So how was the Bundesliga transfer window for you?
While more than £2 billion went towards realising the English Premier League dreams of panic-bought centre-backs, destined-for-Turkey wingers and price-tag-burdened strikers (in the words of The Athletic), there was still plenty to keep fans occupied elsewhere across Europe.
Indeed, there remains a group of players who have somehow existed in European football without colliding with the English juggernaut.
Some of those ply their trade in the German top-flight and, arguably, are better for it.
For it remains one of the most compelling top flights around even if, like so many, top spot appears all but guaranteed.
That is no slight on Bayern Munich incidentally, who are a super team, as reflected by the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds, and it is difficult to see anyone stopping the Bavarians from winning an 11th successive title.
There are reasons why they will probably not relinquish their grip, even following the departure of prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who netted an incredible 344 goals in 375 appearances for Bayern.
Out has gone Lewandowski, in has come 22 year-old Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, a double acquisition from Ajax in right-back Noussair Mazraoui and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, French under-17 captain Mathys Tel and Sadio Mane, the latter of whom marked his competitive debut with a goal and fine all round performance in the German Super Cup Final which kick-started the campaign.
He hasn’t really stopped scoring since as Bayern have made a record start to the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, scoring 15 goals and conceding just one in three commanding victories – it would have been more but for the superb Yann Sommer who set a new Bundesliga record as he made 19 saves to help Borussia Monchengladbach get a 1-1 draw away to the champions last weekend.
In midfield Germany metronome Joshua Kimmich is as consistent as ever, while Marcel Sabitzer is starting to show why manager Julian Nagelsmann was so keen for the Austrian to follow him from Leipzig to Munich last season.
In defence Nagelsmann is also spoilt for choice. Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies are two attacking, confident and top-quality full-backs, while Lucas Hernandez can play on the left-side if needed.
He has mostly been used at centre-back alongside Dayot Upamecano so far, however, with De Ligt sure to muscle into the team more often as the campaign goes on.
Expect more Bundesliga highlights from the German giants who are overwhelming favourites.
There is still much to be excited about elsewhere, though, with a number of exciting new recruits and familiar faces.
From Mane to the reigning Bundesliga player of the year, Christopher Nkunku, from Czech forward Adam Hlozek and Florian Wirtz to Karim Adeyemi and 2014 World Cup match-winner Mario Gotze, many Bundesliga clubs have been working overtime during the transfer window.
Two other deals which stand out for me centre on RB Leipzig.
Firstly, Timo Werner, who has rejoined the club where he is their record scorer.
When the frontman left for Chelsea two years ago, I was convinced he was going to be a smash hit.
For whatever reason that didn’t happen, although he did become a European champion, but I still think he has the potential to become one of the best strikers in Europe.
The 26 year-old netted 78 goals and 31 assists in 127 Bundesliga outings for Die Roten Bullen in his first spell.
He has already teased about how he believes he and Nkunku have the makings of a formidable partnership that can strike fear into opposition teams.
Werner played with Nkunku in the final year of his first spell at Leipzig in 2019/20, when the Saxony club finished third in the Bundesliga and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
By the time you read this, he could well have netted his 100th goal for the club. Watch this space!
Also at Leipzig, David Raum.
After impressing with Greuther Fürth in the second division in 2021, the left-sided specialist became a full Germany international in the space of a year after taking the top-flight by storm with Hoffenheim in his debut Bundesliga campaign last term.
These two recruits could well see them build on last season’s German Cup success.
To highlight the closeknit battle below Bayern, Leipzig are one of the Bundesliga’s five Champions League representatives in this season’s group stage. Domenico Tedesco’s side started the new campaign with something of a bump, but appear to be finding their groove.
Another exciting Bundesliga season certainly beckons after a raft of exciting signings.
The title winners may not change but the chase directly below that could be thrilling.
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