With preparations starting to get underway for the new Premier League season, we look at where each club still needs to strengthen before it begins and which players could be the answer…
Liverpool – Right-back
Embed from Getty ImagesAs many thought might happen, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future looks to lie in midfield with the 24-year-old playing much of his football for both Liverpool and England in the centre of the pitch towards the end of the season. It was more of a hybrid role for Liverpool in which he drifted from right-back into midfield, but his role as an all out central midfielder for England could well carry over to his club moving forward.
It means Liverpool could need a new right-back should TAA be viewed more as a midfield player moving forward. And even if he reverts to right-back again, the back-up options behind him are still slim. Either way, the Reds could do with some more depth in that area of the pitch.
Brentford’s Aaron Hickey has impressed during his one season in the Premier League and would be a good signing. Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira would also be a good option following their relegation to the Championship.
Luton Town – Goalkeeper
It’s going to be a big task for Luton Town to stay in the Premier League following their incredible promotion from the Championship last season. In truth, they could do with strengthening all over the pitch but we’re going to focus on the goalkeeper position.
Ethan Horvath was last season’s number one but has since returned to Nottingham Forest following the end of his loan spell and reports suggest Luton have turned down the chance to sign him permanently, meaning they are on the lookout for a new number first choice keeper.
Coventry City’s Ben Wilson would make a lot of sense, as would Man City’s Zack Steffen who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough. Other options could be Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka or Brighton’s Robert Sanchez.
Man City – Right-back
How do you strengthen a team which has just won the treble? The answer is it’s difficult to, but should Kyle Walker depart for Bayern Munich as reported then City will need a replacement for the England international given his importance to the team in recent years.
Many of the team’s defensive options are capable of playing there, and Pep Guardiola may look to have a right-back which drifts into midfield when the team is in possession as we saw last season, but having a recognised right-back in the squad is still important to give him flexibility.
Re-signing former youngster Jeremie Frimpong or perhaps moving for Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo could help to fill the gap left by Walker’s departure.
Man Utd – Striker
Embed from Getty ImagesMan Utd need to strengthen at both ends of the pitch – goalkeeper and striker – but with their pursuit for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana ongoing following David de Gea’s departure, we’ll focus on their lack of options up top.
Wout Weghorst was signed as a short-term stop-gap last season and, in truth, played far more many games than he should have done. Anthony Martial had an impact when he came back but his injury record means he cannot be relied upon to be the team’s main striker, while Marcus Rashford is better suited to that wide-left position he enjoyed so much success in last season.
Reports suggest United want to sign Atalanta’s young star Rasmus Højlund, who would be an exciting long-term option. But if they want guaranteed goals now, Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane would be sure successes. Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt would also be a fine addition. Unfortunately, all of these talents look to be outside of United’s price range given their current financial restrictions.
Newcastle United – Attacking midfield
Newcastle have already splashed out big to bring midfielder Sandro Tonali to the club from AC Milan, and Leicester winger Harvey Barnes could well be set to follow him as talks continue over a possible transfer.
For the Magpies, following their Champions League qualification, it’s now about improving the quality of the squad in key areas. After missing out on James Maddison to Tottenham, adding more creativity in midfield can help them to do that, especially given their goalscoring struggles at times last season.
Ebere Eze would be an excellent signing but his big price tag may mean they would have to wait for him. Other exciting options could include Pedro Goncalves, Florian Wirtz or Paulo Dybala, among many others playing in Europe.
Nottingham Forest – Goalkeeper
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a season of massive change at Nottingham Forest following an influx of new signings, the club will surely be hoping for a more stable transfer window this time around. That being said, Forest still have some key areas where they need to strengthen and perhaps none more so right now than in goal.
Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas have both returned to parent clubs Man Utd and PSG respectively, leaving Wayne Hennessy as the only option for boss Steve Cooper currently.
Re-signing Henderson or Navas permanently would make sense if possible but both may be too expensive. Jose Sa of Wolves would be a good option if they can convince their fellow Premier League club to part ways with him, as would Brentford’s David Raya given he only has a year left on his current deal though he is keen to play in the Champions League.
Sheffield United – Midfield
Paul Heckingbottom did brilliantly to get Sheffield United promoted last season in sometimes difficult circumstances given the financial problems which surrounded the club. But promotion to the Premier League with the financial rewards of doing so should, hopefully, ease the situation at the club, and he could certainly do with some additions to the squad.
Midfield is perhaps the most glaring area when the Blades need bodies. Man City loanees Tommy Doyle and James McAtee played a key role in their promotion last season and leave behind a big gap to fill.
Young Bristol City star Alex Scott should be on their list of targets, though Bournemouth are very keen to sign the midfielder. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Adams of recently relegated Leicester and Leeds would also be smart signings.
Tottenham – Central defence
Tottenham are hoping for a fresh start under new boss Ange Postecoglou following a hugely disappointing last season under three separate managers. The club have already been active in the market by adding James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Manor Solomon, but could still do with strengthening in the middle of defence ahead of the new season.
The options are there, but the depth in quality at present is not. Clement Lenglet has gone back to Barcelona while there is also speculation over the future of Davinson Sanchez and others too.
Establishing a solid partner for Cristian Romero would help Spurs to put last season’s woes behind them. A move for Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven appears a strong possibility, while Bayer Leverkusen duo Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié are also options.
West Ham – Central midfield
Declan Rice has finally completed his long anticipated £105m move to Arsenal, equipping with West Ham with some serious money to spend this summer but also a big hole to fill in Rice’s absence.
Replacing what Rice gave David Moyes’ side will be near impossible, but the Hammers have to try and find someone who can at least provide the security for the defence which Rice did.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha had a fine debut season in the Premier League and while it would take a lot to prize him away from their London rivals, he would be a solid replacement for Rice. Ajax man Edson Alvarez has been touted for a move to the Hammers and is another midfielder who is strong defensively, but if they want someone who gives them a bit more going forward then perhaps James Ward-Prowse or Conor Gallagher would make more sense.
Wolves – Central defence
Julen Lopetegui needs to reinforce his Wolves squad in several key areas this summer, including in central defence following the departure of Nathan Collins to Brentford.
Craig Dawson and Max Kilman represent strong starting options but Wolves lack depth in that area, while Kilman has also been linked with a move to Serie A giants Napoli which would increase the need for another defender even more.
Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo has just a year left on his deal and would be a sensible addition, while Harry Maguire’s wages may make a move too difficult but he could certainly use a fresh start.
