The summer transfer window has finally come to an end with the Premier League clubs spending over £1 billion for the first time in football history. While a few clubs made key signings that could prove crucial through the run of the season, a few clubs failed to get their transfer targets by the end of the transfer deadline.
The Premier League witnessed a lot of huge signings this season, with 7 of the top ten most expensive signings being made by Premier League clubs. When a playing XI is formed with the players who have moved to the Premier League or those who changed clubs within the league, the cost of this XI turns out to be over €511 million!
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Let us now take a look at the Most Expensive EPL Transfer XI.
The transfer fees paid are mentioned in braces next to the player name and all values were taken from Transfermarkt
Goalkeeper
Claudio Bravo (€18m) made his move from Barcelona to Manchester City in the excitement of working with new City manager Pep Guardiola. Currently playing in the prime of his life, the experienced shot-stopper is certain to be the number 1 goalkeeper at City. With a transfer fee of €18 million, Bravo is the most expensive goalkeeper signing of this transfer window.
Defenders
Playing at the centre of the backline will be Manchester City’s John Stones (€55.60m). Pep Guardiola noticed the tactical prowess of Stones and signed the English defender from Everton. Possessing excellent ball-playing qualities for a centre-back, Stones will be key to Guardiola’s debut Premier League campaign and should get better under the Spanish manager.
Stones will be partnered by a player from each of the London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea. After lengthy negotiations with Spanish club Valencia, Arsene Wenger finally acquired the services of Shkodran Mustafi (€41m) to partner the experienced Laurent Koscielny in defence. With Mustafi likely to make his debut on matchday-3 against Southampton, the fans will hope that he will be the answer to Arsenal’s defensive woes.
David Luiz (€38.5m) is the latest addition to the list of players who have returned to their old clubs this season. David Luiz is likely to replace ageing John Terry at the back, who was provided with a one-year contract extension at the end of last season.
Midfielders:
Operating with three men at the back, the defence will be thoroughly screened by N’Golo Kante (€35.8m). The French defensive midfielder moved to Chelsea following a sensational season with reigning champions Leicester City. Known for his tireless work-rate and tactical positioning, Kante will be crucial to Chelsea’s title hopes this season.
In central midfield are Granit Xhaka (€45m) and Paul Pogba (€105m). Known for his aggressive tackling, leadership qualities and a wide passing range, Xhaka will act as the pivot of the team. Following the transfer to Arsenal, Xhaka proved his worth with two Man of the Match performances at Euro 2016.
On the other hand, Paul Pogba will add enormous energy to the midfield. His physical sturdiness, vision and an eye for goal make him one of the best players in the world and the Frenchman has the potential to get better at Manchester United.
Playing in the hole up front will be Sadio Mane (€41.2m). The pacy and creative player will add another constant goal threat and will keep the defenders on their toes. He has already become an invaluable cog in Klopp’s side, evident from his performance in the pre-season and the opening day fixture against Arsenal.
Forwards
Along the left wing is Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (€42m). Following an impressive season with Borussia Dortmund where he provided 16 assists, he went on to become Jose Mourinho’s third signing in control of Manchester United. He registered more goals, assists and key passes than any of the United equivalent last season. Although not a starter now, he can be an asset to the team if played.
Leroy Sane (€50m) will play along the right wing. Guardiola acquired the services of another youngster in Leroy Sane, hailing him as a special player. Although his start to the season has been hampered by injuries, the German winger can trouble the defence with his pace and trickery.
Leading from the front will be Michy Batshuayi (€39m). Chelsea manager Antonio Conte acknowledged the young forward for his pace, technique and the ability to use both feet. The Belgium forward scored 17 goals in France last season and was also a part of the Belgium squad at Euro 2016. It will be interesting to see how Conte uses the services of the talented youngster.
Now that we are done with the team, let us take a look at how these players will line up and the substitutes available.
Formation and Substitutes
The side will play in a 3-4-3 formation. Claudio Bravo will take his spot between the sticks and act as the last line of defence. The three central defenders possess aerial strength and defensive discipline while the tireless work-rate and position awareness of Kante makes him the ideal defensive midfielder for a three man defence.
The two central midfielders will maintain the game flow with the support of Mane. With the attack line comprising of three high-quality forwards blessed with pace, trickery and finishing ability, the team just has to keep the ball ticking and occasionally find the right ball.
Substitutes: Loris Karius (€6.20m), Eric Bailly (€38m), Moussa Sissoko (€35m), Gabriel Jesus (€32m), Islam Slimani (€30m), Christian Benteke (€31.2m)
