As the 2024 summer transfer window heads into its final stretch, some clubs have strengthened smartly, but others still feel frustratingly incomplete. Whether due to stalled negotiations, market complications, or simply indecision, several teams look like they’re one signing away from genuinely elevating their season.

Here are five transfers that needed to happen this summer, but haven’t, at least not yet.

Arsenal – A Proper, Clinical No. 9

Arsenal have improved year after year under Mikel Arteta, but one concern has remained stubborn: the absence of a true, out-and-out goalscorer.

Kai Havertz finished 2023/24 strongly, and Gabriel Jesus offers quality, but neither is the archetypal 20-plus-goal centre-forward who guarantees output regardless of form or fixture. Names like Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres were heavily discussed early in the window, but Šeško committed to staying at RB Leipzig and Gyökeres comes with a huge release clause.

Why it needed to happen:
Arsenal create enough chances to win a title. What they lacked last season, and still may lack, is a ruthless finisher capable of deciding tight games.

Verdict: Missing this signing could be what eventually separates Arsenal from a Premier League or Champions League push.

Manchester United – A Defensive Midfield Anchor

Manchester United’s midfield has long lacked balance, and the club entered the summer with a glaring need for a stabilising, disciplined defensive midfielder.

While United have been linked to several options across Europe, no major specialist DM had arrived by late August. With Casemiro ageing and struggling for fitness last season, and Kobbie Mainoo more suited to a box-to-box role, the profile gap is clear.

Why it needed to happen:
United concede far too many transition opportunities. A true ball-winner or positional screen would significantly reduce the chaos that plagued them in 2023/24.

Verdict: Without a reliable DM, United risk repeating last season’s structural problems, no matter how strong their attackers are.

West Ham – A Reliable Central Striker

West Ham entered the summer with a new manager and a clear need: someone who can lead the line consistently.

Michail Antonio has been a loyal servant, but he’s no longer the week-in, week-out presence he once was. Goals dried up at key moments last season, and without a focal point, West Ham’s build-up play often fizzled out in the final third.

Why it needed to happen:
A possession-based system needs a striker who can finish chances and hold the ball up, traits West Ham sorely lacked last season.

Verdict: A smart, mid-priced striker would’ve transformed West Ham’s attack. It still feels like a missed opportunity.

Brighton – A Proven Goalscorer

Brighton play some of the Premier League’s most attractive football, but their forward line has lacked reliability ever since they sold Neal Maupay and then relied heavily on unproven upside.

Evan Ferguson is a huge talent, but still young and recovering from injury issues. João Pedro is versatile but not an out-and-out striker. Across the past two seasons, Brighton’s expected-goals numbers routinely outpaced their actual goals.

Why it needed to happen:
Brighton dominate territory and possession, but without a natural finisher, their expected-goals overperformance (the hallmark of 2022/23) hasn’t returned.

Verdict: A savvy, clinical No. 9 could’ve pushed Brighton back into European contention. This position still feels unresolved.

Mid-Table Premier League Clubs – A Commanding Centre-Back

This one applies to several clubs: Wolves, Crystal Palace, Fulham and a couple of newly promoted sides. Many entered the 2024/25 campaign with centre-back pairings that lack leadership, height, or consistency.

With the market inflated for attacking players, experienced centre-backs represented some of the best value this summer, yet several teams still went into August without adding one.

Why it needed to happen:
Mid-table teams often survive, or thrive, based on defensive solidity. A vocal, organising centre-back can define a season more than a flashy winger.

Verdict: For a handful of Premier League sides, this is the one signing that could’ve prevented a relegation scrap.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 window has delivered excitement, surprises, and a fair share of “what ifs.” But looking at squad balance, tactical needs, and last season’s data, these five moves stand out as the transfers that really should have happened.

Whether clubs correct course before deadline day, or pay the price later, remains one of football’s timeless dramas.