Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United gave transfer deadline day its obvious headline but was far from the only business done as clubs scrambled to get deals over the line.
Here the PA news agency takes a look at the five biggest deals of the day.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United
The return of the Portuguese was effectively confirmed on Friday when United announced a deal had been agreed, but with the 36-year-old’s medical not taking place until Monday and several other details needing to be finalised, the rubber stamp was only applied on Tuesday morning. Ronaldo, who scored 118 goals for United between 2003 and 2009, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third, with the Red Devils paying Juventus an initial fee of £12.86million. “I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “I’m looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead.”
Daniel James to Leeds
📷 Knew this photo would come in handy one day… pic.twitter.com/fteCphWyVz
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2021
One major knock-on effect of Ronaldo’s return was United’s willingness to allow Wales winger James to move on. The £25million deal to take the 23-year-old to Elland Road suits all parties: James gets more playing time, United almost double their money on a player signed from Swansea for £15million, and Leeds get a player they thought they had signed in January 2019, even completing a photoshoot and interviews with James before the deal collapsed and he instead moved to Old Trafford six months later.
Nikola Vlasic to West Ham
It had also seemed that Ronaldo’s move back to United would help West Ham’s hopes of re-signing Jesse Lingard after his impressive loan spell for David Moyes’ side last season. But having received little encouragement from United, the Hammers went looking elsewhere for a creative spark and hope to have found one in Croatia international Vlasic, who has signed a five-year deal as he joins from CSKA Moscow.
Ademola Lookman to Leicester
Leicester strengthened their attacking options by bringing in Lookman on a season-long loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. The winger moved to the King Power Stadium after Foxes midfielder Dennis Praet left for Torino on a similar deal. Lookman, who started his career at Charlton and also played for Everton in the Premier League, impressed on loan at Fulham last season despite the Cottagers’ relegation from the top flight.
Emerson Royal to Tottenham
Wonderful to be with you!Here we go!#comeonyouSpurs pic.twitter.com/wFHTXB429O
— Emerson Royal (@Emerson_Royal22) August 31, 2021
Tottenham brought in Emerson Royal from Barcelona on a five-year deal. Spurs spent £25.8million to secure the services of the four-cap Brazil international, the PA news agency understands. Emerson, who has spent the last two seasons with Real Betis, will provide greater competition at right-back for new Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
