Transfers will never cease; they will continue indefinitely. It will never be conclusively determined who has triumphed in transfers.
Considering the constant discussions about potential transfers, many of which are unlikely to occur, it's understandable to assume that there is an ongoing signing season.
The summer transfer window may be several months off, yet this isn't preventing eager, click-hungry media from acting as if there's a lot going on in the whimsical world of football.
The absence of real narratives on the field has led to the emergence of unprecedented absurdities, as Manchester City seemingly readies to establish a new British transfer record with a £171m ‘bid’ for a Barcelona player who, in reality, is going nowhere.
However, history might still unfold this summer as the majority of the alleged ‘Big Six’ pursue top-tier strikers, so let’s examine the present and five prior British transfer record-holders.
Moises Caicedo transferred to Chelsea [£115m – August 2023]
Enzo Maresca’s claim that Caicedo is the “best defensive midfielder in the world” following a 1-0 victory over *checks notes* Tottenham Hotspur was somewhat exaggerated, yet the 23-year-old has performed significantly better after his £100m transfer compared to many of his peers.
The ex-Liverpool target's second year at Stamford Bridge has significantly outperformed his first, and he’s among the rare major Todd Boehly-era acquisitions to succeed. He hasn't fully earned the £100m player label yet, but he's making progress.
Enzo Fernandez transferred to Chelsea [£106m – January 2023]
This has easily been Fernandez’s strongest season so far at Chelsea, though that isn’t saying a lot. Similar to Caicedo, he must deliver results more regularly to be regarded as an elite midfielder rather than just someone who's merely very good on occasion.
Fernandez is at the heart of transfer rumors regarding a move that is unlikely to happen, making it hard to envision what he could contribute to an already impressive Real Madrid midfield.
Jack Grealish transferred to Manchester City [£100m – August 2021]
We adore Grealish, and you ought to as well. He's undoubtedly a talented guy and an exceptional footballer, but we must acknowledge that his time at Man City is nearing its conclusion.
Grealish's outstanding performance played a significant role in Man City's remarkable Treble season in 2022/23, yet he hasn't approached this extraordinary level in earlier or later seasons.
Pep Guardiola’s latest favorite asset – Omar Marmoush – becomes the third attacking-oriented acquisition to eclipse the England international following Jeremy Doku and Savinho, as he urgently seeks a new environment to regain the phenomenal displays he showcased in his second season and for Aston Villa.
Paul Pogba transferred to Manchester United [£89 million – August 2016]
Despite Manchester United's dismal decline this season, it’s challenging to find a former Red Devils player-turned-pundit eager to advocate for Pogba receiving a “third chance” at Old Trafford, with Dwight Yorke being one exception.
Pogba is arguably the most skilled footballer on this list, which is why the hefty £89m spent to bring him back from Juventus might have been warranted at that moment. Nevertheless, his second spell at Man Utd – tainted by conflicts with managers and a poor attitude – should offer him no optimism for another opportunity, even with Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly ‘investing in’ free agents this summer.
Angel Di Maria transferred to Manchester United [£59.7m – August 2014]
Another candidate for the title of Man Utd's worst signing after Sir Alex Ferguson, Di Maria exemplifies how the club has turned into a “graveyard for coaches and players.”
Di Maria arrived at Man Utd on a high after excelling in the last season's Champions League final, yet he underperformed at Old Trafford and was eager to depart, signing with PSG after just one season in the Premier League.
His achievements after leaving Man Utd indicate that the club was the issue, not him, since only two players who left Old Trafford after Ferguson have performed better.
Fernando Torres transferred to Chelsea [£50 million – January 2011]
"This was the obvious choice." This was the banker, this was the person that could not fail, this was the individual that has never faltered. Indeed, it happened...
Chelsea seemed to achieve a significant triumph by acquiring Liverpool’s goal scorer from their main competitors, but it became clear that he had lost his form, netting only 20 goals in 110 Premier League appearances for the Blues. At the very least, he can rely on that Champions League semi-final goal.
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