There’s nothing quite like the final day of the summer transfer window. Every year, Deadline Day delivers its own blend of chaos, surprise, and last-minute brinkmanship and the 2023 edition didn’t disappoint. From blockbuster Premier League moves to clever continental loans, clubs across Europe scrambled to get their business done before the shutters came down.

Here are five of the best (or simply most intriguing) signings from Deadline Day 2023.

Sofyan Amrabat – Manchester United (Loan, Fiorentina)

Manchester United finally landed the midfielder Erik ten Hag had been chasing all summer. Amrabat, one of Morocco’s stars at the 2022 World Cup, arrived on loan from Fiorentina with an option to buy.

This one dragged on for weeks, but United got their man just in time. His relentless energy, tactical discipline and comfort in tight spaces make him a natural fit for Ten Hag’s midfield rebuild, and a potentially transformative late summer addition.

Cole Palmer – Chelsea (£40m, Manchester City)

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising permanent deal of the day. Chelsea continued their lavish squad overhaul by snapping up 21-year-old Cole Palmer from Manchester City.

Palmer had impressed in cameos, scoring in the Community Shield and the UEFA Super Cu, but few expected City to let him go. For Chelsea, though, he offers creativity, versatility across the front line, and the potential to blossom into a top-level Premier League star. A gamble? Absolutely. But a fascinating one.

Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool (£34m, Bayern Munich)

Liverpool’s midfield revolution got its finishing touch with the signing of 21-year-old Ryan Gravenberch. Once seen as one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects, Gravenberch struggled to settle at Bayern after his 2022 move from Ajax.

Under Jürgen Klopp, he gets a fresh start, and in a system that suits his ball-carrying ability, press resistance, and athleticism. Not a typical Deadline Day panic buy; rather, a thoughtful long-term addition.

Brennan Johnson – Tottenham Hotspur (£47.5m, Nottingham Forest)

With Harry Kane gone and Ange Postecoglou reshaping Spurs’ attack, the club turned to a player the manager has admired for some time. Brennan Johnson’s move from Forest was among the day’s priciest deals.

At just 22, Johnson offers raw pace, direct running, and versatility across the frontline, traits that fit Postecoglou’s high-tempo approach. Tottenham paid big, but there’s huge upside if he continues his upward trajectory.

João Cancelo – Barcelona (Loan, Manchester City)

One of the window’s longest-running sagas finally reached its conclusion on Deadline Day. Cancelo, out of favour at Manchester City and coming off a spell at Bayern, secured his move to Barcelona.

For Xavi, it’s a dream fit: a technically gifted full-back who can invert into midfield, overload attacks, and provide elite progression. For Cancelo, it’s a chance to reboot his career in a system tailored to his strengths.

Final Whistle

Deadline Day 2023 may not have delivered the true shockers of years past, but it did bring drama, blockbuster moves, and plenty of talking points. From young stars searching for bigger roles to established names seeking fresh starts, this summer’s final flurry captured exactly what makes the window so addictive.

Now, all that’s left is the fun part: seeing who actually lives up to the hype.