Of all the jewels sold this summer, there was a £1.5m gem: Standard Sport’s transfer window awards

The summer transfer window is now shut and the dust has settled after a hectic few months.

We had expected the window to be a quiet one — particularly as clubs were hit hard financially by the Covid-19 pandemic — but there was plenty of drama.

Lionel Messi left Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United and Arsenal spent a club record £142million on six new recruits.

So what better way to cap off the transfer window closing, by Standard Sport dishing out some awards for those who did the best business.

Best deal — Demarai Gray

This award almost went to Romelu Lukaku, given his goals could hand Chelsea the title. However, at around £1.5m, Gray represents incredibly good value. The winger has made a flying start at Everton and, if he can finally fulfil the promise from his youth, he will be an absolute bargain.

Best club performance — Chelsea

Manchester United come close here given they signed Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane — but Chelsea just pip it. The Blues got exactly what they needed in striker Lukaku, while midfielder Saul Niguez looks an astute loan signing. They did miss out on a centre-back, but they also turned a profit during the window.

Best deadline day — Crystal Palace

It was not really the frantic deadline day we have seen in the past. Crystal Palace, however, probably did the best business as they finally ended their search for a new striker by bringing in Odsonne Edouard from Celtic. The Eagles will hope the Frenchman can transfer his fine form in Scotland to the Premier League.

One to watch — Tino Livramento

Plenty of clubs were chasing Livramento this summer after he opted to leave Chelsea. In the end, Southampton won the race and the right-back is already making waves on the south coast. The 18-year-old has immeadiately broken into the first time and his price tag of £5m looks decent value.

Most unexpected move — Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United caught everyone by surprise, not least because at one point it looked as if he was off to their rivals Manchester City. United, however, made a late swoop to bring him back to Old Trafford. Aston Villa’s shock move for Danny Ings gets an honourable mention here.

Best loan — Saul Niguez

Another nod to Chelsea here as Saul scoops the award. The midfielder has a reported release clause of more than £100m, but somehow the Blues have got him on loan for the season. Tottenham signing Cristian Romero deserves praise too, while Crystal Palace nabbing Conor Gallagher for the year looks sensible as well.

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