With deadline day coming to a close, there have been plenty of deals and plenty of no deals, but who have been the five winners of the final day of the summer 2017 transfer window? Here, The Boot Room choose our winners:
Fernando Llorente
After BBC Sport claimed that Tottenham had a bid accepted for the striker, it marked a remarkable turnaround. Few people would have expected the 32-year-old to be back playing Champions League football only 12 months after he was bombed out of Juventus after a year on the bench at Sevilla, eventually finding a club at strugglers Swansea.
Southampton
Keeping hold of Virgil van Dijk was undoubtedly key for the Saints on deadline day. Having made their stance clear, it has become a real statement which means so much more than just holding on to one of their best players. Not only have they annoyed a lot of Liverpool fans, but they’ve improved their own standing in the footballing world.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain had his heart set on a move to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp was desperate to get his man. First team football may not be as easily attainable as the England international as may think, but he should be given an opportunity in central midfield as he has wanted for some time.
Mamadou Sakho
Sky Sports claim that Crystal Palace and Liverpool have finally agreed a deal which could put an end to a nightmare year at Liverpool. The best time of the past year for the Frenchman was an enjoyable spell at Selhurst Park that was cut short by injury. Now fit again, he’ll be delighted to be heading back to south London.
Arsenal’s under 23 squad
No longer blighted by the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Lucas Perez, more youngsters will have a shot at reserve team football. The best of the bunch will probably find themselves on the fringes of the first team sooner rather than later two given the lack of depth in some areas of the Arsenal squad. That’s one positive spin on it for the Gunners.