Transfer flurry in EPL

Fulham signalled their determination to stay in the English Premier League by becoming the first promoted team to spend more than £100 million (US$128 million) in the summer transfer window.

In an abbreviated trading period when English top-flight clubs collectively spent more than £1.2 billion, there was one anomaly by the close of business yesterday. For the first time since the summer transfer window was introduced 15 years ago, one team spent nothing: Tottenham.

The only addition to the north London club in the new season is a new stadium and even that won’t be ready for the first month — at least.

“It’s not about adding because it’s fashionable to sign players,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

Pochettino decided keeping players was the priority after a third successive top-three finish. Harry Kane committed his future to Tottenham before heading to the World Cup and finishing as the top-scorer as England reached the semi-finals.

Kepa Arrizabalaga never made it on the pitch for Spain in Russia but Chelsea broke the transfer record for a goalkeeper by meeting an €80 million (US$93 million) buyout clause from Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois.

Last season’s top two teams spent nothing yesterday. Champions Manchester City had already signed winger Riyad Mahrez for a club-record £60 million from Leicester. Manchester United signed midfielder Fred, defender Diogo Dalot, and goalkeeper Lee Grant last month, but manager Jose Mourinho was left frustrated in his efforts to further strengthen.