While the big money transfers are always the ones which make the headlines, there are always plenty of deals made in the summer transfer window of the Premier League that are cheap. Last summer, prior to the 2019/20 campaign, there were many transfers completed which were very cheap or where money did not exchange hands at all.
A great example of a hugely successful transfer where no money is involved was the move of goalkeeper Dean Henderson. He joined Sheffield United from Manchester United on loan having played a significant role in their promotion from the championship last season. Henderson has been a revelation in the Premier League, making 27 appearances for the Blades and conceding only 22 goals. The Englishman has kept 10 clean sheets and is one of the main reasons why Sheffield United have been enjoying an excellent season.
Another player who is playing in the Premier League thanks to a loan deal is Leander Dendoncker. He is currently on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers from Belgian club Anderlecht. His versatility has proved very useful for Wolves this season and he has operated in both midfield and defence. Dendoncker has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season, which highlights what an important member of the team he has become. The deal is expected to become permanent this coming summer for a fee of around £12 million.
Having spent 7 years at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, Gary Cahill made a free transfer to Crystal Palace in the summer. The experienced former England international has proven to be a key member of the squad for the Eagles this season and has made 22 appearances so far, 20 of which have come in the Premier League. Crystal Palace have kept 6 clean sheets with Cahill in the team and kept 3 clean sheets in succession prior to the suspension of the league. Cahill may not have long left at the top of the game but he has proven to be an excellent addition to the squad this season.
Remaining with Crystal Palace and Jordan Ayew made his loan move from Swansea City permanent in the summer. Having previously been on loan at Selhurst Park, Ayew transferred from Swansea City in a deal costing just £2.5 million. The striker has played an important role for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season and has 8 goals to his name. There are plenty of strikers in the Premier League who cost a lot more money and have failed to get anywhere near the same tally of goals as Ayew.
Finally, we come to a transfer which did cost money but at £15 million must be considered a bargain. Daniel James joined Manchester United from Swansea City and was perhaps not expecting to play the number of matches he has this season. The welsh international was a very important player for the Red Devils early in the campaign, scoring 3 goals in his first 4 Premier League games for the club. James has made 37 appearances in total and the £15 million spent to acquire his services now looks a bargain.