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This summer's transfer window will go down as one of the craziest and most historic at the same time. Almost every big footballer was linked away from their respective clubs. It will largely be remembered for the unthinkable transfers of Lionel Messi to PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United.
However, amidst all the hurtling transfers, few transfers never materialized. The saga between PSG and Real Madrid over Mbappe. Jules Kounde and Chelsea's unsuccessful transfer tale went around for several days during the transfer window but never really took place.
With that in mind, here's a look at the top 5 transfers that should have happened during this summer's window but never came off.
#5. Jesse Lingard to West Ham United
After a difficult couple of seasons in Manchester and going 19 months without a goal, Jesse Lingard resurrected his career on loan at West Ham last term. The 28-years old joined the Hammers in January and was crucial to their Europa League finish.
He netted nine goals and assisted five times in only 16 games, scoring more goals than Greenwood and Martial despite playing fewer minutes. With the Englishman hitting his best form in West London, a permanent move seemed certain.
Yet Iron's failure to come up with an acceptable bid, plus Lingard's own desire to fight for his future, has seen him remain at Old Trafford for now. Ole Gunnar Solskjær is happy to reintegrate the forward into his squad. But with the arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, Lingard will most likely have his opportunities even more limited.
A permanent switch to the London Stadium would have guaranteed him minutes and improved his chances of maintaining a place in the national setup.
#4. Domenico Berardi to Atalanta
Domenico Berardi, a key member of Italy's Euro 2020 winning squad, is set to stay at Sassuolo for at least another season. He has had interest from across Europe including Leicester, Liverpool and Atalanta.
If a move abroad was not possible, a short trip north to Bergamo would have been perfect for the winger.
Atalanta have established themselves as Champions League regulars after qualifying for three years running. But they risk their UCL status without strengthening their attack.
Despite racking in £77 million this window, they failed to sign a forward and should have splashed out on Berardi who is valued at £32 million on the Transfermarkt.
The Italian scored 17 and assisted eight last season, which was his best goal tally ever. The former Juventus man also created the most chances and won the most fouls for his side. His 3.8 shots per game were only bettered by three players in Serie A.
At the peak of his powers, Berardi deserves to play under the bright lights of the Champions League.
#3. Renato Sanches to Liverpool
Ex-Swansea City flop Renato Sanches has rebuilt his career in France. The 24-year old had a breakout tournament with Portugal at Euro 2016. This led to Bayern Munich signing him from Benfica.
The midfielder failed to make the grade in Germany but has looked at home in Ligue 1 since his move to Lille in 2019. 2016 Golden Boy has contributed 10 goals in 40 starts and proved an asset for Lille in their unlikely title win.
Sanches is an exciting midfielder who is always thinking forward. Wolverhampton Wanderers were thought to be close to completing a loan move for the Portuguese, but the deal collapsed. The former Bayern man was also linked with Premier League giants Liverpool, but the Reds never approached and only signed Konate this summer.
The Ligue 1 winner would have been a perfect replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who departed for PSG. Yet Klopp's side have stood still in the transfer market and have bypassed one of Europe's brightest talents.
#2. Harry Kane to Manchester City
After failing to show up for training in the first week of pre-season, it seemed certain that Harry Kane would leave his boyhood club this summer. Manchester City were desperately keen to sign the striker.
However, Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy had other ideas and rejected a £100 million bid from the Citizens and blocked the England captain's departure from North London. He rejected the bid despite having a "gentleman agreement" with the 28-year old during the previous year.
Pep's side may have won the league comfortably last season but they lacked a clinical striker, with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan topping the scoring chart with just 13. Meanwhile, Kane won the Golden Boot with 23 goals and even picked up the playmaker of the year award with 14 assists. If he manages to bag over 20 goals again this term, he'll become the third-highest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Kane is nearing 30 and with 3 years left on his contract. His value will only decrease from here on. Spurs will soon be forced to cash in on their talisman.
#1. Yves Bissouma to Manchester United
Of all the Hollywood signings Manchester United have made this summer, they remain short of a quality defensive midfielder. They should have filled that void with Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
The 25-year old joined the Seagulls for just £15 million from Lille in 2018 and was quick to make his name in the Premier League. The Mali international has made almost 100 appearances for the club and has consistently been excellent at protecting the backline.
Last term he missed just two games and won the most tackles and interceptions in the league. He is also strong with the ball at his feet, completing 1.5 dribbles per game and 88% of his passes last term.
For £40 million, United could have got themselves a much-needed upgrade on Fred and McTominay. Bissouma might not have been the marquee name they wanted but he'd certainly do the dirty work. He would have let other players thrive around him as Ole seeks his first trophy since taking the helm at Old Trafford.
