Chapter 488: With Money, Anything is Possible
As Manchester United defeated Leicester City at home, becoming the only team to secure three consecutive wins in the Premier League and continue to lead the standings, there was more good news in the transfer market.
On Monday, August 28, the Premier League giants Manchester United announced on their official website that England international Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur had officially joined the club, signing a four-year contract.
The announcement did not disclose Harry Kane's transfer fee, but various media outlets confirmed that it was around £120 million. Currently, Harry Kane's market value on the renowned magazine "Transfermarkt" is €70 million, equivalent to approximately £64.8 million.
Considering Harry Kane had just turned 24 and his status as a top English player, everyone knew that transferring to another Premier League team would undoubtedly set a staggering record. Now that his move to Manchester United was officially announced, the £120 million fee indeed more than doubled the previous British transfer record.
Previously, the record was held by Raheem Sterling. In July 2015, Manchester City spent £44 million to bring the talented forward from Liverpool. Including performance-related add-ons, the total cost for the English international reached £49 million.
Of course, the British pound was worth much more two years ago, with an exchange rate of 1.42 to the euro, compared to the current 1.08. However, the £130 million equivalent transfer fee, though astonishing, seemed less shocking considering Paris Saint-Germain's record-breaking €222 million purchase of Neymar from Barcelona earlier this month.
Nevertheless, this still made the English forward the third most expensive player in football history, following Neymar's €222 million and Bruno's €200 million.
...
On the same day as signing Harry Kane, Manchester United also announced that Monaco's talented forward Kylian Mbappe had officially joined the club, signing a five-year contract with a transfer fee of £100 million.
English media deemed this transfer fee reasonable. Although only 18, Mbappe's outstanding performance last season was pivotal in Monaco's triumph over Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Given his age, Manchester United acquiring Mbappe for £100 million was considered a bargain.
To put things in perspective, Ousmane Dembele, who performed less impressively than Mbappe at Borussia Dortmund, transferred to Barcelona for €105 million, roughly £97 million.
Manchester United had to fend off competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, both wealthy clubs, to secure Mbappe. Media reports suggested that Mbappe himself turned down Real Madrid's offer, as he felt he couldn't yet compete with their BBC trio. Playing as a substitute at Real Madrid seemed less appealing than securing a starting position at Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain, which was crucial for his development.
...
Initially, Mbappe leaned towards joining Manchester United, given their clear need for forwards, ensuring his starting position. Moreover, as a top club, Manchester United's legacy and influence in the football world surpassed Paris Saint-Germain's.
Manchester United's biggest draw for Mbappe was Bruno, the Ballon d'Or winner. The prevailing belief in football was that any team with Bruno would not lack trophies. Although Mbappe had won the Ligue 1 title, its prestige paled compared to the Premier League, and with United's strength, they were strong contenders for the Champions League.
However, the whole world knew of Manchester United's urgent need for forwards, and with Paris Saint-Germain not short on funds, Monaco played both clubs against each other, aiming to maximize their earnings from Mbappe's transfer.
It's worth noting that two years ago, Monaco sold Anthony Martial to Manchester United for €60 million when he was relatively unknown.
Indeed, due to Paris Saint-Germain's competition, Manchester United's offer for Mbappe rose from £60 million to £100 million. Yet, at this point, both clubs refused to increase their bids further. Even Paris Saint-Germain halted at this point.
Ultimately, Monaco, aware that the two clubs were controlled by Qatar's capital, allowed Mbappe to choose between them. Mbappe opted for Manchester United, a club with a brighter future.
Thus, both Manchester United and Monaco announced the French prodigy's transfer simultaneously.
Manchester United's dual announcement of over £100 million signings sent shockwaves through the football world. While Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain was more sensational, two top players transferring to the same club for over £100 million each was unprecedented.
At this moment, the world witnessed the true power of wealth. It became clear that with money, anything is possible. Qatar, a small Middle Eastern country, showcased its strength through financial might, convincing the world of its capability to host a successful World Cup.
Despite winning the bid to host the 2022 World Cup seven years ago, Qatar's preparations and the global skepticism persisted. But through these high-profile transfers, Qatar began to win the world's trust.
...
With these consecutive big-money signings, Manchester United's transfer spending this summer soared to the top among the Premier League's BIG6, surpassing Manchester City's £225 million expenditure.
Although United only brought in four players this summer, their total spending reached £276 million, outstripping their city rivals.
However, Manchester United's transfer activities didn't end there. On the transfer deadline day, August 31, United announced another major signing: Riyad Mahrez from former Premier League champions Leicester City.
While the exact transfer fee wasn't disclosed, various media outlets reported it to be around £60 million. Different sources converging on the same number indicated its accuracy.
With Mahrez's addition, Manchester United's transfer spending this summer officially surpassed £300 million, making them the first club in football history to spend over £300 million in a single transfer window.
Last year, Manchester United set a record by spending over €300 million in a single window. This year, they broke another record by surpassing £300 million.
Converted to euros, United's spending in the two transfer windows was relatively close—€341 million last year and €363 million this year, an increase of €22 million.
Most of United's expenditures were in pounds, showcasing the club's financial prowess.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10