By Matija Šerić
Number 5 – Senne Lammens
The transfer of goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp to Manchester United, worth €21 million, happened on the last day of the transfer window. Although United’s manager Ruben Amorim reassured the public that he was satisfied with the three goalkeepers at his disposal (André Onana, Altay Bayındır and Tom Heaton), the very unconvincing performances of Onana and Bayındır in the opening matches of the new season forced him to sign Belgium’s great prospect. If the Portuguese hadn’t brought in a new goalkeeper, many would have “crucified” him – and they would have been right.
The Red Devils need a long-term goalkeeper who will bring confidence and stability to the back line. The 23-year-old Lammens should do just that. He has the makings of becoming a new Edwin van der Sar: excellent at shot-stopping, clever at dealing with crosses into the box, and with a knack for saving penalties. The drawback is that he has never played in a top league. It will be tough at the beginning in such a big club, and Amorim will need to take a fatherly approach and protect him. It will be interesting to see whether Lammens immediately becomes first-choice or has to wait for his chance.
Number 4 – Florian Wirtz
The transfer of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, worth €125 million, was completed already in June. The 22-year-old German attacker, who can play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or false nine, should provide Liverpool with a secure future. Wirtz is expected to become the successor of Mohamed Salah when the Egyptian leaves in two years at the end of his contract. The football public considers Wirtz one of the best young number 10s. He has spent his whole career at Leverkusen, where he was absolutely brilliant. Technically gifted, football-intelligent, capable of making quick decisions and covering a lot of ground, he is extremely valuable as a team player, even though his individual runs are fantastic. Many compare him to Kevin De Bruyne. If his development continues as before, he should be a real coup for the Reds.
Bryan Mbeumo in the Red Devils
Number 3 – Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer from Brentford to Manchester United cost €75 million, an amount exceeding his market value of €55 million according to Transfermarkt. But the high fee reflects United’s huge desire to bring him in at any cost. He is a forward who plays mainly on the right wing or as a second striker but can also cover other attacking positions. A left-footer, which is especially important for his dribbling, Mbeumo radiates energy and commitment. He is everywhere on the pitch, giving his all in every match.
In United’s matches so far, he has been their best player, clearly bringing a new quality the Red Devils desperately lacked. Amorim got it right with Mbeumo. Last season, he scored 20 goals and added 7 assists. If he can replicate those performances this season, he will be a real sensation. For now, it seems he’s on that path, but much will depend on his teammates, who have once again started the season lethargically.
Isak in Liverpool
Number 2 – Alexander Isak
The transfer of striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Liverpool, worth a staggering €145 million, set a new British transfer record. Although speculation about the Swedish forward of Eritrean descent moving to the English champions lasted all summer, the deal was only completed in the final hours of the transfer window. It’s no surprise the transfer was uncertain: the Magpies were unwilling to part easily with their star player.
Isak is the kind of striker any club would want – especially today, when true number nines are so rare. Standing at 192 cm, athletically powerful, excellent in aerial duels but equally skilled with the ball at his feet, his close control is impressive. Add to that his footballing intelligence, which allows him to find space between the lines and finish clinically, and you have a complete centre-forward.
Even those who haven’t watched much of Isak will know his quality from playing video games like FIFA (FC) or Football Manager. In three seasons with Newcastle, he scored 54 goals. At only 25 years old, this looks like a great deal for the Reds. However, it’s not entirely certain how well the investment will pay off. With such an astronomical fee, the expectations are enormous, and he will be under immense pressure. Few would want to be in his shoes. Strikers often crumble mentally under the weight of such expectations. Isak should justify the investment, but whether he can, time will tell. He will also have to adapt to Liverpool’s system while competing with Hugo Ekitiké.
Osimhen in Galatasaray
Number 1 – Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray, worth €75 million, is historic. Until recently, such a fee for a Turkish club seemed unthinkable, but under ambitious president Dursun Özbek, Galatasaray is reaching new heights. Alongside Osimhen, this summer they also signed Leroy Sané (free), Wilfried Singo (€30 million), Uğurcan Çakır (€27 million), among others.
Osimhen is one of the top five strikers in the world, and the fact he chose to join a Turkish club for such a huge fee is phenomenal news for Turkish football. Until now, the record signing in Turkey was Youssef En-Nesyri’s move to Fenerbahce (€19.5 million).
Osimhen is a true goal machine, and it’s a shame Napoli didn’t value him more – otherwise, they could have sold him for an even higher amount. The Nigerian forward should help Galatasaray win the Süper Lig and make a significant impact in the Champions League. If the Turks decide to sell him later, his price could easily reach €100 million. A true win-win scenario.
