The transfer window is open, and while some teams have been very quiet, others haven’t. Norwich City have already started recruiting young players to prepare for Championship soccer next season, like Sunderland’s Bali Mumba. Others are preparing to maybe make a splash like Brighton, who signed Liverpool veteran Adam Lallana for free and have funds available after selling Anthony Knockaert to Fulham.
It’s clearly obvious that other Premier League teams need to recruit well to close the gap between them and Liverpool. Who has done the most so far in the transfer window, and who needs to be signed for these teams to overtake the Reds?
Chelsea
Chelsea have definitely done the most this transfer window. The Blues have already confirmed the signing of Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig star striker Timo Werner. Chelsea hope to add some more names to that list, with Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, Leicester City fullback Ben Chilwell, and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak identified as targets. Several young players with great potential, like Ethan Ampadu, are returning from loan which is good as depth will be key next season. Chelsea’s combination of new faces and young talent might result in a surprising Premier League title.
The signings won’t exactly be cheap, though. Chelsea is planning to sell many players and will look far different in many key areas, but will still have many familiar faces. The Blues have won just two trophies (FA Cup and Europa League) since winning the Premier League in 2017, they will be looking to challenge Liverpool for the title.
Manchester City
Manchester City finished in second place, 18 points behind Liverpool, but haven’t made any massive signings yet. The Citizens have signed several young players, but the departures have been far more notable. Longtime City midfielder David Silva has left on a free transfer. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who is turning 38, has left on a free transfer on a move that was long overdue. Talented winger Leroy Sané was sold to Bayern Munich for far under his market value.
However, Manchester City do have one player arriving quite soon. Valencia winger Ferran Torres has caught the eye of teams all over Europe, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, but the Spaniard is reportedly quite close to signing for City. It’s a good start, but they are going to need far more signings to catch up with Liverpool.
Manchester United
Manchester United have been incredible since signing attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes, so why are they still linked to expensive moves for attacking players? United have reportedly made offers for Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, James Rodriguez, and Kingsley Coman. Manchester United don’t need all of them, they just want flashy players to excite the fans. They already have Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood. Several youth academy players could also be promoted to bolster the attack, like Tahith Chong.
Manchester United need to focus on defense and goalkeeping. David de Gea has been inconsistent in goal for the Red Devils and is nowhere close to what Manchester United value him at. Backup Dean Henderson performed superbly on loan with Sheffield but is likely to be sold unless manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer promises Henderson a starting role. Manchester United’s center defense has also been poor, as Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, and Eric Bailly should be nowhere near a starting role, and Harry Maguire has been inconsistent. If United can improve defensively, then they could challenge Liverpool.
The transfer window has only just opened up and doesn’t end until October, but it’s hugely important to do business early on. What team do you think can challenge Liverpool for the Premier League?
Image Courtesy of Brad Tutterow / CC BY.
–
Don’t worry if your comment does not show up, all comments must be approved to reduce spam. I hope you enjoyed, and as always, keep watching soccer!