The summer months are an important time for English Premier League clubs as they aim to strengthen their team in the transfer window.
Last summer there was plenty of activity in the transfer market and in total Premier League teams spent £1.41 billion on new players, which was £200 million short of the record for a single transfer window in England.
Let's begin with the biggest transfer fee paid last summer which was £80 million for Harry Maguire. He moved from Leicester City to Manchester United and became the world's most expensive defender. Prior to the suspension of the 2019/20 season, Maguire made 41 appearances for the Red Devils and has captained the team. The up and down form of Manchester United has not helped but Maguire has certainly improved the defence, keeping 9 clean sheets in their last 11 matches in all competitions.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been a success at Manchester United following his £40 million transfer from Crystal Palace. When it comes to one on one defending, especially in wide areas, Wan-Bissaka is arguably the best player in the Premier League so his move has been a success for both parties.
Next, we come to Arsenal who purchased Nicolas Pepe from Lille for a club-record £72 million. The winger has 6 goals and 8 assists in 32 appearances for the Gunners and it would be fair to say he has not hit the heights expected of him this season. There have been glimpses of what Pepe is capable of but he has been too inconsistent throughout the campaign to claim his move has been a success.
Another club who broke their transfer record in the summer was Manchester City as they signed Rodri for £62.8 million from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish midfielder has been a regular in the team under Pep Guardiola this season and performed well in many matches. He is not the type of player who is going to ever stand out during a match but has proved an important player both defensively and in getting attacks going from a deep lying midfield position.
Moving back to London and Tottenham Hotspur decided to spend £53.8 million on Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon. This move broke their transfer record but it is fair to say the Frenchman has fail to live up to the price tag. He has suffered from minor injuries throughout the season but has struggle to impose himself on the team whenever he has been selected.
Sebastien Haller is the first striker in this article and he has also struggled to make an impact on the Premier League. He joined West Ham United for £45 million from Eintracht Frankfurt following a good season for the Bundesliga club. Haller Started the season promisingly but has since struggled scoring only 7 goals in 29 appearances for the club.
Another striker who made the move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League and his failed to make the grade is Joelinton. The Brazilian was bought by Newcastle United for £40 million from Hoffenheim and has just 3 goals in total having played 34 games. Only one of those goals has come in the Premier League.