At long last, the transfer window has closed for the summer across Europe’s top leagues, with the deadline hitting Thursday and the dealing coming to an end after weeks of rumors, links, loans and signings.
So much of the important business had long been conducted in advance of the deadline. The likes of Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mané, Matthijs de Ligt, Darwin Núñez, Casemiro, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were among the biggest names already featuring for their new clubs by the time Thursday’s sprint to the finish line was completed, but they’re joined by one last set of players on the go—albeit a set for which there won’t be much time afforded to acclimate to new surroundings.
Not all who desired moves or were thought to be receiving them wound up changing clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in the Champions League this season remains on hold, as he’ll stick with Manchester United until at least the winter. Christian Pulisic, who has consistently come off the bench late in games for Chelsea this season, was denied the loan or transfer that might open up more opportunities before he presumably joins the U.S. for the World Cup.
