Top European leagues see big names make their way to new sides on transfer deadline day

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - The sensational summer transfer window for Europe's biggest leagues slammed shut on Sept. 1 with a number of new disbursement records set.

On the final day of the window, Manchester United completed inking of Antony Matheus dos Santos, for an initial fee of $95 million, making him the most expensive signing this summer. The deal includes add-ons, and the deal could potentially rise to $100 million.

The 22-year-old clinched back-to-back top-tier Dutch Eredivisie titles with Ajax.

Signing this deal with Antony set a new English Premier League spending record of nearly £1.9 billion ($2.20 billion), beating the previous record of £1.4 billion ($1.62 billion) in the summer of 2017.

The Red Devils wrapped up a deal to sign back-up goalie Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.

The Slovakian goalkeeper joined Manchester United from Newcastle United, having the option to make the transfer permanent.

Manchester City strengthened their squad with Swiss defender Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract.

The 27-year-old center-back stayed on a four-and-a-half year stay with the Black and Yellows, claiming one German Super Cup and one German Cup.

Austrian midfielder Florian Grillitsch was definitely one of the most famous names to move to the Dutch Eredivisie league.

Ajax has reached an agreement with Florian Grillitsch on a free transfer until 2023. The deal includes an option for Ajax for two years.

Reigning Ligue 1 champ Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) acquired Carlos Soler from Valencia, signing with the Parisians through to 2027.

PSG also sent Julian Draxler out on loan. The 28-year-old German moved to the Portuguese club Benfica on a one-year loan deal.

- Despite financial challenges, Barca spends millions of dollars on transfer

Barcelona, facing a billion dollars in debt, previously signed permanent contracts with Robert Lewandowski ($46 million + $5.1 million) in variables, Raphinha ($58 million), Jules Kounde ($50 million ) and Pablo Torre ($5 million).

Spanish defender Hector Bellerin returned to Barcelona on a one-year contract after terminating his contract with Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

The 27-year-old player will put pen to paper until the end of June and the buyout clause has been set at $50 million.

One of the most active clubs in transfers, Chelsea made some exciting transfers on the final day.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Barcelona to join the Blues on a two-year deal for $12 million.

With a loan transfer from Juventus, Swiss international Denis Zakaria joined Chelsea for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign, with an option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Liverpool moved to bolster their midfield options on transfer deadline day with the acquisition of Arthur Melo.

The 26-year-old Brazilian came to the Reds from Juventus on a season-long loan deal.

Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye rejoined Everton from Paris Saint-Germain for an undisclosed fee, inking a two-year contract until the end of June 2024.

The 32-year-old returned to Merseyside after spending three years with the Blues from 2016 to 2019.