While the transfer window was indeed, blown out of proportions due to the extremely high fees that were spent on a few players, there exist a few who were bargain buys. Let us look at 5 such players, who promise a lot more than what they’ve been purchased for.
-
Javier Hernandez – Bayer Leverkusen to West Ham – £16 million
After being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United by Louis van Gaal, Javier Hernandez proved his critics wrong by impressing in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. And you’d expect Hernandez to return to the Premier League, as he clearly has unfinished business here. West Ham roped in the Mexican in a deal that’s dirt cheap. A world-class poacher and a guaranteed goal-threat for just £16 million. Business well done, indeed.
-
Benjamin Mendy – Monaco to Manchester City – £52 million
This isn’t a cheap deal, no doubt about that, but what’s fascinating is the player and the club are a perfect fit for each other. Manchester City lacked a LB as they had to replace the old and rusty legs of Clichy and Kolarov; and they did so by singing Mendy, who took the Ligue 1 by storm last season. He is a reliable wing-back and will only get better under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.
Read: Liverpool transfer round-up – Has the German boss done enough?
-
Kurt Zouma – Chelsea to Stoke City (Loan deal)
Stoke City have landed a real coup here. They’ve managed to get Kurt Zouma, easily one of the best young CB’s in the game at the moment. While an injury hampered his progress under Conte last season, he did sign a contract extension at the end of it, reflecting the immense faith Conte has in him. His versatility could be utilized as he can play anywhere in the back 4 and can also slot in as a CDM. He’s been immense in Stoke’s first three games of the season and will be an invaluable asset for them this season.
-
Nemanja Matic – Chelsea to Manchester United – £40 million
Nemanja Matic and Manchester United, just like Mendy and Man City, fit to perfection. For years, Manchester United have lacked a physical box to box midfielder who could also be handy in attacks. Signing Matic from Chelsea gave United and Jose, a second victory over Chelsea after stealing Lukaku from under their nose. The PL experience is an added advantage.
-
Fernando Llorente – Swansea to Tottenham Hotspur – £12 million
Fernando Llorente was Swansea’s main man last season, as the Welsh side fought their way out of relegation. His tally of 15 was impressive, given how massively Swansea underperformed last season. He was snapped up by Tottenham on deadline day and is easily one of the best deals of the summer. His vast experience and attacking prowess, all for £12 million is value for money. More importantly, Tottenham now have a different attacking outlet up front, a target man for Eriksen, Trippier, Aurier and Rose to put the crosses into.
