We’re in the dog days of the Summer, and news is flying in every direction as the transfer window is open. I feel it’s a good time to look at both what’s already occurred and how each team can move forward and improve their squad going into next season. The investment in Premier League clubs seemingly continues to increase, and we are bound to see some more massive moves before things kick off this August.
I’ll highlight where 8 of the Premier League’s major clubs stand, and a few transfers that could help them progress to greater heights then they’ve achieved in previous seasons. I’ll also look at some important points for the remaining 12 clubs. Let’s get into it.
Manchester City
Player In: Mateo Kovacic, CM, Chelsea
Players Out: IIkay Gundogan, CM, Barcelona
Where They Stand:
This team just won the treble and will only get better. I could stop here honestly because I truly don’t believe any of the other clubs have a chance at the title with how ridiculous this squad is.
I will say, the presence of Ilkay Gundogan heading to Barcelona is a significant loss. Year in, and year out, Gundogan has been very clutch for City down the stretch, and Pep has trusted him in the clubs’ biggest matches. Luckily for City, they have unlimited funds so they can make up for this loss by acquiring basically anyone in the world they would like.
If you’re reading this, you likely don’t care about City. They have no fans. Nobody cares about them. So, I’ll keep this simple. They stand at the mountain top, and unfortunately, they will be very hard to catch.
Transfer Targets:
Josko Gvardiol, CB, RB Leipzig
It’s been reported that the club has already agreed to terms with the Croatian. RB Leipzig apparently wants more than €100M for the CB, and it’s likely at this point they will meet that demand. This feels a great fit and a massive upgrade for the club.
Gvardiol has played most of his career on the left side of a back four, but also has experience on the left side of back three for Croatia. He has shown himself to be strong both offensively and defensively. This is a player who is strong in build-up play, with progressive passing, the ability to create shots, and effective dribbling technique. Along with this, he is fast and applies pressure with incredible closing speed. This ability allows him to flourish going forward and doesn’t take away from his defensive duties. He really feels like everything you want in a modern CB. By going into a Pep side that maintains so much possession and is often beat on the counterattack, he truly is everything they are looking for.
Archaf Hakimi, RB, PSG
At this point, it seems City are set to lose both Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo. As they’ve moved toward using a back three, a massive player who can fly up and down the right side of the pitch and contribute on both ends could be a good piece for Pep’s structure. He seemingly could play in Cancelo’s role, which has been huge for City in years past. The combination of PSG taking offers for him, along with Pep’s unlimited funds and need at this position, feels like a formula where this could very well happen.
Hakimi has played for clubs such as Real Madrid, Dortmund, Inter, and PSG. A move to the Premier League is one of the few things he hasn’t experienced at this point. City could be getting a player who, at 24, is among the best at his position. His speed is ridiculous, and he’s able to get to any area of the pitch very fast. He provides a lot of assists, lobbing passes into the box at will. His heat maps show that he touches the ball in all three sections of the pitch. He’s a player that Pep can really squeeze the most out of, given how strong he is in possession. City obviously possess the ball at a high rate, and they would be getting another star here by adding Hakimi to the mix as a direct replacement for the type of player Pep loves in Walker and Cancelo.
Arsenal
Player In: Kai Havertz, CAM, Chelsea
Players Out: Pablo Mari, CB, Monza / Reiss Nelson, W, FA
Where They Stand:
Arsenal broke the record for number of days to stand atop the table and not win the title (248 days). It’s quite clear the strides they’ve made this past year are massive, but they certainly need more to take things to the next level, and it feels like a lot of options are on the table for them.
Kai Havertz to Arsenal is at the finish line, so let’s talk about him. It feels like they’ve paid a steep price (£65M) for a player who was once rated as the next great CAM. I’m not exactly sure why they’ve done this, given how their attack has been the strongest part of the team and this investment could have been used elsewhere. Where does he fit is the biggest question here. Both Odegaard and Trossard provide what Havertz gives and more in my opinion. He can play in any 3 spots of a 4-2-3-1, but who does he displace? Arteta found strength in the 4-3-3, but would they play him in midfield with Odegaard, or would that be too much of a defensive liability to play both? These are all questions I don’t have answers to, but I feel are worth asking. It will be interesting to see how he fits. It could be lightning in a bottle. It could also be nothing but an empty bottle.
Transfer Targets:
Declan Rice, CDM, West Ham
The top two clubs from last season have been dueling to secure the 24-year old’s signature, and at this point, it seems as if Arsenal will land him when it’s all said and done. City have entered the race late and forced Arsenal into forking over a whopping £105M. I personally am surprised Rice won’t push for the chance to win trophies forever on a massive wage under one of the greatest managers ever, but is that not telling on how much players love Arteta? Arsenal deserves a ton of credit if they are able to get this done and get themselves a massive player in a spot they very much need.
They are getting another extreme talent that will only get better under Arteta. With Partey being phased out, and Xhaka now seemingly gone, this is exactly the player they need to move forward and have more success with this current squad. He has everything you’d want as a CDM. He gets forward and is able to contribute offensively while also being able to hold up his defensive duties. He developed his game to become a player who could function in a box-to-box role when he originally was solely a CDM and even at times a CB. Arsenal is paying a steep price and competing with a title contending rival, but Rice can be well worth it as a talent and a future captain at this club.
Jurrien Timber, CB, Ajax
It’s been reported that Arsenal have made a bid to Ajax for just under €50M, and that Timber has already agreed to personal terms. This move would be massive for Arsenal, who absolutely could use another strong CB to mix into their rotation. The injury to William Saliba was detrimental to Arsenal’s title hopes down the stretch, and a player like Timber could have really filled that void.
Timber fits the mold of what clubs look for at his position today. His passing is fantastic, his ability to carry the ball forward is among the best at his position, and he’s not afraid to touch the ball in all three areas of the field. While he is a bit shorter, it hasn’t seemed to take away from his game. He communicates well, has great anticipation, and is aggressive with his approach defensively. He is another product of the great Ajax system and should transition just fine to Premier League football.
Manchester United
Player In: None
Players Out: David de Gea, GK, FA / Phil Jones, CB, FA
Where They Stand:
Although they finished 3rd, it feels that Ten Hag’s side has overachieved and is in real need of a bit of an overhaul. It has felt a bit different for United since he arrived, but they still need to take out some of the old and bring in some new faces. This is a club that is often full of meaningless rumors and gets taxed heavily due to their popularity and wealth.
The need for a ST is so blatantly obvious for this club. It feels like they have a lot of good pieces but struggle to score when Rashford isn’t in insane form. Could you imagine Harry Kane on this team? I won’t classify him as a target, because it just doesn’t feel like it would happen, but he would unlock a lot for this team. As would any true striker that could finish chances generated by the likes of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. The range of outcomes for United this season will come down to how they work this summer window. If they can get a ST and potentially some help in midfield, the sky is the limit for them this season.
Victor Osimhen, ST, Napoli
After a massive title winning season with Napoli, Osimhen’s value skyrocketed, and it feels he’s bound to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world. With voids here at United, at Real Madrid, and at Bayern, there could be a big bidding war for this player. Hes supremely talented and could be worth every penny if he continues to grow into one of the best ST’s in the world.
Osimhen brings a superior presence as a striker. His big physical frame, ability to win aerial duels, and acceleration makes defenders jobs more difficult than the average player. His first touch is excellent, and he plays a big role in build up play with great movement all over the final third. You may have heard this before, but he’s everything a team is looking for at his position. United would be lucky to get a player of his quality in to finish all those chances that have been missed without a true Number 9.
Andre Onana, GK, Inter
With recent news that United have backed out of contract extension talks with David de Gea, along with the availability of Onana with Inter needing to raise funds, this move could be the perfect storm. Onana’s value has resurged after a great season where he went to the Champions League Final and finished 3rd in Serie A.
This feels like a big upgrade to de Gea, who United fans have grown sick of as the years have gone on. Onana is great with the ball at his feet, he’s shown composure and he’s a strong passer. He has several years of experience under his belt with Ajax and Inter, but at 27, there’s reason to believe there’s even more to develop his game. His clean sheet numbers are good behind Inter’s back 3, and while United’s less defensive style may force the ball to him more often, United should be confident that this is a solid, long-term fix at a massive position.
Newcastle United
Player In: Sandro Tonali, CDM, AC Milan
Players Out: Chris Wood, ST, Nottingham Forest / Matty Longstaff, CM, FA
Where They Stand:
Get used to seeing this team’s name toward the top. Newcastle United hit the scene last season and are here to stay. With the club now being backed by the P.I.F., this is only the beginning of a large investment and inevitable rise to the top. It may be hard to project this trajectory, as they purchased several middle tier players last season that stuck like glue, but at any moment they could go get an elite talent for an absurd price.
It also kind of feels like they can upgrade anywhere. They have a bunch of middle level talent, and they are deep enough to rotate players in and out without losing quality in their Starting XI. If they are able to get some stars in the mix, they can really take things to the next level. I believe they can make it to the summit sooner than later with proper scouting to go with this large investment.
Nicolo Barella, CM, Inter
Several teams have been vying for the services of 26-year-old Nicolo Barella, and as Newcastle have shown, they are looking to invest at this position. They’ve got Bruno Guimaraes, they’ve just secured Sandro Tonali for €70M from AC Milan, and the potential addition of Barella, along with the strides of Joe Willock this past season, gives them a very, very strong and young midfield moving forward. Howe wouldn’t need to do much more then this for years to come with this kind of quality, and their money could be spent elsewhere.
Although Barella is a bit smaller than your average player in this position, he brings a ton of energy and is aggressive defensively. He finds himself covering a lot of ground and is a true box-to-box type midfielder that could have a large impact. His ability to contribute with key passes and through balls brings a great edge to offensive game. Like many others we’ve mentioned so far, Barella has it all, and is a manager’s dream to bring into a midfield looking for improvement.
Dominik Szoboszlai, CAM, RB Leipzig
There hasn’t been much on Szoboszlai to Newcastle, but with the player being rumored for a move, along with the need for them at this position, it feels within reason to discuss this one. With a valuation of €60M, there’s no reason for Newcastle not to discuss what could be a great option and a massive upgrade. Newcastle could definitely use improvement on the wings. I personally don’t feel players such as Allen Saint-Maximin, Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser are going to cut it if they’d like to sustain Champions League football.
Szoboszlai brings a bunch of creativity, which I feel Newcastle need desperately in the final third. He is technically gifted and has all the raw traits you look for in an attacking player. He is also a set piece threat who could help relieve some of the pressure on Trippier. It feels there are so many layers to Szoboszlai’s game that have yet to have been found, and in a system like Newcastle, who are strong at the back and in need of more attacking threat to turn draws into wins, this is the exact type of player they need to take the next step.
Liverpool
Player In: Alexis Mac Allister, CM, Brighton
Players Out: Bobby Firmino, ST, FA / Naby Keita, CM, Werder Bremen / James Milner, CM, Brighton / Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, CM, FA
Where They Stand:
Liverpool regressed significantly last season. They had chased the Quadruple in 2021-22, which included losing the league title by one point to Manchester City and losing the Champions League Final by a goal to Real Madrid (I threw up just now typing this sentence). To go from that, to now playing Europa League football, is a serious downgrade. There are obvious flaws in this side, and it feels Klopp & company are in the midst of bringing this club into a new era, with several players who have won gold with the club now out the door.
It wasn’t hard to see Liverpool’s greatest problem last season was in midfield. With Keita, Milner and Ox now gone, and with the drop off in play from players like Fabinho and Henderson, a complete transformation is needed here. We still don’t know where Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott will fit in the long-term picture. They’ve already made one stride in signing Alexis Mac Allister, who will provide a lot of what Liverpool was missing last season.
You’ll notice among my targets are several midfielders. As a Liverpool fan, I’ve decided to give you four transfer targets, because it really does feel like all sorts of help is needed. I believe two more midfielders, as well as a rotational defender, would make for a spectacular window for Liverpool and could really get them back to their competitive ways. It’s hard to be optimistic that FSG will splash this Summer with how stingy they’ve been at times. The investment is needed to keep up with the top clubs and continue the legacy and resurgence of the club that’s been the Klopp era.
Transfer Targets:
Gabri Veiga, CM, Celta Vigo
Among all the smoke, Veiga feels like the most realistic option for Liverpool to add to their arsenal in midfield. While he doesn’t fill their biggest need, which in my opinion is a true defensive midfielder to compete with Fabinho, he certainly will help in progressing the ball to and through the final third. While many think Mac Allister will fill the role of being a more forward-thinking midfielder, I think Veiga is better suited for that role, with Mac Allister being a bit more defensive-minded alongside him.
Veiga can dribble the ball with confidence into the final third. He’s the type of player that is always looking to progress the ball, both as a passer and making runs himself. He has strong balance and is not afraid to use his body on the ball. His decision making and composure with the ball could use some work, but I feel that can come easily under Klopp with time, as he’s still only 21. His eagerness to shoot hasn’t been a bad thing either, and he scored 11 goals to Celta Vigo last season. He’s a player who can compete for Henderson’s spot as an RCM. His potential along with his price tag make it reasonable to believe Klopp can bring him in and turn him into a long-term piece of the puzzle for Liverpool’s success.
Khephren Thuram, CM, OGC Nice
There’s a lot to like about Khephren Thuram, and it’s easy to see why Klopp would love to have him. Thuram brings a ton of flare both offensively and defensively. He’s a player who could take Curtis Jones’ current role as an LCM and run with it. Thuram to Liverpool has been spoken of all over the internet, with interest seemingly coming in waves, although no traction on movement with Nice seems to be had. Ibou Konate has spoken very highly of his French teammate and made it very clear he’d be happy to help Thuram adjust to life in Liverpool.
Thuram would bring all the energy that’s been sucked out of the club this past season. He’s capable of playing as a Number 6 in place of Fabinho, but he’s likely better suited as a Number 8. He possesses a well-rounded ability at midfield that Liverpool don’t currently have. He’s huge at 6’4” and would bring physicality that’s been lost in midfield. He’s a skilled passer, he isn’t afraid to get dirty and use his large frame, he can accelerate both in possession and while chasing possession, and his defensive awareness is a notch above most at his age. This may be my favorite option for Liverpool, who as I’ve said, could use just about everything this player brings to the table.
Manu Kone, CM, Borussia Mönchengladbach
It’s been said that Thuram and Kone may come in as a “package deal”, and the two being spotted together recently only added fuel to this file. As much as I’d love to see both in red this August, I’d be very happy with either option. Kone I feel fits more of what is needed for Liverpool, and that’s a true Number 6 that can compete and eventually replace Fabinho. These types of players are hard to come by, and Kone’s projected €40M is a fair price to pay for his services.
Kone has shown he’s comfortable with his back to the goal, which is so important for his role as a CDM. He moves around the pitch very well and has the vision to make tackles and draw fouls with the best of them. He has been strong at progressing the ball from deep midfield up the pitch. If there is an area he can improve, it will be doing this further up the pitch, but Klopp and Fabinho are more than capable of developing this part of his game. Overall, I don’t feel he’s ready to assume Fabinho’s role full time, but it’s the perfect opportunity to get a guy who can transition into this very important role.
Benjamin Pavard, CB/RB, Bayern Munich
While Pavard certainly wouldn’t be the sexiest signing in the world, it would provide Liverpool with another strong CB/RB option that can be reliable when asked to step up. He has a ton of senior experience at 27-years-old and can help solve some of the defensive woes that were exposed this past season. Joe Gomez cannot be relied on at this point, and it feels like he’s played himself out of a reliable role at the club. Trent Alexander-Arnold was moved into a more central midfield role late last season, causing Liverpool to work in more of a back three than what was previously a back four with him as a traditional RB. Pavard can bring support to this back three if they want to keep Trent in such a role, as well as give Trent rest and play as a traditional RB himself.
His price tag would be reasonable, as his contract at Bayern is up in just a year’s time. I feel like the minutes will be there for him, with rotation being more important than it ever has been. Pavard has shown himself to be reliable in the biggest stages of world football. He’s rock solid defensively and he can move the ball up the pitch super effectively. His work speaks for itself, and although you won’t hear his name often, that’s probably a good thing given his non-flashy role.
Brighton
Player In: James Milner, CM, Liverpool / Mahmoud Dahoud, CM, Dortmund / Joao Pedro, ST, Watford
Players Out: Alexis Mac Allister, CM, Liverpool
Where They Stand:
Yes, we are only talking about 8 teams, and yes, one of them is Brighton. They’ve earned that respect after finishing 6th in the Premier League this past season. Europa League is in their future, and it’s a big season for a club that plugs young talent in for developed players who are sold at high fees. It’ll be very interesting to see how the rest of their transfer window goes, as they have more to play for this upcoming season than they have in previous years.
Similar to Newcastle, they could really improve anywhere. Unlike Newcastle, they don’t have unlimited funds. It’d be unrealistic to expect them to have a big splash this Summer, although maybe they opt to retain more talent than they normally do. They’ve already sold Mac Allister, but keeping players such as Caicedo, Mitoma, Enciso, and Estupinan will only help them repeat their prior successes.
Mohamed Kudus, W, Ajax
Kudus has already been linked to a move to Brighton, and it feels at this point he is their top target. While Brighton do have several attacking options who have shown a lot of quality, why not bring in a player like Kudus who has such a high ceiling?
Kudus is super versatile, and has the ability to play as a striker, central at CAM and down the right on the wing. At 22-years-old, and under the leadership of De Zerbi, there is a ton of room for this player to grow into a massive asset. Kudus has the ball on a string when it’s at his feet, has excellent burst, and can carry the ball aggressively through defenders. They don’t have any players right now that feel like they can reach another level in their attack with the exception of maybe Enciso, who’s 19. Kudus gives them another layer to help them keep their status among the big six clubs.
Mohammed Salisu, CB, Southampton
I think there’s a clear hole here for Brighton, and there’s no better way to fill it than by grabbing a guy with superb potential from a team that’s just been relegated. It shouldn’t cost them a ton and with how they get the most out of their players, this feels like a great option. Left footed CB Levi Colwill is headed back to Chelsea after his loan spell, leaving this spot open for someone to step in. Enter Mohammed Salisu, who they could bring over for less than €20M.
Salisu stands at a tall 6’3” and overwhelms his opposition with his large frame. He’s not a player that gets beat 1 on 1 due to his physical traits, and he also wins aerial duals often. Salisu defensive awareness is also a strength of his, as he finds himself in the right place more often than not. He also is fine with the ball at his feet, playing with composure and passing with precision. At 24, there is room for growth in putting it all together, and De Zerbi can unlock that. This is the type of move that flies under the radar and ends up to be massive for a club like Brighton who is competitive each season.
Spurs
Player In: Pedro Porro, RB, Sporting / Dejan Kulusevski, CAM, Juventus / Guglielmo Vicario, GK, Empoli
Players Out: Lucas Moura, W, FA
Where They Stand:
Tottenham stand exactly where they have for the last several seasons, and that’s with no trophies. Except this time, they won’t be competing in the Champions League. With the hire of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs will look to right the ship and get back to their competitive ways. The biggest question at this point is whether or not they will be doing so with Harry Kane. As we’ve discussed earlier, there are several massive clubs looking for a ST. It appears Spurs will not sell to another Premier League club and are looking for €100M for the 29-year-olds’ services. Bayern submitted the most recent bid of €70M, and we will now see if the sides can come to an agreement.
This club is standing in mud, but how do they get out of it? Will they sell Kane and attempt to move into a new era with some younger players to go with their new manager? Does that mean moving on from Heung-Min Son as well? It’s a big decision for Daniel Levy, who hasn’t had the success he’s hoped for with these superstars wearing the white and blue. Something’s gotta give here, and it’s gotta happen soon.
Transfer Targets:
James Maddison, CAM, Leicester City
It seems this move is getting closer and closer to happening. A fee of €46.5M has been agreed upon for Maddison who’s already agreed to personal terms and seems ready to move here. Maddison has been a bright spot for Leicester as their plummet to relegation occurred. He had 10 goals and 9 assists this past season. It’s hard to project the clubs’ exact needs before seeing how Postecoglou is going to set this team up, but Maddison will bring quality to whatever position they wish to play him.
He can play really in any attacking role he’s given, but it seems he’s most effective as a true Number 10. He was a standout for a team that was so poor on both ends of the pitch. He is statistically pleasing to the eye as well, as he was 4th for key passes, 7th for through balls, 5th for goals inside the box, 3rd for goals outside the box, and 4th for shots on target among attacking midfielders in the Premier League. Putting this type of player in a side that has a top goalscoring threat, solid support on the wings, and an improving defensive structure will give Maddison a platform to take his game to the next level.
Edmond Tapsoba, CB, Bayer Leverkusen
Spurs have had all sorts of issues when it comes to defending. They’ve tried to get support here, but nothing has seemed to work. By looking to bring in a player like Tapsoba, Spurs will get themselves someone who has much more potential than any of the other CB’s currently in the squad. They’ve brought in Vicario from Empoli to hopefully succeed Lloris effectively, and they are on their way to providing more attacking support for Kane. A €30M solution to their biggest problem seems reasonable for Postecoglou.
Things get chaotic in the back for Spurs often, and those are situation’s Tapsoba has shown he can thrive. He is smart, has great instincts and a great physique that helps him in times of desperation. He knows when to use his frame and when to challenge attackers with solid tackling numbers. He deals with crosses really well and is an effective passer forward through midfield. This is a player who could be ready to be thrown into the fire, and high caliber minutes amongst great European clubs is the next step to see if he really is ready to become a top-level CB.
Chelsea
Player In: Christopher Nkunku, CAM, RB Leipzig
Players Out: N’Golo Kante, CDM, Al-Itthiad / Kalidou Koulibaly, CB, Al-Hilal / Mateo Kovacic, CM, Man City / Hakim Ziyech, CAM, Al-Nassr / Edouard Mendy, GK, Al-Ahli
Where They Stand:
Conversely to Spurs, we don’t really know at all where Chelsea stand. Todd Boehly came in and started throwing money around on all sorts of players, which at face value, should be a good thing. The problem is that there hasn’t seemed to be a rhyme or reason as to how the players he bought will fit together. They seemingly have a bunch of CAMs and no true ST, and it’s caused them to have a ton of problems scoring. Havertz has had to play a ST, but it’s simply not where he’s suited.
There really is A LOT going on here. With Mauricio Pochettino now taking the reins as Manager, Chelsea has to look at getting rid of a lot of these players who are a part of previous regimes and just haven’t fit in this massive squad of misfits. With all this going out, Chelsea fans are hoping to inject some more new talent that is better suited to fit what they already have in their squad. There is reason to believe Chelsea can turn things around faster than other clubs in such a state, but it will take much better scouting for Todd Boehly to go and buy the right players for Poch and company.
Transfer Targets:
Nicolas Jackson, ST, Villarreal
All signs are pointing toward 22-year-old Nicolas Jackson making the move from Villareal to Chelsea for €35M. This is an interesting step for Chelsea, who will attempt to get themselves a ST that works in the system Pochettino will be building at Stamford Bridge. As I’ve already mentioned, this is a piece Chelsea has been missing for some time now. They really couldn’t score at all. Jackson scored 10 goals since the new year, and he, along with Christopher Nkunku, could finally spark a flame for this attack.
Chelsea was able to generate chances despite their issues scoring, and now they’ll get a guy who can finish them. His chance conversion rate was among the best in La Liga, and he’s able to contribute in build up play with key passes as well. He can hold up possession and create chances for fellow attackers flying up the wing. He’s not a traditional Number 9 in that he poaches chances generated by others, but his ability to create them will give Chelsea more chances to score. Jackson can turn out to be one of the more underrated successful signings this Summer if he’s able to gel well with those sticking around in Poch’s new system.
Moises Caicedo, CDM, Brighton
Nothing is done here, but there’s a clear need at CDM for Chelsea with their midfield turning over largely this Summer. This club isn’t afraid to spend, so why not consider paying up for last year’s breakout star from Brighton, Moises Caicedo. It’s already been rumored that Chelsea will enter talks with Brighton, who they have a good working relationship with already.
Per transfermarkt, Caicedo’s value was €6M a year ago. Today, he’s worth a whopping €75M. Chelsea may not end up in a bidding war with Arsenal anymore due to Rice, but Brighton will demand a whole lot for his signature. He was outstanding for Columbia during the World Cup and got his name on the map with these performances. The box-to-box midfield position has come easy to him in his trajectory. His physical profile is intimidating, his defensive traits are impressive and natural to him, and his ability to get forward, find space and pass into tight windows make him the perfect chess piece for a coach looking to improve a midfield in need.
The Best of the Rest
Aston Villa: It’s been reported that Unai Emery’s side is due for a large investment. They have been discussed to be involved in talks for players such as Frederico Chiesa, Tyler Adams and Pau Torres. It appears Villa look to stay in the range of a Top 8 finish and will be a tough match for any of the squads in the Premier League.
Brentford: The obvious hole Thomas Frank will have to fill is that of Ivan Toney. They might just have that answer in Kevin Schade who’s officially signed from Freiburg. Although he plays predominately on the left, there’s a part of his game that could see him be effective as a Number 9. Be on the lookout for him this season as he garners more minutes. Overall, i’m just not sure this team can sustain it’s prior success, but Frank’s a great coach and they aren’t something to look away from.
Fulham: This team came back up from the Championship and got themselves an impressive 10th-place finish. I’m not quite sure how Marco Silva will go about improving this squad, but they’ll surely hope to deliver similar results to last season.
Crystal Palace: Palace once again found themselves with a mid-table finish last season. It appears their star Wilfred Zaha will find himself a new home, but the rise of players such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise give Palace fans hope in their attack moving forward. It feels Palace will continue to be Palace, and that’s a staple in the middle of the Premier League table moving forward.
Wolves: Wolverhampton went from a defensive force to a leaky mess. There hasn’t been much this Summer on what this side full of Portuguese roots will do, but the loss of Ruben Neves will be a big hole for them to fill. Im fearful for the future of this club that once had so much hope.
West Ham: The Hammers will be counting their Delcan Rice money sooner than later, and what they will do with it remains a mystery. While they floundered in the Premier League, they had European glory in the form of the Europa Conference League. This team has the talent to climb the table and compete with anybody, but with their league results this past season, a wide range of outcomes is clearly possible.
Bournemouth: Bournemouth found enough magic last season to remain comfortably in the Premier League. They had some nice spells of results in the fall and in the spring to help them stay. They haven’t don’t much so far this summer, losing Jefferson Lerma and signing Justin Kleivert. The quality of the squad isn’t great, and they could find themselves in a relegation scrap if things go awry.
Nottingham Forest: After massive investment upon their Premier League arrival, Forest got themselves 38 points and another season in the Premier League. They were able to beat Liverpool and Arsenal and draw Manchester City. They’ve got some talent, and I expect they will be able to reach 40 points and stay in the Premier League once again this upcoming season.
Everton: On Championship Sunday, it was Everton who once again just barely were able to keep themselves in the Premier League. This team needs help so badly. What was once a great club has fallen, and now continually find themselves scraping in relegation duels with consistently poor performances in league play. There’s not much that says this will change at this point. Dyche really needs to find a way to recruit cheap talent to this team that he can mold into form. They must build this squad, as almost everyone on the roster can see the door. If Dyche can use money from the sale of his better players, such as Amadou Onana, then Everton maybe, just maybe, can get themselves back in the mid-table mix. If not, they will find themselves playing Championship football sooner rather than later.
Burnley: Vincent Kompany has taken the helm here and run with it, as Burnley is back in the Premier League. This side looks way different than it had when they were here last time, and with some good coaching, they can outplay their worth on paper. It’s easy to see a future where if Kompany gets this right for Burnley, he could land himself a bigger job.
Sheffield United: Another team who was recently relegated is back in the Premier League. They have shown they can hang around in the Premier League in their last spell, but I’m not confident this time around will be the same. They don’t have many quality players on this squad, and fans have to be hopeful reinforcements will come and allow them to stay once more.
Luton Town: They’ve made it. Luton Town are in the Premier League, and although their stadium is a total meme, every side will be playing there this season. This one’s pretty simple. They don’t have money. They can’t invest the same money as any of these other sides. They might get thrashed every single week. Will they surpass Derby County’s all time low point total of 11? I’m not confident they will, but that’s a better question at this point then will they be relegated.
Conclusion
I can say I’m super confident in anything you’ve just read. Things flip so fast, and you have to be careful about what rumors you acknowledge and what rumors you keep scrolling past. It’s so easy to make an account and straight-up lie on the internet. I typically won’t put stock into anything that isn’t Here-We-Go’d by Fabrizio Romano, and even then it’s worth questioning until you see a club announcement.
We are in for a fun transfer window regardless. Thanks for reading as always. This was the type of blog that kind of came together out of nowhere, so I hope you enjoyed it.
YNWA!
Ball on The Brain 