The conclusion of the Premier League’s transfer deadline day saw plenty of new faces accrued by Sunderland, Tottenham, Fulham, Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Hull City.
Sunderland secured the services of Lyon winger Malick Fofana despite a late interjection led by Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage to hijack the deal.
Tottenham, meanwhile, completed the signings of Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo and forward Mykhailo Mudryk.
Fofana drama
Fofana signed for Sunderland in a £30.8 million deal, but it was not a smooth process by any means, with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus having to travel to Lyon to convince the player to join the club.
The winger also reportedly changed his mind about joining either Sunderland or Crystal Palace “multiple times” after the London club inserted themselves into the dealings.
Sky Sports states two private jets awaited the player at Lyon airport, with one leaving for the north east and the other for London.
By midnight, Sunderland announced the completion of the Fofana deal.
READ MORE: Enzo Fernández Man City move headlines transfer deadline day amid Chelsea and Everton controversy
Reunited with De Zerbi
“It’s a great feeling. I can’t wait to start training and playing for the club, and I’m so excited to be reunited with Roberto De Zerbi,” Mudryk said after his Spurs move.
“I’m a player who brings speed and creativity, and I want to help in both the offensive and defensive areas. I want to make the fans excited.
“I can see it’s a strong squad here with good players, and I’m looking forward to sharing a pitch and special moments with them.”
Mudryk has joined Spurs on loan, while Tosin’s deal comprises a permanent transfer including £10m up front and £2m in add-ons.
Host of incomings
Fulham completed deals for defender David Affengruber and midfielder Manuel Ángel from La Liga clubs Elche and Real Madrid, respectively.
The west London club moreover added midfielder Hugo Larsson from Eintracht Frankfurt to their playing roster.
Also from Eintracht Frankfurt, Leeds acquired Jean-Matteo Bahoya on loan with an option to buy for £19.7m plus a potential £4.28m in hard-to-achieve add-ons.
Bahoya recorded the fastest speed in the Bundesliga last season.
Finally, Ipswich landed Zian Flemming from Burnley for £20m, while Hull wrapped up six signings, including Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, Brooke Norton-Cuffy from Genoa, Stoke winger Sorba Thomas, Robinio Vaz on loan from Roma and Olympiacos’ Christos Mouzakitis.
READ NEXT: Chelsea nearing deal for Kone, Man City land Iliman Ndiaye, Tottenham close in on Tosin and Mudryk
