Transfer deadline day: Chelsea sign Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling joins Arsenal

Aug. 31, 2024, 5:12 a.m.

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Chelsea reached an agreement to bring Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, while Raheem Sterling left Stamford Bridge to join Arsenal. Notably, Sterling's move to Arsenal was a last-minute loan transfer after a frantic transfer deadline day in the Premier League.

The winger Sancho joined the Blues on a loan deal with a mandatory permanent transfer next season for £25 million ($33 million).

Manchester United has acknowledged the financial setback associated with the 24-year-old player, who has not met expectations following his substantial £73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.

Advertisement Sancho has not played a league game for United since posting on social media he had been made a “scapegoat” for poor performances just under a year ago.

However, he truly excelled during a temporary return to Dortmund in the latter half of the previous season, playing a key role in the German team's journey to the Champions League final.

Sancho’s arrival adds to Chelsea’s bloated squad, but one of those outcast by new boss Enzo Maresca has found a new home as Sterling moved across London to Arsenal.

The England international previously worked with Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta during their time at Manchester City.

Sterling, who joined Chelsea for £50 million from City just two years ago, was among several players encouraged to seek a new club.

The 29-year-old forward bolsters Arsenal's attacking lineup in their pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2004.

“Looking at everything, I’m just like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super-happy that we got it over the line,” the BBC quoted Sterling as saying after completing a season-long loan move.

Chelsea’s attempts to agree a deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen fell through.

The Saudi club Al-Ahli had expressed interest in the Nigerian forward but ultimately signed English striker Ivan Toney.

Brentford have reportedly received a £40 million fee for Toney.

“We thank him for so many magic moments and wish him all the best for his next chapter. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend,” said Bees manager Thomas Frank.

Advertisement Man Utd sign Ugarte

Manchester United finalized a transfer for Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, paying a fee of 50 million euros (approximately £42 million).

“Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be,” said the 23-year-old.

Ugarte becomes the Red Devils’ fifth major signing of the window after Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.

Erik ten Hag expressed his disappointment over Scott McTominay's departure, after the Scottish midfielder joined Napoli.

Arsenal strengthened their goalkeeping options by securing the services of Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. This move comes after Aaron Ramsdale departed for Southampton in a £25 million transfer.

Despite acknowledging the risk, Manchester City opted against making any significant signings on deadline day. Guardiola acknowledged the risk of not replacing Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid earlier in the month.

“Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time,” said Guardiola on his preference for a smaller squad.

Newcastle frustrated

Crystal Palace remained active on the final day of the transfer window, despite rejecting interest in their captain, Marc Guehi, from Newcastle.

The Eagles signed striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £30 million, French defender Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg and a loan deal for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.

Advertisement Wolves strengthened their roster by acquiring Brazilian midfielder Andre from Fluminense for £21 million and English goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Nottingham Forest acquired West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse on loan and Brazilian defender Morato from Benfica.

Newcastle, backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, have encountered obstacles in their bid for immediate Premier League dominance due to financial sustainability regulations.

The Magpies were unable to secure any significant new players during this transfer period.

“I don’t think the dream dies, necessarily, but I think it takes a lot longer,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on his club’s bold ambitions of becoming English champions within a decade of the Saudi takeover in 2021.

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