The football season is largely finished, allowing us to focus on the true essence of the sport: player transfers. While winning the Premier League is an achievement, it often serves as a stepping stone to acquiring more expensive talent. Success in domestic competitions can similarly make clubs targets for bigger teams.
Transfers are undeniably significant. Liverpool`s title run followed numerous signings, and Brighton`s heavy spending last summer was certainly noticeable… or was it?
Regardless, transfer news captivates audiences. The prospect of a new signing, even from a lower league, fuels hope and excitement. So, if you crave transfer content, here`s a rundown of the needs for all 20 Premier League teams. Yes, even the promoted sides.
Arsenal — Attacking Flair
Arsenal`s core is solid. With potential new signings like Martin Zubimendi, they are well-placed to challenge for the title. Mikel Arteta has built a strong defensive and control system; now, the focus is on boosting their title odds by bringing in top-tier attackers – arguably the toughest task in the current market.
They likely need reinforcements at both center forward and left wing, where Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are good but perhaps not world-class. Landing players like Viktor Gyokores or Benjamin Sesko for the No. 9 role is challenging and costly, with no guarantees.
Aston Villa — Converting Loanees
Missing out on the Champions League might put Aston Villa closer to the PSR limits. This is unfortunate as their high-profile January loan additions were effective. Keeping someone like Marcus Rashford on his current Manchester United salary could be difficult, despite his strong performance (0.88 npxG+xA) after joining. Marco Asensio might be more affordable, while Zepiqueno Redmond from Feyenoord is a long-term prospect.
Bournemouth — Replacing Key Players
Bournemouth faces a difficult summer, potentially needing to replace several stars. Dean Huijsen already left, Milos Kerkez is likely to follow, and speculation surrounds Antoine Semenyo and Ilia Zarbanyi. The club has a good track record in the market, recouping much of the $80 million spent on these four players when Huijsen moved to Real Madrid. However, constantly replacing talent just to maintain the previous season`s level is a significant challenge.
Brentford — Midfield Control
Thomas Frank skillfully adapted last season, relying on Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Kevin Schade`s strengths (particularly down the flanks) and employing a more direct approach. While Mikkel Damsgaard also impressed, the tactics seemed partly designed to compensate for a midfield that wasn`t as dominant as in previous years. Strengthening the central midfield is key to gaining better control in games.
Brighton — A Quiet Summer
Brighton had areas of concern last season, including reliance on Danny Welbeck for goals, leaky defense, and questions about Fabian Hurzeler maximizing player potential. Some turbulence is understandable given the turnover in coaching and playing staff recently. While the defense could benefit from fresh, young players, the most impactful change might simply be a summer free from coaching changes or prolonged transfer sagas, allowing for stability.
Burnley — Attacking Reinforcements
Last season, the three promoted teams scored only 95 goals combined. A high-scoring attack isn`t a guarantee of survival, but it significantly improves the odds. Burnley`s xG in the Championship was only 10th best; they relied on a strong defense and James Trafford. Only one player, Zian Flemming, averaged over 0.3 npxG per 90, and no one created more than two chances per game. This attacking output must improve significantly for Premier League survival.
Chelsea — An Experienced Defender
Clearlake Capital`s plan seems on track after securing Champions League access and winning the Conference League. Enzo Maresca will hope this success instills a winning mentality as the young squad aims to close the gap on the Premier League`s top three and peak with experience. While the focus is on developing young talent, an exception is needed in defense. A veteran center back can ease the burden on Wesley Fofana and mentor others, much like Thiago Silva did. Players like Mats Hummels or John Stones could fit this role.
Crystal Palace — Squad Depth
Given their excellent form in the latter half of last season under Oliver Glasner, the ideal scenario for Crystal Palace might be keeping their starting XI intact. They struggled early without key players like Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen. If they can fend off interest from bigger clubs, they have the potential to challenge in the Europa League or improve their league position. Success in both requires depth, especially to cover for wing-backs Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell, who faced heavy workloads and would struggle to add Thursday night European games to their schedules.
Everton — Numerous Players
David Moyes starts his first full season back at Everton with a significantly altered squad, with up to 11 players potentially leaving. While new owners The Friedkin Group need to address financial issues, funds should be available for strengthening. After Moyes`s return, Everton`s xG improved (12th in the league at 1.3 per game). A right winger capable of beating defenders and crossing would boost xG. Converting chances is also an issue, suggesting a need to move on from Dominic Calvert-Lewin (a historically sub-xG finisher) and find a more reliable striker to compete with or replace Beto, who is still somewhat raw at 27.
Fulham — A Clinical Striker
Despite Marco Silva`s attacking setup, Fulham built a reasonably solid defense. Their main issue in a season that briefly offered European hope was a lack of game-changers in the final third. They reached dangerous areas frequently (sixth in final third touches) but struggled to penetrate the box (12th for touches in box). While Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz have contributed, a higher-quality striker would provide a better focal point for the attack and help Fulham push into the top half.
Leeds — Goalkeeping Upgrade
Towards the end of last season, it became clear that Illan Meslier`s shot-stopping wasn`t sufficient, despite his abilities with the ball. According to Opta`s post-shot xG data, Meslier has conceded 34.6 more goals than expected during his time at Leeds. No club can afford such a deficit. A reliable goalkeeper is essential for survival. Caoimhin Kelleher was an ideal target but seems headed elsewhere. Aaron Ramsdale and potentially Nick Pope could be options. A solid presence in goal would significantly improve Leeds` survival chances.
Liverpool — A Defensive Anchor
Liverpool has been active early in the window, with Jeremie Frimpong arriving and Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz potentially following. Integrating this talent is key, especially with two attacking full-backs signed. Balancing the team might fall to Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, who are better ball progressors than defensive winners. While not poor defensively, an upgrade on Wataru Endo is needed for games where Liverpool don`t dominate possession, providing a defensive anchor similar to the role Fabinho once played.
Manchester City — Florian Wirtz
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne, a decade-defining Premier League playmaker, ideally means signing Florian Wirtz, the clear successor for the next decade. As the club with football`s highest revenues, Manchester City could justify pushing for this potentially game-changing signing, even if it means significant expenditure. However, City seems more likely to target Rayan Cherki, a more affordable option, though rumors of a $25.7 million release clause are reportedly wide of the mark. While Cherki and Wirtz had similar xG and xA combined last season (though Ligue 1 is potentially easier for attacking stats), the difference in quality might not be worth over $100 million. Yet, with City`s resources, one wonders if they should shy away from pursuing the absolute best available player.
Manchester United — Strikers Who Convert
Manchester United correctly identified a need for forwards after two seasons of low goal output. However, relying solely on goal tallies rather than underlying metrics like xG might be misleading. Players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are upgrades but significantly overperformed their xG last season (second and fourth highest overperformances in Europe`s top five leagues, without being Messi or prime Son). Given United`s recent recruitment, focusing on players who *underperformed* xG or are proven converters might be wiser. Restarting Tammy Abraham`s career, acquiring Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, or bringing Alvaro Morata back are suggested examples of potentially better fits based on this logic.
Newcastle — A Star Right Winger
Despite Jacob Murphy`s contribution (second for assists), the right wing is the obvious area for improvement in the forward line. Newcastle needs a player capable of consistently contributing 20 goals and assists per season. Bryan Mbeumo was a tempting option but seems headed to Manchester United. Francisco Trincao has also been linked as a potentially effective, albeit more creative, alternative.
Nottingham Forest — A Left Back
Similar to Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest`s starting XI is largely settled. Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi provide adequate cover up front, though neither is expected to challenge for the Golden Boot. The left-back position is a more pressing concern, as Neco Williams often played there out of position last season. Finding a dedicated left-back to cover this role is a priority.
Sunderland — As Many Players As Possible
This young Sunderland side is arguably in the Premier League ahead of schedule, with underlying metrics more suited to a Championship playoff contender. Surviving in the top flight will require significant investment, especially if Jobe Bellingham departs for the Bundesliga. While some clubs use Premier League funds to build for future Championship promotion pushes, in Sunderland`s case, strategically investing in the best young talent available might be the most sensible approach to compete.
Tottenham — Improved Midfielders
This is a straightforward need. Regardless of who is in charge, Tottenham`s midfield needs a complete revamp this summer. The veteran players offered little last season. Promising youngsters like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray (who impressed at center back and could move forward) are adaptable and can fit alongside new acquisitions, but the core needs significant strengthening.
West Ham — Another Striker Gamble
Signing a striker at West Ham has historically been unpredictable, often resulting in failure. Their greatest Premier League era scorer is out of contract, Michail Antonio`s fitness is uncertain, and recent signings like Niclas Fullkrug and Evan Ferguson (loan) haven`t worked out. Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek were the main goal threats last season. With financial constraints, finding a reliable striker again this summer will be a gamble, despite the clear need.
Wolves — A New Left Side
Wolves face another season losing key contributors. Matheus Cunha is off to Manchester United, and Rayan Ait Nouri is likely heading to Manchester City, effectively dismantling their left flank. Manager Vitor Pereira needs reliable replacements in this area and depth elsewhere. The sales should generate over $100 million for transfers. Leaning on Jorge Mendes again might be necessary; despite past controversies regarding ties to Gestifute, this relationship brought talent like Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, and Raul Jimenez to Molineux. This level of talent injection is needed once more.
Dominic Ashworth