Blockbuster deals highlight English Premier League offseason

The lull in European soccer action over the summer was again filled with a flurry of big-money transfers, with several of the English Premier League’s top clubs spending big to boost their squads ahead of opening day. Here are five of the most significant deals:

Raheem Sterling: Liverpool to Manchester City $76.4 million

Sterling is just 20 but his electrifying pace and swift feet made him the most sought after player of the offseason. Big spending City won the race for his signature.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Bayern Munich to Manchester United $18 million

Germany’s captain is now 31 but is just a year removed from winning the World Cup and remains a tough and astute midfield general.

Petr Cech: Chelsea to Arsenal $16 million

Goalkeeper Cech was the last line of defense for Chelsea for more than a decade but had no intention of playing second fiddle to rising youngster Thibaut Courtois.

Radamel Falcao: Manchester United to Chelsea loan

The world-class Colombian striker struggled in his first season in English soccer but Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho is confident he can revive his fortunes.

Christian Benteke: Aston Villa to Liverpool $50.7 million

Benteke is a powerful and confident forward who is one of the deadliest attackers in the league, but has a long tradition to follow of successful strikers leading the Liverpool line.