We take a closer look at the 10 biggest transfers of the summer window so far.
Paul Pogba: €105 million
As an understandable priority, one must first emphasise Paul Pogba's monumental move to Manchester United. Having now become the most expensive player in footballing history, Pogba left Juventus for a staggering €105m fee, which also includes an additional €5m in bonus payments. This transfer may be one of destiny according to the exuberant midfielder, although the mind boggles to think that he only left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2012. This deal truly demonstrates the staggering wealth that currently surrounds world football, especially following the €25m agent fees that were lapped up by the pioneering Mino Raiola.
Gonzalo Higuain: €90 million
Juventus were forced to pay just under €100m to entice the opportunistic Argentine away from Napoli and whilst Higuain may have broken the all-time Serie A scoring record last season, questions have still arose in regards to this mammoth transfer. At the mature age of 29, one could argue that the Partenopei have completed some superb business in selling their striker, although Massimiliano Allegri is eager for the former Real Madrid man to inspire his side in the Champions League. Whilst he may struggle to surpass his stupendous scoring statistics from last season, it is inevitable the Higuain will strengthen Allegri's offensive outfit, although it remains to be seen if he can actually help the club secure that elusive European title.
John Stones: €56.5 million
Despite his tender age of 22, John Stones has now become one of the most expensive defenders in history, after Manchester City paid an initial fee of €56.5m to persuade Everton into selling their blossoming talent. Having pushed hard to complete the signing of Stones, Pep Guardiola will now be hopeful that his intricate tactics will be easily understood by the elegant Englishman, and that he can refine his game even further.
Hulk: €55 million
China's footballing revolution has taken a firm grip on world sport during the past year, and Hulk has now become the latest player to be enticed by the profitable pull of the Chinese Super League. However, who can blame a 30-year-old for accepting a contract worth around €20m per season, which will now seem reach the echelons of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of the top three best paid players in the world.
Leroy Sane: €45 million
As shown in the past, City's financial magnitude usually allows for them to get their own way in the transfer market. Therefore, when Guardiola declared that he specifically wanted Sane, it was really only a matter of time until they secured their man. With a €45m payment, the blow will be slightly softened for Schalke, although they will still have to deal with losing one of the most brightest young prospects in Germany.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: €41 million
Monetary madness has encapsulated Manchester's footballing sphere this summer, and this was only enhanced by Jose Mourinho's second signing of the window. The Armenian maestro left Borussia Dortmund for just over €40m and he will now hope to assist with the recent revolution at Old Trafford. Whilst his arrival may have been eclipsed by the celebrity signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pogba, Mkhitaryan will surely still play an integral part in the club's financially induced resurgence.
Granit Xhaka: €40 million
Whilst the assumption is that Arsene Wenger is the epitome of frugality within the transfer market, it cannot be forgotten that Arsenal have already completed the €40m arrival of Xhaka this summer. As their Manchester rivals continue to completely exceed them in terms of spending, one cannot claim that the Gunners have not loosened their purse strings, as has been demonstrated by the lucrative Swiss signing.
Sadio Mane: €40 million
The transfer may be equal in terms of price, although the expectation is most certainly different. Whilst Xhaka arrives at the Emirates stadium as an almost unknown quantity, Mane has already proven his worth in the Premier League with Southampton. Superb performances for the Saints have eventually earned the 24-year-old a move to Anfield, and judging from his majestic debut performance against Arsenal, it seems that the Senegal international has already settled well into Jurgen Klopp's improving outfit.
Michy Batshuayi: €40 million
Due to their enigmatic owner, it almost unimaginable to exclude Chelsea from this list of expensive signings, and Antonio Conte's side have secured their place thanks to the arrival of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille. Having been pursued by a number of top clubs this summer, the Blues' persistence eventually paid off and the Italian tactician will now be hopeful that the 22-year-old can swiftly adapt to the fast-paced life of English football.
Eric Bailly and N'Golo Kante: €38 million
The final spot in this list is occupied by two players, who individually were both signed for €38m. Unsurprisingly their transfers have both been to Premier League teams, as Bailly looks to solidify Mourinho's back four, whilst Kante has moved down to Stamford Bridge. Adapted from an article by Alessandro Benigni at La Gazzetta dello SportThe post Pogba tops bill of summer’s biggest transfers appeared first on GazzettaWorld.