelsea decided to spend an initial £55m on Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
    The Spanish left wing-back, who can also play in a back three, was also a target for Manchester City but they refused to pay what the Seagulls demanded.
    Among the other new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this summer were Raheem Sterling (£47.5m), Kalidou Koulibaly (£35m) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12m) on deadline day.
    Eyebrows were raised by the amount Chelsea spent on Marc CucurellaCredit: Getty
    9. ERLING HAALAND – Borussia Dortmund to Man City – £51m
    He may have cost £51m but Erling Haaland is already looking like an absolute bargain with nine goals – including two hat-tricks – in his first five Premier League games.
    City, who Haaland’s dad also played for, won the race for the Norwegian’s signature ahead of some of Europe’s biggest teams after triggering his low release clause at Dortmund.
    Erling Haaland wasted no time in continuing to fire in goal after goal at his new clubCredit: AFP
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    10. RICHARLISON – Everton to Tottenham – £50m 
    Completing the top ten – eight of which are Premier League signings – is the £50m move Richarlison made from Goodison Park to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    The deal could rise by a further £10m for the Brazil star who has more keepy-uppies than goals and assists combined so far under Antonio Conte after riling Nottingham Forest players and supporters with his cheeky showboating.
    Richarlison swapped Everton for Tottenham for an initial £50mCredit: Getty More

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    How Martin Braithwaite was Barcelona’s RICHEST player despite £85k-a-week wages before having contract terminated

    DENMARK striker Martin Braithwaite was reportedly the RICHEST player in Barcelona’s squad when Lionel Messi left before having his contract ripped up.The 31-year-old has a property empire in the US, believed to be worth a whopping £216MILLION.
    Martin Braithwaite was believed to be Barcelona’s richest player after Lionel Messi’s exitCredit: AFP
    The 31-year-old, who is married to journalist Anne-Laure Braithwaite, owns a property empireCredit: INSTAGRAM / @annelaurebraithwaite
    According to Marca, Braithwaite’s company is worth $250m – around £216m.
    The ex-Barcelona star is believed to have invested around £617,000 into the business with his uncle, Philip Michael, in 2017.
    NYCE Companies is now reportedly 25 times bigger than it was five years ago, with Braithwaite and Michael owning 1,500 apartments.
    And the pair are said to have another 500 properties in development around Philadelphia and New Jersey.
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    Speaking to Danish website BT last year, Michael said: “It started with our family having been in the real estate business for a long time.
    “Here you will find that one of the ways you can build a fortune and secure your future financially is by investing in real estate. And that’s what I’ve been doing with my dad and Martin since I came over here.
    “Martin’s role is very much about how we do in terms of strategy and vision in the long run.
    “He is involved, but not so involved that it distracts him from football.”
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    Braithwaite is married to French journalist Anne-Laure Braithwaite after spending four years at Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
    The couple have two kids together and the striker is stepfather to another two from his wife’s previous relationship.
    Messi does have more cash than the Denmark international – believed to be worth $400m (around £289m) before joining Paris Saint-Germain on a mega-money two-year deal last summer.
    But once the Argentine legend left, Braithwaite’s reported wealth made him the richest player in Barca’s squad – despite only earning the 20TH-HIGHEST wage, said to be around £85,000 a week.
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    However, his deal was terminated on deadline day as the Nou Camp giants desperately tried to trim their squad and wage bill.
    Although Braithwaite’s bank balance is healthy, he struggled to buy any kind of form in the Barca team.
    The former Middlesbrough man has scored just FIVE goals in 44 LaLiga games for the Spanish giants after his controversial move in February 2020.
    Barcelona were allowed to buy Braithwaite outside of the transfer window as an ’emergency signing’ – but his former side Leganes were not allowed to replace him and were subsequently relegated by just a point.
    The Danish international was asked to mutually end his contract earlier in the summer when Xavi deemed him surplus to requirements and no one submitted bids for him.
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    But Braithwaite refused, allegedly demanding a £4m pay-off with his contract paid out in full.
    Just hours after his release from Barcelona, the free agent signed a three-year contract with city-rivals Espanyol. More

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    ‘Not always easy’ – Hector Bellerin posts emotional message to Arsenal fans after joining Barcelona on free transfer

    HECTOR BELLERIN has posted an emotional farewell message to Arsenal fans after rejoining childhood club Barcelona on a free transfer.Bellerin, 27, made a late switch back to the Nou Camp on transfer deadline day – 11 years after leaving Barca for Arsenal in 2011.

    Hector Bellerin has rejoined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving ArsenalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbarcelona/
    The Gunners agreed to terminate the right-back’s contract so he could complete his dream move.
    And the three-time FA Cup winner can now start afresh in his hometown after spending last season on loan with Copa del Rey winners Real Betis.
    Bellerin became a firm favourite at the Emirates after playing 239 times for Arsenal.
    And the four-time Spain international posted a tearful farewell message to supporters on social media after his Barcelona return was confirmed.
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    Bellerin, who is on a one-year contract at the Nou Camp, said: “Hello Gunners. Feels like it was only a couple of years ago when I touched down in London for the very first time.
    “From day one I truly felt at home and I’ve said time and time again how this city has shaped me into who I am, and how much I owe it.
    “It’s with a lot of sadness that today I say goodbye to this club, the fans, the staff, the players and our family all together.
    “There’s been highs, so high, and lows, so low, but I’ve enjoyed thoroughly every single experience I’ve lived with you Gunners.
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    Bellerin spent 11 years at Arsenal after joining them from Barcelona in 2011Credit: Getty
    “It’s not always been easy being an Arsenal player these past 11 years, but it’s always been an honour to carry the weight of this badge and defend it almost 250 times in front of you all.
    “I want to thank Arsene, Francis, the late Steve Rowley, Steve Bould, Neil Banfield, Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Mikel. 
    “Thank you to the staff who work tirelessly for us to have it all ready when we step onto the pitch.
    “Physios, conditioning coaches, doctors, chefs, kit men, cleaners, security, and everyone else who is a part of this family.
    “Thank you to the players who have made my time here unforgettable.
    Thank you for your continued support throughout all these yearsHector Bellerin
    “And most importantly, thank you Gunners, thank you for your continued support throughout all these years, for how supportive you were in the good and the bad, for how enjoyable it’s been to play in this beautiful stadium and for sharing together every single step of this journey of mine.
    “With the sadness of a goodbye, but the excitement of a new beginning, I say to you all THANK YOU. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Bellerin in a statement on Arsenal’s official website.
    He said: “We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club. 
    “During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances – such a huge contribution to the club. 
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    “I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together. 
    “We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.” More

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    Tottenham star Sergio Reguilon’s stunning Wag Marta Diaz dazzles at unveiling ceremony following Atletico Madrid loan

    SERGIO REGUILON’S stunning Wag stole the show as he was unveiled at Atletico Madrid. The Tottenham left-back, 25, sealed a season-long loan at the Wanda Metropolitano after failing to shine in North London.
    Sergio Reguilon’s Wag Marta Diaz stunned at his Atletico Madrid unveilingCredit: Getty
    The Spurs left-back signed a season-long loan with AtletiCredit: Getty
    The YouTuber opted for a tight brown dressCredit: Rex
    Tottenham fans were sad to see her leave North LondonCredit: Rex
    He made 67 appearances across his two seasons with Spurs including 22 Premier League starts last term before the arrival of Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon’s rise.
    But as former Real man Reguilon posed with his new No3 shirt and spoke to the press, it was his gorgeous partner who grabbed the limelight.
    Marta Diaz looked glamorous as she opted for a tight-fitting dark brown dress with yellow heels.
    And Tottenham fans were furious to see her head back to Spain after just two years in North London.
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    One joked: “I hope we never sell Reguilon.”
    Another said: “We’d get a bigger transfer fee for Marta than we would for Reguilon.”
    A third added: “Big loss for us. Gonna miss Reguilon too.”
    And a final user quipped on a photo of the happy couple: “Congratulations @sergio_regui. Also well done on your move to Atletico.”
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    Spanish beauty Diaz has her own YouTube channel with more than 2million subscribers plus a whopping 3.2m Instagram followers.
    Her fans tune-in to her videos that feature her brother and include pranks, lifestyle tips and social media advice.
    The pair started dating in 2019 and went public online then were spotted together at the wedding of Sergio Ramos and Pilar Rubio.
    Reguilon and Diaz attended the wedding of Sergio Ramos and Pilar Rubio togetherCredit: Getty
    Reguilon began dating Diaz in 2019Credit: Instagram
    Astonishingly, Diaz has 2m subscribers on YouTube and more than 3m Instagram followersCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Frenkie de Jong saga finally over with Man Utd and Chelsea snubbed by Barcelona midfielder who ‘never wavered’ on choice

    THE Frenkie de Jong transfer saga is finally over – with the Barcelona midfielder staying put. The Dutchman, 25, was a high priority on the transfer wish lists for Manchester United and Chelsea throughout the summer.
    Frenkie de Jong will be staying put at Barcelona after a transfer sagaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona were open to selling the ex-Ajax man with a fee of around £73million agreed with the Red Devils and a £350,000-a-week contract on the table.
    However, De Jong snubbed United because he did not want to sign for the Europa League club while Chelsea, despite being able to offer Champions League football, were also unable to secure a deal.
    As reported by Fabrizio Romano, De Jong “never changed his mind” on his desire to stay at the Nou Camp.
    The 44-cap Netherlands international joined Barca in 2019 for £65m and expressed his delight at playing for his dream club.
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    However, the LaLiga giants – who already owe him millions in deferred wages – slapped him with an ultimatum to either leave or take a major pay cut.
    But despite the financial problems, Barcelona and De Jong appear to have repaired the damage to the relationship.
    The star, under contract until 2026, has featured in all three league games so far this season – albeit starting just once.
    Barca face Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen in a brutal Champions League group.
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    After it became clear he would miss out on De Jong, new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag turned his attention to Barca’s rival Real Madrid and splashed up to £70m on Casemiro to bolster his midfield instead.
    Christian Eriksen has also arrived at Old Trafford and Chelsea signed Carney Chukwuemeka.
    Ross Barkley was released while Billy Gilmour is poised for a £9m transfer to Brighton, leaving Thomas Tuchel short on midfield options.
    But reports suggest Denis Zakaria is having a medical in Turin over a loan move from Juventus. More

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    Martin Braithwaite brutally axed by Barcelona and shipped to Espanyol with striker’s bizarre spell at Nou Camp ended

    BARCELONA have released Martin Braithwaite just hours before the transfer window slams shut. It means the 31-year-old’s unusual spell at the Catalan giants comes to an end as he joins cross-city rivals Espanyol.
    Martin Braithwaite had fallen out of favour at Barcelona and has joined EspanyolCredit: AFP
    The striker who is also capable of playing on the wing was initially brought to the club in February 2020 after they were allowed to sign a player outside the transfer window on emergency circumstances.
    Ousmane Dembele picked up a long-term injury so an exception was made granting Barca a transfer and they purchased Braithwaite from LaLiga rivals Leganes for £15million.
    The Danish international signed a four-year contract at the club and many deemed the transfer strange after he failed to impress at Middlesbrough before.
    He went on to play 58 times for Barcelona scoring on ten occasions.
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    His manager Xavi has been desperate to get rid of him this summer but there was no takers.
    Barcelona wanted him to mutually terminate his contract to help ease the pressure on them amid financial difficulties and so they could meet the salary limits set by LaLiga but Braithwaite refused.
    Some claimed he held the club to ransom and he reportedly demanded a pay-off worth £4million to quit the team.
    The stand-off continued with Braithwaite allegedly wanting his £98,000-a-week contract paid to him in full despite being deemed surplus to requirements.
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    Reports from the Daily Mail claimed Barcelona were only willing to give him a year’s salary and that the striker had an offer on the table from Real Mallorca.
    Braithwaite may not be the only attacker leaving the Nou Camp on deadline day.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to join Chelsea in a deal that sees Marcos Alonso head in the opposite direction. More

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    Kenedy finally set to leave Chelsea on permanent transfer after seven years as he closes in on Real Valladolid move

    CHELSEA star Kenedy is on the verge of leaving the club on a permanent basis to sign for Real Valladolid, according to reports.The Brazilian has been spotted by Spanish outlet Marca arriving in Valladolid ahead of his transfer.
    Kenedy was training with the Chelsea first-team in pre-seasonCredit: Getty
    They claim that a deal has been agreed between Chelsea and the LaLiga side but personal terms still need to be agreed.
    Fran Sanchez, their sporting director, was reportedly in London recently to help secure the transfer.
    It will mean Kenedy’s long-term stay at Chelsea is over, he has been on their books for seven years after arriving for a fee of £6.3million from Fluminense.
    The 26-year-old made just 30 appearances for the Blues during that period scoring three goals.
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    He has spent most of his time away on loan having spells at Watford and Newcastle.
    The player is capable of playing at left-back or on the left-wing and already has LaLiga experience having been loaned out to Getafe and Granada previously.
    In total he has gone on loan five times – last season he was back in his homeland playing for Flamengo.
    Real Valladolid are one of the newly promoted side’s in Spain’s top flight and in their most recent game they were hammered by Barcelona 4-0.
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    The club’s majority owner is footballing legend Ronaldo.
    Kenedy is not the only player leaving Stamford Bridge today with Dujon Sterling set to join Stoke on a short-term deal.
    Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso could be set to join Barcelona as part of the transfer that brings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea. More

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    Memphis Depay emerges as shock Chelsea transfer target after Man Utd links with Barcelona ready to rip up contract

    MEMPHIS DEPAY has emerged as a shock transfer target for Chelsea, according to reports. The forward is ready to be let go by Barcelona if a deal can be struck in the next few hours.
    Chelsea could be in for a shock move for Memphis Depay from BarcelonaCredit: AP
    As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have emerged as late contenders to land the Dutch star.
    And Barca will rip up his contract and allow him to leave for free if personal terms can be agreed with Chelsea.
    Depay, 28, is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp following the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer.
    And with the club in financial ruin, getting Depay off the wage bill would be a welcome boost.
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    Depay scored 12 goals in 28 LaLiga games in his first season but has been an unused sub in all three matches so far this term.
    However, there are just a few hours to go until the 11pm deadline.
    It is said Depay – linked with a free transfer to Juventus or even a shock return to Manchester United earlier in the window – put in a request to leave the club on Wednesday.
    However, Barcelona will only sanction the termination of his contract if he can strike a deal with Chelsea in time as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his attack.
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    But Romano adds there are no advanced talks taking place at this stage.
    Chelsea’s primary focus is securing Depay’s Barcelona team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    It is understood a £12million fee plus Marcos Alonso is in place to land the former Arsenal captain on a two-year deal with an option of a third.
    Aubameyang will land in London around 5pm to complete the final details of his Stamford Bridge switch, just seven months after being shipped out by Mikel Arteta at the Emirates. More