The last summer was definitely not a normal summer. Besides that the weather was not the best, there was another, even bigger problem: The worldwide Corona Pandemic. But not only the spread of the deadly virus caused tension throughout the world, but especially the resulting restrictions and lockdowns were also a big problem for all of us. As shops had to stay closed, restaurants, bars and clubs had to stay empty and all of us had to stay at home as much as possible, also sports came largely to a standstill.
As many have turned to the internet in search of excitement and a bit of fun, games and gambling have become even more popular during the last years. The internet often offers amazing bonuses like 1xbet promo code, which helped a lot of people try their luck. While many sport events like football tournaments had to be cancelled, as they brought too many people together, the clubs themselves continued their matches, even if they had to happen in empty stadiums.
In the last year much has happened in the European football landscape. Trainers have changed, newcomers started to shine and well-known players changed their teams. As we are certainly not interested in the village teams of the youth clubs, the question is of course, what were the biggest deals last summer? We have the answer to that question! Surprisingly, they all come from Britain and could be understood as a way of setting new goals after the lost EURO 2020.
A new star for Manchester City
Few would be surprised to see Manchester City near the top of any list documenting the spending of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The Premier League champions can currently lay claim to the most expensively assembled side of all time and they wasted no time adding to it this summer.
Besides adding the young talent Kayky for 9 million pounds from Fluminense, the club made one of the biggest signings of the summer with the purchase of Aston Villa star Jack Grealish for 106 million pounds. A number that speaks for itself. The question is, will it be worth it or should they have better gone for the local Harry Kane?
Big numbers for Manchester United
The second interesting transfer comes from the same city. Over the last 12 months the Red Devils have made the transfer of Jadon Sancho their number one priority. This summer they finally got their man in a 76.5 million pounds deal with Borussia Dortmund.
Furthermore, they found some serious silverware this season by signing Real Madrid central defender Raphael Varane for a further 36 million pounds. But, in a remarkable set of circumstances, club legend Sir Alex Ferguson managed to convince the great Cristiano Ronaldo to waive off interest from rivals Manchester City in favour of ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ for a fee of just 13.5 million pounds.
The big investor: Arsenal
The top place covers another British team. With spendings of 142.5 million pounds they made a huge investment. The Gunners signed Ben White from Brighton for 50 million pounds, a huge amount for a defender who has never been tested against European competition.
Not only did the London club pay 25 million pounds for back-up goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale but they also spent a further 32 million pounds bringing Martin Odegaard back to the club, as well as the deadline day signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu for 16.5 million pounds. With these numbers Arsenal have outspent every club in Europe, though it appears they have not improved anywhere near as much as some.
