Transfer window for European clubs closed, with few last-minute surprises

The transfer window has officially closed for most European clubs Monday night, and on Tuesday for English Premier League clubs and Manchester United.

French player Anthony Martial Reuters/Eric Gaillard

The biggest surprise is the signing by Manchester United of 19-year-old Monaco striker Anthony Martial for 80 million euros, making him the most expensive teenager in football history.

He is also Manchester United’s third most expensive signing ever after Argentina winger Angel Di Maria and Spain midfielder Juan Mata.

Martial has only played 52 French Ligue 1 matches and scored 11 goals. He has not yet been selected to play for France, but it seems Manchester United is willing to bet on him.

He reminds everyone of countryman Thierry Henry, the Arsenal legend and Barcelona star who helped France win the 1998 World Cup. Comparison between the two players is often made in France, and it will probably be on everyone’s lips in England as well, since both players can play as a striker as well as on the wings.

The other surprise is the collapse of plans for Manchester United's David De Gea to move to Real Madrid. The reason appears to be that the necessary paperwork was not submitted before the Spanish transfer window closed at midnight Monday.

Real Madrid has said it will not appeal against the decision.

Man United Coach Louis van Gaal said he was glad the deal fell through, saying he expected De Gea to maintain his high standard playing for the Red Devils.