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There were several under-the-radar moves on deadline day that caught most people off guard
Transfer deadline day is always filled with unexpected twists, and this year was no exception.
While the headlines were dominated by high-profile moves like Jadon Sancho joining Chelsea and Raheem Sterling’s last-minute move to Arsenal, several unusual deals flew under the radar.
Here’s a look at five of the strangest transfers that took place as the window slammed shut.
Sebastien Haller to Leganes
In one of the most surprising moves of the summer, Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller joined Spanish La Liga side CD Leganés on a season-long loan in the final minutes of the summer window.
The Ivorian international, who helped his country lift the AFCON 2023 trophy on home soil, found himself on the fringes of the squad following the arrivals of Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier.
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With no permanent offers on the table, Dortmund opted to send Haller on loan to LaLiga minnows Leganes, hoping that the increased chance of playing time will get suitors for the striker in future.
Haller will be hoping to rediscover his form in Spain despite Leganes’ lower profile compared to Dortmund and will be hoping to seal a permanent transfer next summer.
Wilfred Zaha to Lyon
Another unexpected move saw Wilfred Zaha, who only recently joined Galatasaray, make a loan switch to Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.
The Ivorian winger, who starred for Crystal Palace in the Premier League before his move to Turkey, found himself on the move again just a year after joining Galatasaray, as his thirst for playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues came to the fore.
Lyon, who were in desperate need of reinforcements after a poor start to the season, snapped up Zaha in a deal reportedly worth €3 million for the loan period with no option to buy included.
This deal appears to be a short-term fix for both parties, and Zaha hopes that playing for Lyon in Ligue 1 and the Europa League will earn him a move to a bigger club.
Tottenham buy part of a player
Tottenham Hotspur made one of the most bizarre moves of the window by selling Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis and, instead of receiving a traditional transfer fee, gained an option to buy part of another player.
In this case, Spurs have secured an option to buy USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who joined Betis earlier this year, for €30 million, although the player remains with the LaLiga club this season.
If Tottenham choose not to exercise this option to buy Cardoso, they will retain a sell-on percentage, effectively ensuring they profit either way as long as the player is sold to another club.
James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest
In what may seem like a strange backward step, now ex-West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse joined Nottingham Forest on loan, just months after moving to the Hammers from Southampton for £30 million.
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Ward-Prowse, who was expected to struggle for game time under new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui following the signings of Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler, will be looking to maximise his game time at Nottingham Forest.
Ward-Prowse became Nottingham Forest’s 10th summer signing, with one more player coming in after him to complete 11 summer signings for the Tricky Tees.
Frank Onyeka to Augsburg
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka also left Brentford for a season-long loan to Bundesliga side Augsburg in the final hours of transfer deadline day.
Despite being a regular contributor to Brentford’s Premier League survival over the past few seasons, Onyeka has sought a new challenge abroad and chose a move to Augsburg on loan.
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The exact terms of the deal remain confidential, but it’s clear that Onyeka is looking for more consistent playing time and a fresh environment.
Augsburg, who finished mid-table in the Bundesliga last season, will hope Onyeka can add energy to their midfield as they hope to challenge the Bundesliga bigwigs for a place in Europe.
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