Why the Biggest Premier League Transfers of Summer 2020 Happened

Some clubs have been more active than others, all in bid to improve on their standing. This leaves bookmakers and punters to place or offer wagers on Premier League betting markets based on how fresh faces might enhance a team's odds. With that in mind, we looked at what the biggest transfers in English football were in 2020, and how and why they came about. 

Kai Havertz

Germany international Kai Havertz became Chelsea's record signing when a £72,000,000 offer tempted Bayer Leverkusen to cash in on their prized asset. Adept in an advanced midfield role or playing on the wing, he was bought to compliment another Bundesliga import to Stamford Bridge, striker Timo Werner.

It is a well-travelled path from Germany to West London with a few others having pulled on the Blues jersey before Havertz including Robert Huth, Michael Ballack, Andre Schurrle, and Antonio Rudiger. Havertz has an eye for spectacular goals and has drawn comparisons to Ballack when deployed in the middle of the park.

Chelsea's spending topped £220,000,000 in total, with almost a third of that spent on one player. It is a hefty price-tag that Havertz has to justify, but Blues boss Frank Lampard potentially has someone he can mould in his own image from his career on the pitch.

Havertz isn't short on competition for a starting spot at the Bridge, thanks to Christian Pulisic, fellow new arrival Hakim Ziyech, and England pair Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount among others. This new-look Chelsea means business and is counting on Havertz for creativity in attacking areas.

Ruben Dias

It is probably too simplistic to say that Manchester City lost out on a third consecutive Premier League title last season because they failed to replace departing captain and defensive leader Vincent Kompany. Although his absence in the dressing room and organising Pep Guardiola's backline was keenly felt all the same.

Having reportedly baulked at paying £80,000,000 for Harry Maguire, City chiefs had no compunction splashing a club record £65,000,000 on Benfica and Portugal centre back Ruben Dias this summer. Whilst playing for his country, he has learned from the likes of Pepe about the art of defending.

City has already spent big on rearguard recruitment in past transfer windows, and it's fair to say the results have been a mixed bag. Aymeric Laporte has talent but is injury prone like Kompany before him, while John Stones drifts in and out of favour.

Netherlands defender Nathan Ake was also purchased for upwards of £40,000,000, so Dias doesn't have so much pressure on his shoulders to be an immediate hit at the Etihad. In spite of that, City spending over £100,000,000 on a new centre back pairing is something they need to see a return on in the long-term.