Premier League Transfers (Part 2)
There are just 46 days to go in this summer transfer window, and despite the current season still wrapping up over in the European competitions, business and preparations for 2020/2021 are well underway.
Some clubs (Chelsea) have been out there doing some serious business already, while others have been playing their cards close to their chests and keeping their wallets in their pockets. To me, I genuinely think every club needs to be upgrading and investing in their squads, as we are entering a serious fatigue threatening campaign, and it’s a season where 80% of the clubs could conceivably reach European spots, and 80% of sides could be potentially battling with relegation.
Many clubs will, rightly so, be unwilling to splash big money given the economic impact of 2020, however there are bargain buys out there for each and every club. In this post, I have gone through each Premier League side and made a suggestion for their main transfer target, and a potential alternative signing they could make.
As with all opinion based posts, I feel like I should preface this by stating these suggestions are purely opinion based, I haven’t watched every game for every club and so obviously some suggestions may be naïve, however it’s just an opinion, and all suggestions would make the starting 11s.
Enjoy!
Liverpool – Thiago
It’s a deal that seems inevitable, yet Liverpool are (for whatever reason) stumbling to get this done. Thiago himself has declared his interest in joining the club, Bayern are ready to sell at a very reasonable price, and Liverpool fans and pundits are all in agreement that this deal would be fantastic, yet it’s not at “here we go” status yet. Why? Well I’m not too sure.
Thiago is a quality midfielder, who can play as either a deeper lying midfielder, or in a more attacking role as a playmaker. He truly possesses the skills to control a game, and can cause chaos in the opposition half. Although not one of the more flashy players that Bayern have in their Arsenal, he is one of those players that every team would make space for, and for that reason, Liverpool need to get this deal done. With Henderson having a superb 2019/2020 season, it could become the start of an incredible midfield partnership.
Alternative – Kylian Mbappé… Alright, alright, alright just calm down with this one and let me explain. Mbappé is a 21-year old who hasn’t yet hit the prime/peak of his career in my opinion. Additionally, I think he isn’t yet at the club where he can settle down, win trophies and reach the icon status of the idols he grew up watching, Messi and Ronaldo. No matter how many league titles he wins with PSG, or how many goals he bags in the French capital, there will seemingly be the old ‘farmers league’ claim hanging above this. Rightly or wrongly, this is something that may haunt him, as it could cost him a Balon d’Or opportunity, and their failures in the Champions League could mean he fails to claim the last real trophy missing from his incredible collection for such a young man.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are at the top of European football in terms of reputation, playing style and recent success. They are seen, alongside Bayern as the dominant force in Europe whilst the clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid need to rebuild. Therefore, they could truly splash the cash and secure another 5 years at the top by bringing in the most exciting young striker in football. Mbappé would tear up the Premier League, give Liverpool a new edge to their game and truly cement any concerns of Liverpool slipping from their perch at the top of English and European football. The finance side of this will be near impossible, however if everyone involved wants a deal to happen, Liverpool could be the club to get it done. It’s unlikely, but it could be incredible.
Manchester City – Kalidou Koulibaly
Manchester City seem destined during this Pep reign to have an underlying defensive problem. It’s one that may just cost them big trophies in the coming years. As the likes of Liverpool show serious resilience at the back, which consequently allows them to attack more freely with a secure defensive unit, Manchester City are still trying to piece together what they can since the departure of Kompany. They need experience, a calm head, a leader and someone who plays like their life depends on getting a clean sheet. I believe Koulibaly is that man.
He’s been a loyal servant of Napoli for years now, and it will be tough to break that bond he has. However, with an estimated cost of £60million, this could well be City’s Van Dijk or Maguire centre-back signing. They would be fighting of some big competition and so would need to show some financial strength, however I somehow doubt that’s an issue for Manchester City as the minute. In return, they will be getting one of the worlds’ top-3 defenders and surely could put their defensive concerns to rest for a while. In 2019/2020 he averaged 1.41 goals against every 90 minutes, while in 2018/2019 he was averaging just 0.8 goals against per game, despite playing 55 games in that season across all competitions. There’s a reason why clubs have been eyeing him up for years, and I think Pep might just sway him to the Etihad.
Alternative – Harry Kane… Once again I am going to ask you to go with me on this one. City are going to need a new talismanic striker in the next few seasons, as Agüero seems to have consistent injury concerns. So, why not flex that financial muscle, and use their appealing prospect of playing under Pep Guardiola, while they can, and break the bank to bring in the leagues best striker?
Harry Kane is already capable of performing at the top of the Premier League ladder, now just imagine that with service from De Bruyne… pretty scary right? Honestly, although it would cost probably a record breaking sum of money to make happen, if they are ever going to tempt Kane away, now is the time to do it, still in his prime and hungry for trophies and success. City will dominate the league for the next 5 years with Kane in their squad, and I genuinely think that is the missing piece to their Champions League puzzle. Do I want it to happen as a fan of City’s rivals? No! Do I want to see it purely out of curiosity? Hell yes!
Manchester United – Jadon Sancho
So, United are desperate for Sancho, United fans are desperate for Sancho, Sancho seems keen on the move, Dortmund have set their price at a decent price for who is being offered, and yet somehow this hasn’t happened yet. United’s reluctance to pay an extra few million mean that Dortmund hold all the cards, they either get the price they wanted or keep hold of the incredible talent that is Jadon Sancho, win/win either way for the German side.
It will be a real shame for the league if this deal doesn’t happen, as English football fans are desperate to get a better glimpse of Sancho linking up with the likes of Fernandes, Pogba, Rashford and Martial. This attacking line-up will strike fear into the Premier League defences it comes up against. With a reasonably fair price tag of £100milion, the 20 year old will be playing at the top of his game for the next 10 years, and be a marketing machine for the business of Manchester United, something we know the club are keen on.
On the pitch, United will be getting a real proven talent on the right side of their attack, which has relied heavily on young Mason Greenwood this last campaign. By bringing in Sancho, Greenwood can be nurtured carefully and not overplayed as he can offer rotation for Rashford, Martial or Sancho. As United look to become more competitive across all trophies, they need this level of squad depth. Sancho himself is a real attacking danger, with 17 goals and 17 assists from 32 Bundesliga appearances last season, meaning he now has 30 Bundesliga goals and 38 assists from his 78 league appearances across 3 seasons at Dortmund. truly remarkable stats, and given that he has shown his talents on the Champions League stage, the English national team and also even at Manchester City’s youth setup, he will surely slot into Premier League life with ease.
Alternative – Jack Grealish… If United don’t make Sancho their signing this summer, then ultimately I can’t imagine them managing to persuade Grealish away from Villa. This transfer would have almost been a guarantee had Villa been relegated, however their great escape means the fee has increase significantly for Grealish this summer, and I don’t quite see United breaking the bank. However, as an alternative signing than Sancho, he does have some incredible attributes he could offer.
Grealish is a leader, a fighter and determined to win, something Ole is looking for in the dressing room. With the arrival of Bruno, United do have the feisty attacking midfielder role covered, however Grealish can support this, or fill that role on the wing. As mentioned previously with Greenwood, Grealish is the level of player expected as a squad player at United. Someone to fill in for rotation, work alongside the established stars and forge his own legacy at the club. I do honestly think that Grealish has the attitude and temperament to make that happen.
Newcastle United – Florian Thauvin
Newcastle United have been the absolute toughest team to predict transfer targets for in this post as quite honestly I don’t know what to expect from them over the coming year. Towards the back end of the latest campaign, the takeover seemed to finally be on the cards, meaning that I could have been throwing around names like Messi and Mbappe, however with Bruce still at the helm and Mike Ashley looking less likely to put any of his money at stake for a club he’s planning to ditch mean I must be more realistic with these choices.
I’ve gone for Thauvin, as the current Marseille winger has previous at St. James’ Park, and despite having fairly disappointing stint in Newcastle in 2015/2016, his move to France revitalised the attacker. As a result, Newcastle could splash a fairly modest £20-25million on an attacker who had a remarkable 2018/2019 season, bagging 16 goals and 8 assists from 33 league games. Obviously, his 2019/2020 campaign never really followed on from this however, as an injury and postponed season has led to just 2 appearances over the last year. With limited playing time and obviously the return from injury, it might just be worth a pop at a second stint for the 28 year old.
Alternative – Callum Wilson… This one is possibly more realistic, and despite the relegated striker being linked with big name clubs such as Manchester United in recent windows, it just makes complete sense for a Premier League level striker to move to a massive club that are crying out for a proven top-level striker. Admittedly, Newcastle may be reluctant to spend any more money in attacking positions as Joelinton was a major investment recently. So, with their next attacking move, they will be keen to ensure it’s for a proven striker with an almost guaranteed goal return. Wilson will promise this at a reasonable price, and they will surely be able to bring the striker to the club for under £20million if not even less. With 41 Premier League goals and 16 assists from 126 appearances, Wilson has a solid record and Newcastle would be making a wise decision to bring him in.
Sheffield United – Dean Henderson
It makes such sense for Sheffield United to do what they can to bring Dean Henderson back for another year, whether on a permanent or temporary move. After such a remarkable season last year, they must try and keep their compact squad together with all the pieces of the puzzle, and obviously improve from there. This means they need the English keeper.
Their could be a potential difficulty in bringing him to the club permanently, as it would rely on Manchester United wanting to sell, while the man himself might feel like he could actually be getting a first team Champions League place in the way of De Gea. So, this will cost the Sheffield side financially to make happen. A loan move does seem the most likely, again if they can manage to make this deal happen.
In his 2 seasons at Sheffield, Henderson has managed to keep 35 clean sheets in his 86 appearances, conceding just 78 goals. His stats are remarkable considering the success it has helped the club to reach, with their promotion season and subsequent fantastic league finish. Valued at around £20million, the deal would be an incredible coup for Wilder’s side, and may just help them to continue their remarkable 2019/2020 performances.
Alternative – Aaron Ramsdale… So, if Manchester United are unwilling to let Henderson go on a permanent, or even loan deal, Ramsdale could be a fantastic (and realistic) alternative. Obviously if they are looking for another young, blonde, English keeper then Ramsdale may be seen as the BTEC version, and there are keepers such as Pope who may be statistically better, however Ramsdale is likely to be cashed in on by Bournemouth this summer to max their profit, while he did have a solid season last year despite the obvious relegation.
Having played all but 1 of Bournemouth’s league games last season, and playing over 3,000 minutes, the 22 year old kept 5 clean sheets and conceded 62 across the season. Admittedly, not the strongest of years by Sheffield United’s solid comparison, however it must be acknowledged he was in a side that was relegated, and at such a young age for a keeper, to have the experience of a full, difficult season under his belt will surely mould him into a top player if Sheffield are in need.
Southampton – Mohammed Salisu
This is another player I don’t actually know too much about, and I am going off of other rumours I have read up on for this signing. However, I must also admit I haven’t seem too much of Southampton this past season, and so it’s tough to imagine and envisage what they are on the hunt for this summer. As a result, I have gone for Salisu, the young 21 year old centre-back from Real Valladolid as their transfer target.
After reading up on the Ghanaian defender, I have seen his stats from the recent season and can see why Southampton may be interested. He made 30 starts in his debut season in their first team, and contributed to the sides success in avoiding relegation in La Liga. In this season, he bagged 1 goal and 1 assist, and defensively was strong. He averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 5 clearances and a rating of 6.79/10 per 90 minutes in the latest, and debut season.
This one is the most likely of any signing I have spoken about, as it does appear almost over the line, however it makes the suggestion even more realistic. So, sorry Southampton fans if you were hoping for Messi or Ronaldo, but don’t blame me for who they bring in.
Alternative – Dan James… So, if you’re a Southampton fan I apologise, however I simply could not think of another realistic transfer target for Southampton. I think their current squad is well-balanced and trying to imagine who Ralph Hasenhüttl is gonna go after is almost an impossible task. The squad have a decent level of quality in it, and I think that with their high press style of football that I have seen in the admittedly few times I have watched Southampton, would benefit massively from the pace of Dan James.
Hasenhüttl has put his faith in young talents before, and also shown that with his tutorship, he can bring out some untapped potential in players, meaning that the move for Dan James could bring out one of the leagues most exciting attackers. Despite not really getting his career off the mark at Manchester United, he has put in a few decent performances when included, particularly at the beginning of last season when he got off to a flyer. Since those games, he hasn’t really taken any opportunities and their is a threat his career, and thus potential could stall and become wasted. Therefore, a move to St. Mary’s could make Southampton a dangerous attack, more intense in pressing from the front, and if he works on finishing could be a 10+ goal a season attacker. It would require some work on the training ground, however that is what Ralph Hasenhüttl seems to thrive on, and it might just be a great move for a player he has previously shown interest in when James was at Swansea.
Tottenham Hotspur – Zlatan Ibrahimović
Tottenham NEED to bring in a striker for the coming season if they are to seriously compete across all fronts. They could realistically play a 50+ game season, meaning when the inevitable Harry Kane injury strikes, Spurs will be left once again without their talismanic player, and main goalscorer. Admittedly, Spurs have worked around this in previous seasons through the likes of Son and Moura stepping up, however if they are to seriously invest in Mourinho’s tenure, and he will accept nothing less, then they need another proven world class striker. Unfortunately, these are in short-supply, and there is probably less than a handful of World Class striking talents available for a reasonable price.
Therefore, I think Spurs could reunite their manager with the man who brought the ‘treble’ to Manchester United with him, Zlatan Ibrahimović. A proven goalscorer wherever he has been, and seemingly ageless, Zlatan has shown he can work with Mourinho and do the business in the Premier League. Of course, despite his personal ego, he couldn’t perform in 50+ games a season, however he doesn’t have to at Spurs. He simply can rotate, fill in and support Harry Kane for the upcoming physical challenge that this season will bring.
In 2019/2020 Zlatan bagged 10 from 18 for Milan in an ultra-competitive league. It may be tough to move him away from the San Siro where he has been having major success and recognition, however the challenge that Tottenham offers, particularly in their quest for a trophy will surely tempt the Swedish striker. Just a few years ago, Zlatan scored 17 goals in 33 Premier League appearances under Jose at Manchester United, and I can’t be the only one that would want to see him back in England’s top-flight.
Alternative – Edinson Cavani… In a similar vein to Zlatan, however he is a World Class talent, but un-tested in the Premier League, Cavani would again do the similar role as Zlatan would provide. He would be a great signing for Spurs, as he would be available for free, is only 33 years old so could play for a few more seasons in a supporting role, and is keen on a new challenge.
In return for brining in the Uruguayan, they would be bringing in guaranteed goals, even in the supporting role. He has done a fantastic job in 2 of Europe’s top-5 leagues (Italy and France), with 341 goals in 556 appearances in his fantastic career. He will surely be in high demand, however similar to what was mentioned with Zlatan, the prospect of a big challenge and working under Mourinho with reasonable game time expectations may just be the perfect option for both player and club.
West Bromwich Albion – Grady Diangana
So, I must admit, WBA are again one of the sides I just haven’t seen much of last season. Therefore, I have done external research on their transfer targets, and have selected 2 players who they actually already have, or had in their side last season. What I am suggesting, is that they splash some of their promotion cash on making their loan deals into permanent ones, and keep together their squad that battled into the promotion spots. Honestly, I think they will probably continue to yo-yo between the Premier League and Championship for the next few seasons, meaning they should be sensible, not overspend and keep together a squad capable of both battling relegation in the Premier League, but also able to dominate the Championship should they need to for a few years time.
The first player I am suggesting for West Brom is Grady Diangana, the 22 year old West Ham winger who spent last season at the Hawthorns, contributing massively through his 8 goals and 6 assists in 31 appearances. The move will cost around £20 million, and many huge teams have declared an interest in the Congolese born prospect, such as Celtic and Ajax.
In return for their permanent move, they will be getting a great prospect in Diangana, a player that averaged 7.13/10 in the latest season, offering his aforementioned goals and assists, alongside 1.6 shots per game, 1.4 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per 90.
Alternative – Filip Krovinovic… The second one of the predictions is again a man who spent last season on loan at WBA, and again another move I think they should make permanent. To make the move from Benfica to the midlands permanent, the Baggies would have to fork out around £10 million for the Croatian attack-minded midfielder.
According to other reports and analysis I have read, he appears to have won the hearts of WBA fans with his off-field presence, whilst on the field he has still been impressive in the 24 appearances he made in 2019/2020. In this time he bagged 3 goals and 2 assists for the Baggies (sorry), and his detailed stats are pretty impressive. He averaged 1.4 shots per game, 1.1 key passes and 0.6 dribbles, leading to a 6.67/10 rating for the season. He’s not necessarily a game changer, however as mentioned previously, he will be reliable for the side as they face a challenging season and possible return to the second-flight fairly swiftly (sorry again).
West Ham United – Callum Wilson
The second appearance for Callum Wilson on this list is essentially for the same reason as before. West Ham are incredibly similar to Newcastle, as they are massive clubs that have been mismanaged for years, resulting in difficult seasons and a fairly mediocre showing over the last 10+ years. Additionally, both sides have had issues with actually getting consistent goalscorers. Callum Wilson is probably the most respected and consistent Premier League quality striker available at a reasonable price, and West Ham will be 100% needing someone for a reasonable price.
From Wilson, the Hammers would be getting a striker that has scored 41 goals from 126 appearances, a slightly better gpg record than his alternative (spoilers). A solid striker of West Ham’s level will be a great signing for Moyes’ side. I believe he could thrive in front of a London Stadium crowd when fans are welcomed back, and the ability to push aside Antonio could just put him in contention for England’s delayed Euro’s side. Wilson has been vocal about his ambitions, and I think this move would help provide consistent game time, and could be a great bargain buy for the London side.
Alternative – Josh King… Basically, the obvious alternative to Callum Wilson is Bournemouth’s alternative to Callum Wilson, Josh King. Both strikers have solid Premier League experience, and bags of talent left to offer the Hammers, particularly in an area they have struggled so much to fill. They finally need to look for experienced Premier League strikers to get guaranteed goals, and Josh King can do that. It wouldn’t be the most exciting of signings by any means, however it’s a sensible option at a reasonable price, a.k.a. the ultimate West Ham signing.
With King, they would be getting a player just 1 year older than Wilson, however at 29 he still could perform at the level required for the next 2/3 seasons. Throughout his time in the top-flight, King has managed 48 goals and 15 assists in 161 appearances, admittedly not the best record, however he has managed 10+ goals in a season on 2 separate occasions, something West Ham are desperate for. Working alongside, or in rotation with Antonio, King could be a great, cheap option for the Hammers.
I am admittedly wary of all these suggestions from Bournemouth considering these players have all just been relegated, however I think it’s fair to say people were surprised that on paper, the Bournemouth squad went down as they have some immense talent. So, maybe bear with me on the next one…
Wolverhampton Wanderers – Nathan Aké
Wolves haven’t particularly got any issues in defence, they also don’t particularly have any issues in attack, which means they simply are needing to strengthen and bring in some squad depth, which is why they should capitalise on the recently relegated (and thus bargain buy) Nathan Aké.
As Nuno plays his system with 3 centre backs, Aké provides an experienced, quality boost in that area, with leadership qualities, high quality performances and genuine talent, he is currently one of the best centre-back options who would realistically be available this summer. I think it might be unlikely, as the signing doesn’t necessarily fit the normal Wolves player mould, however this would be a really smart signing, provided he is happy with becoming a squad player instead of the star man he has been at Bournemouth.
Alternative – Diogo Dalot… Okay, now I can’t take complete credit for this idea, however after reading about the possible move, it just makes complete sense for Wolves to go after a player like Diogo Dalot. Young, bags of unreached potential and PORTUGESE! It’s like everything Nuno would want from a signing. Additionally, his ability to play across several positions, from CB to CM and particularly at Wing-Back, he will be an incredibly versatile signing for Wolves’ setup. In the limited game time he has had in the Premier League, he has genuinely shown some fantastic potential, and of course his Champions League performance in the infamous PSG win shows he can play in the highest pressure performances, even at just 21 years of age.