Manchester City have already spent north of $150m AUD on talent, and there’s one more player set to arrive to push that figure close to $300m AUD.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are desperate to add depth to their injury-ravaged squad and Ruben Amorim’s United revolution is just getting started.
Read below for all the latest January transfer news!
TOTTENHAM
Done deals
Antonin Kinsky — Slavia Prague to Spurs ($31m AUD)
Yang Min-hyeok — Gangwon FC to Spurs ($7.9m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Tyler Dibling — Southampton to Spurs (more than $49m AUD)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Spurs ($79m AUD)
Milan Skriniar — PSG to Spurs (N/A)
Thomas Kristensen — Udinese to Spurs (N/A)
Jack Grealish — Manchester City to Spurs (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been a horror campaign thus far for Spurs, and Ange Postecoglou desperately needs to reinforce his squad who currently sit in 15th after 22 games. Big name stars like Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Guglielmo Vicario have all been sidelined due to injury, forcing Tottenham to field a weakened side during a tough period for the Australian manager. Throw in a fresh injury to star striker Dominic Solanke, who is set for an extended sideline stint, and Spurs desperately need to recruit in January in both attack and defence. Yang Min-hyeok arrives at the club, but the young South Korean was signed previously, while Antonin Kinsky has hit the ground running since arrived from Slavia Prague, rounding out the club’s two done deals. Ipswich Town revelation Liam Delap is reportedly one target of Postecoglou, with the 21-year-old enjoying an impressive debut Premier League campaign. However, it’s unlikely Ipswich will be willing to part with their talisman in the midst of a relegation battle, but regardless Spurs could table and offer too good to refuse according to TeamTalk, which could be around $79m AUD. Elsewhere, Southampton star Tyler Dibling has also attracted interest from Tottenham, with Sky Sports reporting the 18-year-old is hot property and has many suitors. What complicates matters is the winger is sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning a move in January might not make sense for potential clubs. RB Leipzig have reportedly offered $49m AUD to pry him away from the Premier League, but Southampton reportedly want a significantly higher offer before they consider letting him depart. Jack Grealish is another interesting figure who could be on the move, with Tottenham reportedly keeping tabs on the Manchester City attacker who is weighing up his future under Pep Guardiola according to Football London. In defence, two names have come up as potential targets, with Milan Skriniar and Thomas Kristensen on Postecoglou’s radar. According to TBR Football, Skriniar is also being targeted by Galatasaray, having been made available for transfer by the PSG board. Kristensen, meanwhile, has been impressive in the Serie A for Udinese this season, with the Daily Mail reporting Juventus are also in discussions to recruit the Danish defender.
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LIVERPOOL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Takefusa Kubo — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Analysis: Liverpool are sitting pretty atop the Premier League ladder, and Arne Slot has a big job on his hands to lift the trophy in his debut season. But beyond that, the Dutch manager’s transfer priority could be retaining the club’s big-name stars as the Merseyside outfit remain largely quiet in the January transfer window. Liverpool have been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is currently hot property and is Arsenal’s No.1 transfer target. He looks to be heading to North London, with a deal reportedly in place for the summer. Elsewhere, according to TeamTalk, Liverpool bosses have their own on another Soceidad star, with Takefusa Kubo the club’s top target as a successor to Mo Salah. The club are reportedly willing to allow three players to depart in a swap deal, with Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa named as those on the chopping block, with Kubo having an $118m AUD release clause in his deal. Salah’s future remains up in the air, with his current contract running out at the season’s end, and Saudi club Al Hilal circling the Egyptian star. Salah has once again been one of the Premier League’s best players, but Slot is facing the real possibility of losing the prodigious winger in June if they club can’t sort out his new deal. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract also expire, with the latter having been linked with a move to Real Madrid to join fellow English gun Jude Bellingham.
ARSENAL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Arsenal (N/A)
Matheus Cunha — Wolverhampton to Arsenal (N/A)
Evan Ferguson — Brighton to Arsenal (N/A)
Benjamin Sesko — RB Leipzig to Arsenal ($118m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Arsenal (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been widely reported Mikel Arteta has won the race to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but he won’t serve as a quick fix for the Gunners. The Spaniard is set to land in North London in the summer, meaning Arsenal are still on the lookout for recruits. Arsenal are desperate for a striker, with Kai Havertz failing to fire up front this season and a sheer lack of goals being to blame for the club’s lacking form. Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential target, with the Brazilian having put together a strong season for Wolves, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more so far. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal powerbrokers are reportedly considering a loan with an option to buy, with the club having already used both of their domestic loan slots. However, Wolves won’t let him go without a fight, with the club battling to stay in the Premier League, currently sitting in 17th place. Another striker option looms as Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, who according to The Sun, could be on the move to Arsenal on loan. The 20-year-old has been hit with a string if injuries in recent seasons, but he has a breakthrough year in 2022 with the Seagulls. RB Leipzig target man Benjamin Sesko has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, having already said “yes” to a move to the North London club if a deal can be struck between the two parties, according to The Daily Mirror. The 21-year-old reportedly made a handshake agreement with his club to make a move in the summer for $118m AUD, but Arsenal reportedly want to secure a deal early.
Elsewhere, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked with a move away from the Serie A, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muano set to join the Italian club on a loan deal. But overall, Arteta hinted the Gunners would be bringing in reinforcements after his side’s draw against Aston Villa, saying: “When you look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. But when you look at the bench, you would probably say we are very short.”
CHELSEA
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Alejandro Garnacho — Manchester United to Chelsea ($99m AUD)
Mamadou Sarr — Strasbourg to Chelsea ($23.5m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Chelsea ($118m AUD)
Jamie Gittens — Dortmund to Chelsea (N/A)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Chelsea (N/A)
Analysis: Enzo Maresca is hopeful of adding some strike power to his outfit, with Chelsea pushing to compete with Liverpool for the Premier League title this season. In an interesting move, the London club are considering recruiting out-of-favour United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with his agent reportedly spotted at Stamford Bridge in recent days according to The Mirror. Manchester United officials reportedly want $99m AUD to make a deal happen, with the Red Devils hopeful of cashing in on the winger whose transfer fee would be pure profit under PSR rules. The rising star has also fallen out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim, with Serie A club Napoli also interested in his services. Ipswich Town rising star Liam Delap was reportedly on Chelsea’s transfer shortlist, however no moves have been made to recruit him from the club fighting relegation. Elsewhere, Dusan Vlahovic shapes as Chelsea’s most likely striker recruit, with the club having already held talks with Juventus with Renota Veiga potentially departing the Premier League for the Serie A. Vlahovic has been valued at $118m AUD, with Veiga potentially included in the deal to reduce the fee according to ESPN. The Serbian’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, scoring seven goals and assisting one more in his 17 appearances for Juventus this year. However, he’s also scored four times in five games in the Champions League. Mamadou Sarr will also reportedly join Chelsea for a fee of around $23.5m AUD, with the 19-year-old making his move in the summer according to the BBC. Elsewhere, Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens has also emerged as a potential candidate to make the move to London.
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MANCHESTER CITY
Done deals
Vitor Reis — Palmeiras to Manchester City ($58m AUD)
Abdukodir Khusanov — Lens to Manchester City ($67m AUD)
Claudio Echeverri — River Plate to Manchester City ($30m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Omar Marmoush — Frankfurt to Manchester City ($125m AUD)
Douglas Luiz — Juventus to Manchester City (N/A)
Andrea Cambiaso — Juventus to Manchester City ($132m AUD)
Analysis: Pep Guardiola has taken action already in the January window, signing three players in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Claudio Echeverri. Manchester City have endured their toughest period yet under the Spaniard, and in the hopes of surging back to the top of the Premier League, and winning a fifth straight title, Guardiola has hit the market and he’s showing no signs of slowing down with striker Erling Haaland also putting pen to paper on a contract extension. Khusanov and Reis’s arrivals are set to offset the loss of wing back Kyle Walker, whose loan deal to AC Milan is almost complete. According to ESPN, attacker Omar Marmoush is set to join Manchester City for a whopping $125m AUD. The 25-year-old reportedly was undergoing a medical exam on Tuesday ahead of his imminent signing. Marmoush has been impressive in the Bundesliga, with the Egyptian scoring four goals and assisting two more in six Europa League appearances this season. Douglas Luiz is also reportedly being eyed for a potential return to the City club, with a loan deal being considered for the midfielder who was sold to Aston Villa in 2019. According to Sky Sports, a move for Luiz being considered over a push to recruit Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. Luiz is reportedly expected to depart Juventus, but it remains to be seen where he will land. Elsewhere, Andrea Cambiaso has been named as a potential target for City, with the club in the early stages of a move to recruit the 24-year-old full back. The Italian giants reportedly value the defender at around $132m AUD.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Patrick Dorgu — Lecce to Manchester United ($66.5m AUD)
Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray to Manchester United ($125m AUD)
Miloš Kerkez — Bournemouth to Manchester United (N/A)
Nuno Mendes — PSG to Manchester United (N/A)
Bryan Mbeumo — Brentford to Manchester United (N/A)
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Manchester United (N/A)
Analysis: Ruben Amorim is in his first transfer window as United’s manager, already making his stance on two of the club’s biggest stars clear. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are set to depart Manchester, and the Portuguese boss is on the lookout for replacements. Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is shaping as a player set to land in Old Trafford, with United bosses reportedly holding talks with Lecce’s director of football according to The Guardian. The Serie A club are reportedly seeking around $66.5m AUD for the wing back/winger who could fit perfectly into Amorim’s unusual three at the back system. Dorgu could fill the hole left by Garnacho, but can only play on both sides of the field in defence if needed. Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes are also reportedly on Amorim’s list of flank defenders, with the United boss making that position a focal point in his January transfer window. Elsewhere, United have been linked with a pair of strikers, with Victor Osimhen the biggest name listed in their rumoured targets. The Nigerian marksman is currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, and is parent club Napoli are reportedly willing to offload the striker for a cut price. Garnacho’s move looks to be the linchpin in any deal for Osimhen, with Napoli officials hoping United bosses lower their asking price for the rising winger, while their own valuation for Osimhen sits at $125m AUD according to Naples publication Il Matino. The Nigerian’s arrival could solve what has been a striker crisis in recent seasons at Old Trafford, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Kirzkee failing to lock down the position. Brenford’s Bryan Mbuemo has also reportedly been included in United’s striker shortlist alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cuhna.
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THE REST
Done deals
Jaden Philogene — Aston Villa to Ipswich Town ($39m AUD)
Donyell Malen — Dortmund to Aston Villa ($39m AUD)
Emmanuel Agbadou — Stde de Reims to Wolverhampton ($32.7m AUD)
Julio Soler — Lanus to Bournemouth ($13m AUD)
Diego Gomez — Inter Miami to Brighton ($21.6m AUD)
Andres Garcia — Levante to Aston Villa ($11.8m AUD
Matai Akinmboni — DC United to Bournemouth ($2.9m AUD)
Romain Esse — Milwall to Crystal Palace (undisclosed)
Woyo Coulibaly — Parma to Leicester City ($3.7m AUD)
Welington — Sao Paulo to Southampton (undisclosed)
Joachim Kayi Sanda — Valenciennes to Southampton (undisclosed)
Biggest rumoured deals
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Nottingham Forest
Jhon Duran — Aston Villa to West Ham
Analysis: Arguably the biggest move outside the big six has come from West Ham, who have reportedly bid a whopping $112m AUD to sign Villa striker Jhon Duran according to The Athletic. However, that bid is reportedly set to be rejected, having recently extended the contract of the Colombian international until 2030. It’s the second time West Ham have bidded for Duran’s services. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are flying high in third place on the ladder and are hoping to continue their run by making Wolves striker Matheus Cuhna their top target according to Daily Mail. Forest are reportedly preparing to make a competitive bid for the Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals so far this campaign. The City Ground club have also previously had a $43m AUD bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa turned down, before turning their attention elsewhere.
Martin Zubimendi reportedly ‘regrets’ staying at Real Sociedad, but some Liverpool fans think they already have a better midfield option.
Zubimendi emerged as a key transfer target for the Reds this summer, but he rejected a switch to Anfield to remain at Sociedad.
4
Zubimendi appears to be unhappy at Sociedad after summer links with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
The LaLiga outfit informed the midfielder that he would have to pay his own £51million buyout clause, while it is claimed their manager Imanol Alguacil wooed him with a charm offensive to stay put in the Basque Country.
However, it now appears as though Zubimendi has had a change of heart amid Sociedad losing four of their first six league matches.
As reported by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, English media have claimed that the 25-year-old ‘regrets’ staying at the club.
While Zubimendi stayed, Sociedad did cashed in on two of their other key players in the summer, with midfielder Mikel Merino signed by Arsenal and defender Robin Le Normand joining Atletico Madrid.
It is claimed Zubimendi now wants Liverpool to try and sign him again when the January transfer window opens.
The defensive midfielder had made 194 appearances for Sociedad, with nine goals and seven assists, and won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer.
Despite his quality, Liverpool fans on social media have claimed that Ryan Gravenberch would still be a preferred choice even if Zubimendi signed.
Taking to X, one said: “Don’t think we need Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been outstanding this season.”
“Zubimendi does not get into this Liverpool team. No chance he gets in front of MacAllister or Gravenberch! Szoboszlai plays a completely different role, so he doesn’t get in ahead of him either. Zubimendi could be a great squad player,” added a second.
A third wrote: “If Zubimendi really wants to go to Liverpool and the club accept it, I hope he’s the second choice after Gravenberch.”
4
Liverpool fans believe Gravenberch should still start even if Zubimendi signedCredit: Getty
4
The 22-year-old has been one of the Reds’ standout players this season
4
Liverpool fans are adamant Zubimendi wouldn’t even get in their starting Xi right nowCredit: X: LFC__Vision
Another said: “Gravenberch needs a back up and Zubimendi is a good fit. There’s a reason he’s a backup to Rodri in Spain. He could be that for Gravenberch too.”
Gravenberch has enjoyed an excellent start to life under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot at Liverpool this season, having started every game.
His performance in their 3-1 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.
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The Netherlands international has lined up alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the Liverpool midfield, a duo that are proving to work well together.
Should the Reds decide to reignite their interest in Zubimendi, he would add to the already stacked amount of talent in their squad.
However, it remains to be seen if he would be able to claim a spot in the starting XI, given how well they have played so far under their new boss.
The 2023-24 summer transfer window has drawn to a close, with some clubs nailing their business while others have fallen well short of the mark as financial regulations heavily influence the Premier League’s spending habits.
Unlike windows of the past, where the Premier League attracted some of the biggest names in Europe, this year has felt a little different, with clubs focused more on ensuring safer financial practice as opposed to nailing their big money signings.
We saw less deals akin to the ones that brought Erling Haaland to Manchester City and Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea in recent seasons, and more like Elliot Anderson’s to Nottingham Forest and Conor Gallagher’s to Atletico Madrid: transfers done to appease accountants more than managers.
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The strict Premier League crackdown on its Profit and Sustainability rules in recent seasons, exemplified by Everton and Forest’s respective points deductions, appear to have frightened clubs.
This was highlighted in the 10 days preceding the June 30 accounting deadline when six clubs – Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton, Aston Villa and Leicester – sold 15 players for a grand total of £323 million ($631.8 million AUD) in a late attempt to meet PSR requirements.
According to a report from The Athletic, those 15 deals accounted for 16% of the Premier League’s spending this window, with some of those clubs enacting creative accounting to ensure their books comply and a costly points deduction is avoided.
Though this did not slow Premier League spending, with 14 clubs parting with over $150 million on players during the window, but did create a strange spending environment that will surely become a mainstay in the coming seasons.
Changed spending conditions have coincided with changing spending habits, which have been on show throughout the window and go in part to explaining the business of some sides.
The average age of the league’s 10 most expensive signings this season is 23.3 years old, highlighting how clubs are targeting younger players with high potential and resale value, as opposed to proven products in the prime of their careers.
Foxsports.com.au rates every Premier League team’s summer dealings in our Transfer Report Card!
Arsenal
Biggest signing: Riccardo Calafiori ($81.3m from Bologna)
Total spend: $186.5 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Emile Smith Rowe ($65.8m to Fulham)
Total income: $161.4 million (AUD)
Having finished second last season, Mikel Arteta’s side needed a strong transfer window to strengthen their side and solidify their title push. They did just that.
Riccardo Calafiori arrives after a strong season with Bologna and a good Euros campaign with Italy to strengthen one of Arsenal’s problem areas last season – left back, with the Italian’s ability to seamlessly invert into midfield key to Arteta’s tactical shape. Mikel Merino provides midfield strength, and allows Arsenal to push Declan Rice into a deeper role whenever required, while the move to permanently sign David Raya, and sell Aaron Ramsdale, cleared up one of the biggest clouds over the club’s 2023-24 season.
Raheem Sterling’s deadline day arrival from Chelsea is a great move, providing cover on both wings as well as title-winning experience. If Arteta can get the Englishman to perform at his best, like he did when the pair were at Manchester City, it’ll provide Arsenal with an additional goal scoring threat this season and afford Bukayo Saka a chance to rest his legs after an intense year.
Fighting off interest in Leandro Trossard from the Saudi Pro League is shrewd too given the Belgian’s impact off the bench and versatility, which will come in handy given Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury record.
Crucially in modern football the sales of Emlie Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, which will appear as pure profit on the club’s books, ensure they remain compliant with the Premier League’s strict PSR rules.
Where some feel Arsenal’s window missed the mark is their failure to bring a world class No.9 in, with Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney but avoided for various reasons. Arteta has faith in Kai Havertz, who scored eight goals in 13 games as striker last season, with Trossard, Jesus and Sterling as cover.
Grade: B+
Arsenal’s Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori challenges for the ball with Brighton’s Paraguayan attacker Julio Enciso during a English Premier League match between the Emirates Stadium.Source: AFP
Aston Villa
Biggest signing: Amadou Onana ($96.8m from Everton)
Total spend: $295.8 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Moussa Diaby ($97.7m to Al-Itthad)
Total income: $271.2 million (AUD)
Villa were dealt a massive blow this window in losing Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz, two of their strongest performers last season.
The club signed Belgian holding midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton, with the 23-year-old already hitting the ground running by scoring twice in his first three games. Onana adds size, power and strong ball-winning skills to Villa’s midfield, though lacks the passing range and set-piece threat of Luiz.
Not to worry Villa fans, given the club already possesses Youri Tielemans, one of the Premier League’s strongest passers and a set piece specialist to rival the best of them.
Ian Maatsen, who was key in Dortmund’s run to last season’s Champions League final, gives good depth at left back, though there are concerns about the drop off between right back Matty Cash and his understudy, particularly with injuries in central defence not allowing Ezri Konsa to shuffle across.
Diaby’s loss is massive, even if the Frenchman’s performances tailed off at the end of last season, but Unai Emery already has the pieces to compensate for his departure.
Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barenechea, both signed from Juventus as part of the deal to send Luiz the other way, are young and unproven but could become integral cogs in the Villa machine once they return from their respective loans.
Villa haven’t just signed Ross Barkley is an underrated piece of business. The former Chelsea man provides Emery with experience and brilliant midfield cover following an impressive Premier League season with Luton Town.
Omari Kellyman, Tim Iroegbunam and Cameron Archer’s sales will go towards balancing the club’s books, even if the latter was re-signed from Sheffield United before being sold to Southampton, while Philippe Coutinho’s loan move to Vasco da Gama lightens the club’s wage bill.
Grade: B
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: New signing Ian Maatsen acknowledges Aston Villa fans after the team’s victory against West Ham United FC (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Bournemouth
Biggest signing: Evanilson ($61.3m from Porto)
Total spend: $172.3 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Dominic Solanke ($106m to Tottenham Hotspur)
Total income: $110.3 million (AUD)
There was no more important player to Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side last season than striker Dominic Solanke, who finished the campaign with 19 goals and three assists.
Brazilian striker Evanilson joins for a club-record fee having scored 13 Portuguese league goals last season for 3rd placed Porto.
An unknown quantity in England, Evanilson has all the makings of a well-rounded striker and joins a side that had more shot creating actions last season than Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, though it will be hard for the striker to have link up play as exceptional as Solanke.
First-choice goalkeeper Neto joins Arsenal on loan, with Kepa arriving from Chelsea to replace the Brazilian, marking a significant downgrade in the club’s goalkeeping ranks. The Spaniard is a gamble for Iraola’s side given his failure to set the Premier League alight, weak shot stopping and shortcomings when competing for crosses.
19-year-old Spanish-Dutch defender Dean Huijsen has all the makings of a serious transfer coup, with multi-Premier League winning manager Jose Mourinho once describing the centre back as “one of the highest-quality prospects in European football at this age level.”
Grade: C-
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson during the club’s Premier League match against Newcastle United. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Brentford
Biggest signing: Igor Thiago ($58m from Club Brugge)
Total spend: $169.5 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Ivan Toney ($77.4m to Al-Ahli)
Total income: $129.7 million (AUD)
Sometimes a transfer window is less about what you gain and more about what you lose.
In letting Ivan Toney walk, Brentford offloaded a player who evidently did not want to be at the club for some time, at a significant fee that allowed them to invest in the future of their club by bringing several talented youngsters in, such as Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg and Gustavo Nunes.
Not only does Toney’s transfer have significant financial benefits for the Bees, but it should also create a harmonised Brentford squad this season.
Igor Thiago was signed as Toney’s replacement after 29 goals in the Belgian league last season but is currently sidelined with a knee injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa have led Frank’s line brilliantly to begin the season, with the club’s ability to hold on the latter arguably their most important piece of business.
Keep an eye on teenage left back Jayden Meghoma, viewed by many good judges as one of England’s brightest young prospects. Injuries could pave the way for the flyer to break into Thomas Frank’s side at left back at some point this season.
Grade: B
Brighton
Biggest signing: Georginio Rutter ($77.4m from Leeds United)
Total spend: $381.2 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Deniz Undav ($49.7m to VFB Stuttgart)
Total income: $90.4 million (AUD)
Only Chelsea spent more money than Brighton, which comes as a surprise given the South Coast club’s highly successful ‘moneyball’ style tactics in recent years.
Those tactics are still at play, with the club not splashing huge cash on a big name signing this summer. Instead, they’ve picked up several highly promising footballers who add to 31-year-old coach Fabian Hurzeler’s squad.
Georginio Rutter, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer, Ferdi Kadioglu and Brajan Gruda all have the makings of quintessential Brighton signings and will no doubt be sold for triple their purchase price in 18 months.
Over the opening three games of the season, fresh faced winger Yankuba Minteh has been incredibly impressive, playing with little fear and plenty of creativity and drive, frightening opposition left backs with his relentless attack.
Billy Gilmour’s deadline day move to Napoli weakens the club’s holding midfield stocks, which took a hit earlier in the window with Pascal Gross’ departure to Dortmund. Hurzeler has said as much in recent days, noting the club “don’t have enough players at (No.) six.”
Grade: B
Right winger Yankuba Minteh during Brighton’s Premier League win against Everton. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Chelsea
Biggest signing: Pedro Neto ($104.6m from Wolves)
Total spend: $400.6 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Conor Gallagher ($65.9m to Atletico Madrid)
Total income: $303 million (AUD)
Deep breath in. And another. 11 players arrived at Stamford Bridge over the summer, bloating Enzo Maresca’s first team squad out to a whopping 30, with a further 12 out on loan.
“You want to ask about where Joao Felix is going to play, I’ve got another question – where’s he going to get changed at the training ground?” Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher questioned.
“How are all these players in one dressing room? How are you putting on a training session?”
The Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling sagas were sour, and typified the current Chelsea regimes cold, and seemingly senseless, approach to business, but the deals to offload Ian Maatsen, Romelu Lukaku, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson were savvy moves that will go towards balancing the club’s books.
In amongst the madness of moving on Sterling and Gallagher, uncertainty around Trevoh Chalobah’s future, the lack of resolution around Ben Chilwell’s situation, and signing three left wingers, there is some small semblance of method.
Chelsea have made their intentions clear with their business; they are backing Maresca in the market and signing players whose profile fits his needs.
There is little risk to the Jadon Sancho deal, while Joao Felix’s signing could be viewed differently if the Portuguese star hits the heights expected of him when he burst onto the scene six years ago.
And yet, despite these faint glimmers of hope there is still the overwhelming sense of restlessness at the Bridge, not only given the way the club has conducted business this summer, and the enormous squad size, but also given the club spent more money than any other Premier League side while failing to address their widely perceived problem area: striker.
Toney and Osimhen were both on the table, though moves for either failed to materialise, with finances key to this. A lack of depth in holding midfield remains a concern for Maresca with Romeo Lavia’s injury history meaning the club are a Moises Caicedo injury away from a near unpluggable hole in their midfield.
Grade: B-
New signing Jadon Sancho is presented to the Chelsea fans before his side’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Crystal Palace
Biggest signing: Eddie Nketiah ($48.3m from Arsenal)
Total spend: $130.7 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Michael Olise ($87m to Bayern Munich)
Total income: $174 million (AUD)
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace shocked the Premier League at the back end of last season, winning six of their last seven from 14th to 10th.
The pre-season expectation was for them to build on this, even with Michael Olise’s big money move to Bayern Munich removing one of the stars of last season from the fold.
Joachim Andersen left for Fulham not long after, and things could’ve gone from bad to worse if Newcastle’s aggressive pursuit of captain Marc Guehi paid off.
It didn’t, and Palace’s defence was stronger for it. Trevoh Chalobah arrived on loan from Chelsea, while the promising French Maxence Lacroix joined from Wolfsburg, further strengthening Glasner’s backline.
Japanese international Daicha Kamada and Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr strengthen his frontline, so too does the signing of Eddie Nketiah – who just feels like a Crystal Palace player.
While they’re yet to reap the rewards on the field, Palace have had one of the better windows in the Premier League, defined not so much by who they brought in as much as who they didn’t lose – Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton.
Grade: B+
Everton
Biggest signing: Jake O’Brien ($33m from Lyon)
Total spend: $83 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Amadou Onana ($96.8m to Aston Villa)
Total income: $133.6 million (AUD)
Much like Palace, Everton’s best bit of business in the summer window was not allowing their most important defensive cog to leave the club.
That Jarrad Branthwaite remained at Everton is a massive win for Sean Dyche, even if the defender has missed the opening games of the season through injury.
The 22-year-old was ranked sixth for clearances and seventh for interceptions last season and was a key reason behind Everton keeping 13 clean sheets, second only to Arsenal.
However, the Toffees lost Amadou Onana to Everton, denting their midfield stocks for perhaps the most important Premier League campaign in the club’s recent memory.
Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom headline a suite of creative signings that have their work cut out for them in trying to inspire a side that scored just 40 goals last season.
There’s no doubting Everton have made some smart additions. Whether they’ll be what’s needed to keep them away from the relegation fight is a question only time has the answer for.
Grade: D+
Amadou Onana traded Everton for Aston Villa this transfer window. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Fulham
Biggest signing: Emile Smith Rowe ($65.8m from Arsenal)
Total spend: $173.7 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Joao Palhinha ($81.9m to Bayern Munich)
Total income: $112.9 million (AUD)
One of the smaller Premier League clubs who executed a smart summer window that leaves their squad stronger this year than when it ended last season.
Of course Joao Palhinha’s departure to Bayern Munich leaves a massive hole in Marco Silva’s midfield – no player made more than his 152 tackles last season. Not signing a replacement may come back to bite them, though Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic and new signing Sander Berge are more than capable in that role.
At the back Joachim Andersen rejoins from Palace, softening Tosin Adarabioyo’s departure, while Jorge Cuenca offers Silva an additional left footed centre back following Tim Ream’s departure.
In attack, Fulham’s have invested plenty in Emile Smith Rowe, a brilliant attacking talent who’s been stifled by injuries and falling out of Mikel Arteta’s favour in recent years. The winger/attacking midfielder has hit the ground running, scoring in Fulham’s 2-1 win over Leicester City, and could be viewed as a bargain in coming seasons if he can match, or exceed, the 10 goals he scored for the Gunners in 2021-22.
Reiss Nelson provides depth out wide following Willian’s departure for Olympiakos and could potentially push Alex Iwobi into a central midfield role he excelled at for Everton a few seasons ago.
While their business hasn’t set the world alight, it’s quietly done what it’s needed to do: make up for their outgoings and strengthen where possible.
Grade: B-
Fulham attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe joined the club this summer for $65.8 million from Arsenal. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ipswich Town
Biggest signing: Omari Hutchinson ($42.6m from Chelsea)
Total spend: $205 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: George Edmundon (loan to Middlesbrough)
Total income: N/A
Only two players contributed more than Omari Hutchinson’s 16 goals in Ipswich’s promotion campaign last season. A deal to bring the England youth international back to the club is massive towards their bid to stay up, with the attacking midfielder showing lots of promise in the season’s opening games.
Jack Clarke, Jacob Greaves and Liam Delap all have the potential to be great signings, especially for the price tag they were collected at, and could all benefit from Kieran McKenna’s brilliant management, while signing last season’s Championship top scorer Sammie Szmodics for just over $17 million is smart business.
This quartet are good enough to cut it in the Premier League, but also have the added benefit that, in the event of relegation, Ipswich can extract a high resale value or utilise their talents to earn promotion back to the top flight.
The deal to bring Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City has rocks or diamonds potential. At his best Phillips is a brilliant defensive midfielder with an exceptional passing range and wonderful ability to bait and beat opposition presses. At his worst he is injury riddled, just ask Manchester City, and error-laden, just ask West Ham.
Ipswich will be praying he’s more of the former, especially considering the 28-year-old’s experience keeping freshly promoted sides in the Premier League.
Grade: C
Omari Hutchinson during Ipswich’s Premier League match against Liverpool FC. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Leicester City
Biggest signing: Bilal El Khannouss ($38.7m from Genk)
Total spend: $153.2 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ($58.1m to Chelsea)
Total income: $58.1 million (AUD)
A few seasons ago the Foxes had a reputation as one of the savviest market operators in Europe. Deals for N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi, Wesley Fofana and Ricardo Pereira were struck with little interjection from other clubs and to great benefit for Leicester.
Relegation zapped that reputation. And while it will be hard to replicate their previous market success there are at least several positives to take from Leicester’s transfer window.
Bilal El Khannouss arrives from Genk as the Belgian league’s Young Player of the Season and an Olympic Bronze medallist who was involved in nine goals last season. The Moroccan’s stats may fail to flatter, but he’s a highly technical and intelligent footballer who glides across the park and could provide some necessary creative spark.
That creative spark takes on greater importance without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the attacking lynchpin around which the club won promotion last season. Dewsbury-Hall’s move to join Enzo Maresca is the club’s only major outgoing – a big plus in their bid to keep their top-flight status intact.
Dewsbury-Hall’s is also major for Leicester given the fee he collected will register as pure profit on the clubs’ books, an important factor given they had significant financial restraints throughout the window.
Elsewhere, Oliver Skipp is a reliable Premier League footballer signed at a good price, while making Abdul Fatawu’s loan permanent is savvy too. Both will be crucial for Steve Cooper this season.
Where their window fell short is really strengthening at striker, especially considering Jamie Vardy’s age and recent injury history and the departure of Kelechi Iheanacho to Sevilla.
Odsonne Edouard has Premier League experience, and was once a prolific goalscorer at Celtic, yet found the net just 21 times in his 103 Palace games. Given the importance of reliable goalscoring in staving off relegation.
Grade: C
Liverpool
Biggest signing: Federico Chiesa ($19.4m from Juventus)
Total spend: $19.4 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Fabio Carvalho ($43.7m to Brentford)
Total income: $102.6 million (AUD)
This summer always loomed as the end of an era at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club had drawn to a close, with Dutchman Arne Slot taking the reins of Anfield.
Immense change was expected, with new personnel viewed as a guarantee in order to assist Slot’s transition in the Liverpool managerial role.
Yet, for much of the window Liverpool were the only club in Europe’s top five leagues to have not signed a single player. That was until Giori Mamardashvili was signed from Valencia before being immediately loaned back to Spain, while a bargain move for Federico Chiesa is as risky as it is promising given the Italian’s recent injury history.
Their lack of market activity has not significantly impacted Liverpool, who have begun the season brilliantly.
Even more impressive is the club’s failure to panic once Martin Zubimendi informed them he would remain at Real Sociedad. The Spaniard, who impressed in the Euro final, was billed as the No.6 the Reds desperately needed, with many doubting who would be shoehorned into the role in his place.
Enter Ryan Gravenberch, who has done so seamlessly, bringing a unique profile into the defensive midfield role and justifying Liverpool’s lack of panic in the market.
Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg and Bobby Clark all left for good deals given their experience, while Stefan Bajcetic’s loan to RB Salzburg will be beneficial to the club in the coming seasons.
Thiago retired and Joel Matip was released, with the club opting not to dip into the market to replace the experienced Cameroonian centre half. A move for Frenchman Castello Lukeba never materialised, meaning the club only have four recognised central defenders, which could prove their Achilles heel down the line.
Liverpool great Jamie Carragher believes the club “are still short – not in terms of numbers but maybe in terms of quality – at centre-back and in holding midfield,” though credited them for not panic buying, which rarely ever works.
Grade: C+
(FILES) Liverpool new signing Federico Chiesa celebrates scoring a goal for Juventus. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)Source: AFP
Manchester City
Biggest signing: Ilkay Gundogan (Free from FC Barcelona)
Total spend: $40.7 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Julian Alvarez ($125m to Atletico Madrid)
Total income: $264.6 million (AUD)
When Julian Alvarez traded Manchester for the warmth of Madrid and the intensity of Diego Simeone, there was a sense that this may be the season City finally trips up.
At times filling in for both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, the Argentine World Cup winner played the fifth most minutes for Pep in the Premier League last season, scoring 11 and creating eight.
Where exactly would City find a player capable of filling in for both their striker and chief creator? The answer, it seems, had been hiding in plain sight.
Released from the final two years of his Barcelona contract, former City captain Ilkay Gundogan has been deployed as a false nine many times for Guardiola but is naturally a brilliant creative midfielder. There is arguably no better Alvarez replacement in world football.
The German headlines a quiet summer of incomings for City, which includes tricky Brazilian winger Savinho – who joined from Girona and has already shown what a delight he is with the ball at his feet. Both are smart additions that boost an already exceptional squad.
Even still, City enter the campaign without a recognised back up striker on their books.
For any other side this would be deeply concerning. For City, it’s a problem, given Haaland’s relatively good injury record, without yet being a major issue, yet.
Pep noted as much, stating the club’s choice not to replace Alvarez could be a “problem” that may turn into a “mistake” but believes the club have enough players in house who can fill in for Haaland, including Gundogan, Phil Foden and youngsters James McAtee and Oscar Bobb.
Where City were smart this window is their ability to offload unwanted, but talented, academy products for strong fees that allow them to clean their books.
Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle all permanently moved away from the Etihad. Offloading Joao Cancelo’s contract from the club’s books can also not be understated.
Grade: B-
lkay Gundogan re-joined Manchester City from FC Barcelona on a free transfer this summer. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Manchester United
Biggest signing: Lenny Yoro ($101.4m from LOSC Lille)
Total spend: $354.4 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Scott McTominay ($49.9m to Napoli)
Total income: $164.5 million (AUD)
As has been the case for the last decade, it’s incredibly hard to get a read on whether or not United’s transfer window has been good.
On paper they’ve brought in good players. Lenny Yoro has massive wraps on him and may just be the best centre back at his age group, Joshua Zirkzee is a unicorn of a striker as capable of dropping deep and creative as many attacking midfielders, and Manuel Ugarte appears the kind of no-nonsense midfield anchor they’ve been crying out for.
Matthijs De Ligt was once Europe’s finest young centre half but has failed to impress at two of the continent’s biggest clubs. He arrives with a major question mark. While at just over $25 million, Noussair Mazraoui has all the makings of a bargain.
And yet there is an element of groundhog day about this window. United have had good windows in the past. Remember 2021, When the club signed Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo? Or 2022, when Casemiro, Antony and Lisandro Martinez arrived at Old Trafford? Or last year, when Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund joined?
All of these windows were rightly perceived as great windows on face value of the signings. And the same can be said for this window. All of United’s deals look good on paper, but that matters for very little if the club’s form doesn’t turn around.
Where United, and their restructured footballing ownership, deserve credit is offloading Mason Greenwood to Marseille, clearing the club of the winger’s baggage. Allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to move to West Ham is also smart given he doesn’t fit the profile of an Erik Ten Hag fullback.
At nearly $50 million, the club would have been foolish to reject Napoli’s offer for Scott McTominay, though his passion and versatility could well be missed dearly.
Grade: B-
Manchester United’s new signings (L to R) Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro (using crutches due to a metatarsal injury), Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui acknowledge the fans prior to United’s clash with Fulham. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Newcastle United
Biggest signing: Lewis Hall ($54.6 million from Chelsea – loan move made permanent)
Total spend: $74.2 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Elliot Anderson ($68.3 million to Nottingham Forest)
Total income: $132.8 million (AUD)
Arguably no Premier League club had their hands tied behind their back by financial constraints more than Newcastle United.
Manager Eddie Howe described it as “challenging,” before sharing his hopes the club’s minimal business helps them strengthen in future windows.
Out went Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, both of whom would have pushed for a place in Howe’s squad, and potentially starting XI, with Anderson’s move to Forest facilitated purely for financial reasons.
The club’s financial constraints meant they were limited in their ability to dip into the transfer market, with Lewis Hall’s loan move being made permanent and William Osula’s signing the only two the club splashed cash on.
Lloyd Kelly adds much-needed defensive depth, and will be a valuable squad player once everyone is fit, but is hardly a signing to set the world alight.
It would be harsh to judge Newcastle’s incomings too severely due to the club’s financial constraints, though questions need to be asked about their failed pursuit of Palace centre back Marc Guehi, as well as their inability to offload Kieran Trippier – who begins the season as Howe’s right back deputy.
Clearly the money was there, just not used in ways that strengthen the players at Howe’s disposal. What did strengthen Howe’s side was keeping Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, which is about the only commendable business Newcastle conducted.
At best, Newcastle will reflect on this window as one that boosted their squad and brought in two fine young talents. At worst, it will be seen as a failure that failed to achieve anything other than balance the club’s books.
Grade: D+
Nottingham Forest
Biggest signing: Elliot Anderson ($68.3 million from Newcastle United)
Total spend: $175 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Moussa Niakhate ($52.8 million to Lyon)
Total income: $88.9 million (AUD)
Dare we say it… did Forest have a strong transfer window?
Considering the club have had an even more scattergun approach to transfers in recent years than even Chelsea, their activity was measured, geared towards strengthening Nuno’s squad as opposed to signing as many players as possible.
Elliot Anderson is a wonderful footballer, Nikola Milenkovic has been impressive in recent seasons for Fiorentina, Jota Silva has massive wraps as an elusive winger with goal scoring nous, while James Ward-Prowse’s loan adds depth, experience and set piece threat to Nuno’s midfield.
Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga remain at the City ground, highlighting how their astute incomings came without expensive outgoings.
Given the club targeted seven goalkeepers throughout last season, and current No.1 Matz Sels had the lowest save percentage (57.4%) of all 25 goalkeepers in the Premier League last season, not bringing in a new goalkeeper is the one glaring negative against Forest’s window.
The club lagged in their attempt to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Southampton instead, saw their advances for Neto knocked back, missed out on Sam Johnstone to Wolves, failed in their attempt to bring French international Brice Samba back to the club and were unwilling to meet Liverpool’s valuation for Ireland international Caoimhim Kelleher.
Another clear area the club were attempting to strengthen but failed to do is up front, with their pursuits of Eddie Nketiah, Yoane Wissa, Omar Marmoush, Evanilson and Santiago Gimenez all ending in nothing.
While this is disappointing for Forest fans, their manager reportedly has no qualms with Sels as first choice keeper, while New Zealand international Chris Wood has begun the season in red-hot scoring form.
What isn’t disappointing for Forest fans is the fact their club didn’t panic buy when missing out on their targets and instead stuck the course with what they had and trusted Nuno to get the best out of them.
Grade: B-
Elliot Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle just before the June 30 PSR deadline. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Southampton
Biggest signing: Aaron Ramsdale ($35.2 million from Arsenal)
Total spend: $205.4 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Carlos Alcaraz ($29.7 million to Flamengo)
Total income: $82.5 million (AUD)
For much of the window, Southampton seemed to sign players with one eye on remaining in the Premier League and another on gaining promotion in the event they’re relegated this season.
Given last season’s promoted contingent – Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United – all went straight back down at the end of 2023-24, this business approach is as smart as it is sad.
Aaron Ramsdale’s signing late in the window shows the hunger is there for Russell Martin’s side. He headlines a savvy window for the Saints, who also made Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes’ loan moves permanent, while Ben Brereton-Diaz should add goals.
Goals will be a problem for Southampton this season given Adam Armstrong’s never scored more than two Premier League goals in a single season, and Brereton-Diaz has the potential to provide a threat upfront after scoring six times in 14 Premier League games on loan at Sheffield United last season.
There is hope Cameron Archer can blossom into a reliable Premier League striker, which is why the Saints paid Villa $29 million for his services, even if he’s scored more than 10 goals in a season once in his career.
At the very least, should Southampton fail to find the goals they’ll need to survive, their signings this window have a high enough ceiling to serve them well in the coming years.
Grade: C-
Ange bullish wins will come soon | 00:25
Tottenham Hotspur
Biggest signing: Dominic Solanke ($107m from Bournemouth)
Total spend: $234.8 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Oliver Skipp ($39 million to Leicester City)
Total income: $114.6 million (AUD)
12 months after Harry Kane moved to Bayern Munich, Spurs have finally landed on their replacement for the England captain.
In Dominic Solanke, Ange Postecoglou has a striker moulded similarly to Kane as you can get on the market. A career-high 19 goal haul last season is the headline figure for the former Bournemouth man, but his link up play and ability to drag opponents out of position and bring teammates into play is among the best in Europe.
An early injury setback following a disappointing debut has soured the early weeks of Solanke’s time at Spurs but Postecoglou has made it no secret that he feels the 26-year-old will succeed at the club.
“He is a presence and scores different types of goals. I think the way we play suits him,” the Spurs coach said.
Elsewhere, the club brought in Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall in, all three of whom are fine young footballers with the potential to grow into exceptional players around which Spurs’ side can be constructed.
18-year-old Gray in particular marks a significant transfer coup, with the 2023-24 Championship Young Player of the Season already a fine holding midfielder, and capable right back, who was highly-rated by former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Last season, Gray led Leeds in tackles, was ranked third in tackles and won possession back more often than just about anyone at the club.
Away from new signings, Spurs were able to offload several high-wage, low performance players, namely Tanguy Nbombele, and find new homes for footballers who don’t suit Postecoglou’s style, such as Eric Dier, Emerson Royal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
For his part, the Australian described the club’s activity as a “real positive” but noted there were shortcomings with their activity.
“We know there’s still some areas where I look at squad management and we can improve. Again, it’s got to be the right person, the right player and right person,” Postecoglou said, before hinting at potential reinforcements joining the club in January.
One area the club are undoubtedly assessing depth options for is defence. Last season, Spurs’ campaign was derailed by injuries and suspensions to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.
At present, Spurs have just four centre backs on their books, with one of those being Ben Davies – who began his career at left back. Depth in this area is a must if Spurs are to blossom in the coming seasons, with a potential January defensive signing on the cards, one in a similar mould to Radu Dragusin.
Grade: B
Spurs record signing Dominic Solanke joined Spurs from Bournemouth during the summer window for $107 million. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
West Ham
Biggest signing: Max Kilman ($78.2 million from Wolves)
Total spend: $247.5 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Flynn Downes ($35.2 million to Southampton)
Total income: $81 million (AUD)
It’s almost impossible to ignore West Ham’s business and suggest the club aren’t the winners of this year’s summer transfer window.
And the fact they’re the winners is not because they’ve signed a lot of players (nine). If that were the case Chelsea would’ve won by many country miles.
No, it’s the type of players the Hammers have brought in. Good players, with a clear place in the squad, that add value to Julen Lopetegui’s side while coming at largely affordable prices.
Picking up Max Kilman from Wolves is such astute business; only three players made more clearances last season and only four won a higher percentage of their tackles.
He is one of several defence reinforcements joining the Hammers, alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who’s defensive excellence compensates for his offensive limitations, and Jean-Clair Todibo, who joins on a loan with an obligation to buy.
Given the two-time French international was on the radar of many clubs, including Manchester United, West Ham’s ability to sign him represents a significant transfer coup.
Last season’s Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville bolsters an already stacked attack line. The Dutchman’s importance could grow depending on the outcome of an FA investigation into Lucas Paqueta’s potential betting breaches.
Spanish international Carlos Soler and Argentinian midfielder Guido Rodriguez provide depth to Lopetegui’s midfield too, especially with James Ward-Prowse’s loan to Forest.
West Ham’s smart signings have been counteracted with necessary outgoings, including Said Benrahma, Thilo Kehrer, Maxwel Cornet and Nayef Aguerd, all of whom had rather forgettable spells with the Hammers.
Grade: A+
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Biggest signing: Andre ($41 million from Fluminese)
Total spend: $120.3 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Pedro Neto ($104.6m to Chelsea)
Total income: $192 million (AUD)
Club captain, gone.
Best player, gone.
Fair to say, it hasn’t been the best window for Gary O’Neil’s Wolves. Max Kilman left for West Ham and Pedro Neto for Chelsea, significantly weakening the manager’s defensive and creative options.
“Those guys, we need to replace them,” O’Neil told Sky Sports. That they didn’t could prove damning for the club, even if they have faith in the in-house options they have to make up for their two big losses.
Andre, signed from Fluminese, shapes as smart business, with the ball-winning midfielder a wild success in his homeland. He adds to a strong midfield contingent at the club.
Tommy Doyle’s return is positive after he impressed on loan last season, with Jorgen Strand Larsen has already shown his immense presence up top.
Sam Johnstone is a fine goalkeeper, but is he better than Jose Sa? While question marks remain about the rest of the clubs’ signings, many of whom have high ceilings while lacking Premier League experience.
Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Neil indicated earlier in the window that the club needed to look at bringing in players capable of helping them win now.
“Recruitment has been asset-driven and we are hopeful that we can balance that slightly, to get some that are Premier League ready,” he said.
For the large part the club didn’t, and if their start to the season is anything to go by that strategy will do more short term harm than long-term good.
Liverpool do not have what it takes to take the Premier League title of Manchester City – unless they sign players in two key positions.
That is according to former Reds midfielder and talkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy, who has weighed in on his former club’s prospects for the upcoming season.
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New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is yet to bring in any players this summerCredit: Getty
Liverpool were in contention for the title last season up until a decisive 2-0 defeat to Merseyside rivals Everton in April all-but killed their hopes.
Now, they will hope to challenge for the title again when their 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets underway on Saturday.
They travel to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town at 12:30pm, live on talkSPORT.
It will be the first competitive test for new manager Arne Slot, as he looks to replicate the good form that the side have shown during their pre-season friendlies.
However, while the team have looked impressive on the pitch over the summer, their transfer window has certainly not been quite as exciting.
Liverpool remain the only club yet to have made any signings over the summer transfer window.
And although there is still time to go before deadline day on August 30, Murphy has warned that the club do not look capable of wrestling the title off of defending champions City with their existing personnel.
“Well the window’s not closed,” told talkSPORT. “And the reality is Liverpool’s transfer business over the last five-six years has been excellent. I expect them to be top four, but I don’t think they’ll overcome City.
“They can’t win it with this squad can they? I don’t think so.
“They’ll be better, of course they would. Significant new signings – yeah, I think a centre-half and a holding midfielder.
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Murphy has called on the Reds to bolster their defence and midfieldCredit: Getty
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He believes their current midfield does not quite have the key pivot figure they needCredit: Getty
“When you look at the two best teams in the country last year with Rodri and [Declan] Rice, Liverpool don’t have that.
“And although [Wataru] Endo and [Alexis] MacAllister did well in certain games and certain periods, that consistent person in the middle of the pitch who’s physically dominant and able to control games like those two do, Liverpool don’t really have.”
Liverpool’s lack of signings has not been entirely intentional given that they had meant to sign one midfielder already this summer.
Graeme Souness believes Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk will have their eyes on a ‘big pay day’ move to Saudi Arabia
But they were dealt a huge blow when Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi opted not to go through with a move to the Premier League.
And while Murphy does not believe Liverpool’s lack of signings overall to be a huge worry in itself, he did admit the Zubimendi affair may have hurt the club.
“You can’t judge a team signings till the window’s closed,” he remarked. “Big signings and real high quality players sometimes take a while to get over the line.
“You know what the domino effect does in the transfer market, we’ve seen it many, many times.
“One big one goes from somewhere that knocks on, they will be hugely disappointed that they didn’t get Zubimendi because I think they thought that was over the line.
“They lost out to [Romeo] Lavia and [Moises] Caicedo last year and now they’ve lost out to Zubimendi as well. It’s not great, especially when they need a player in that position.”
Liverpool indeed suffered a double blow when midfield duo Caicedo and Lavia both ended up signing for Chelsea, despite hopes that they would be the newest members at Anfield.
The former later explained in an interview with Sky Sports that it had been because the Reds had contacted him ‘too late’ in the day for him to change his mind.
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Zubimendi decided to stay at Sociedad amid Liverpool interestCredit: Getty
Meanwhile sources reported that Lavia changed his mind because Liverpool had made him feel like he was not a priority for them.
As it is, Liverpool will have to now have to look elsewhere in their search for a new No6 – and they do not have long to do it.
But it is not all bad news for Reds supporters.
Because while Murphy believes Liverpool will be unlikely to clinch the league title this season with their current squad, he did predict marked progress within their ranks.
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Murphy expects players like Curtis Jones (left) and Darwin Nunez (middle) to progress this seasonCredit: AFP
“If they sign nobody, I still think they’ll improve because of the fact so many of those young players are getting better,” he admitted.
“You’d expect Darwin Nunez to get better and convert more chances. You’d expect the young players like Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, [Conor] Bradley, [Jarell] Quansah to all have improved with the experience they had last season. All those little things.
“So hopefully, yes. And keeping players, I mean [Luis] Diaz missed half the season. Diaz is a super talent. Keeping him fit is going to be a big thing.”
Liverpool are yet to make a summer signing but could soon field a starting XI ready for a potential title challenge.
The Reds will begin the Arne Slot era next Saturday away at Premier League new-boys Ipswich Town, live on talkSPORT.
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Liverpool are still waiting to make their first signing for new boss SlotCredit: Getty
There has been little to no transfer activity so far at Anfield apart from the notable departures of Thiago, Joel Matip and Adrian.
However, talkSPORT understands Liverpool are keen to make Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad their first signing under Slot.
A sensational move for Newcastle star Anthony Gordon, formerly of bitter city rivals Everton, has also been a talking point this summer.
Amid the potential pieces of business that could be completed for the new season, talkSPORT.com has looked at a possible new starting XI for Liverpool.
Alisson was pivotal to the club’s Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup success throughout Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year reign.
The Brazilian international has three years left on his contract and at 31-years-old, he is likely to still be their long-term starting goalkeeper.
Liverpool’s defence almost picks itself, with Andy Robertson set to remain as their first-choice left-back.
He missed a large chunk of last season through a shoulder injury but with his defensive experience and 65 assists in 297 appearances, he is a reliable asset for Slot.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a summer departure as he has just one year remaining on his deal at Anfield.
However, talkSPORT reported in June that Liverpool are confident he will stay, with the Dutchman arguably one of their greatest defenders ever.
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Alisson and Van Dijk have been consistent performers for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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Robertson and Alexander-Arnold make up an excellent full-back duoCredit: Getty
Potentially set to start alongside Van Dijk at centre-back is Ibrahima Konate, with the pair making 64 appearances together for the Reds.
Throughout much of the summer, the most speculated potential exit has been their excellent academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Having made 100 goal contributions in 310 appearances for Liverpool, the 25-year-old has emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid amid his contract expiry next summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold laughs off Real Madrid transfer joke that leaves Liverpool teammates Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz smiling
The right-back would be another big-name signing for the Spanish giants after Kylian Mbappe, but talkSPORT understands the Reds are confident the right-back will sign a new deal.
“Sometimes it’s a 4-2-3-1, sometimes it’s a 4-1-4-1. Sometimes we do build-up with three. So there’s a lot of freedom when we have the ball.”
He added: “I wouldn’t put myself in a situation where I say I prefer 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1.
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Slot says his players have a lot of freedom when they’re in possessionCredit: Getty
“There’s a lot of players taking in a lot of different positions so if you would have asked me, I would say we played 4-3-3 instead of 4-2-3-1 at Feyenoord.”
The eventual formation will soon be visible on the pitch and when it comes to the midfield, Zubimendi will add that further bit of quality.
A product of Sociedad’s academy, the Euro 2024 winner with Spain can play as both a defensive and central midfielder.
Liverpool fans will surely be pleased to hear that he idolises club legend Xabi Alonso, although the 25-year-old does currently have a £51million release clause.
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Zubimendi could be set to come in and bolster the Liverpool midfieldCredit: Getty
Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, and Curtis Jones are other potential options, but the signing of Zubimendi may offer that little bit more.
One of the Reds’ standout players of last season was Alexis Mac Allister, whose initial £35million transfer fee emerged as somewhat of a bargain.
He scored seven goals and assisted another seven in his first season and like Zubimendi, he can play in defensive or central midfield.
Mac Allister shone in a more attacking role for Brighton so could play as the no.10 too, although Dominik Szoboszlai is another contender for that position and the two could interchange.
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Szoboszlai and Mac Allister can both play in the attacking midfield roleCredit: Getty
The Hungarian enjoyed a strong start to life at Liverpool before a slight dip in form but at 23-years-old and with his previous success at RB Leipzig, he could still make the difference.
Earlier in the window, talkSPORT reported that the Reds made a tentative enquiry to Newcastle for Gordon but talks broke down.
“His mind is on Newcastle,” Magpies boss Howe recently said on the former Everton man, although a potential transfer has certainly not been fully shut down just yet.
Gordon scored 12 goals and assisted another 11 for Newcastle across all competitions last season and would be an excellent addition at left-wing for Liverpool.
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Gordon could be on his way back to Merseyside, but this time with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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Fans will be hoping Salah will stay for another season at leastCredit: Getty
Along with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah only has a year left on his contract and the Egyptian was linked with a huge £150million transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad last summer.
talkSPORT reported in April that Liverpool are bracing themselves for a fresh approach from Saudi Arabia but if Salah is to stay, the club’s record Premier League scorer on 155 goals will start at right-wing.
Leading the line looks set to be Darwin Nunez, a player who many fans believe can still do even more in front of goal.
The Uruguayan scored 18 goals and assisted another 13 last season in all competitions, which is 12 more contributions than his debut campaign.
Arsenal look to be in store for another busy summer at the Emirates with the club set to splash the cash again.
The Gunners have forked out close to £600million on new players since Mikel Arteta was appointed in 2019 – with over £250m spent in 2023 alone.
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Arteta’s line-up for next season could look different should Arsenal nab their top targetsCredit: AFP
It is understood the club will look to generate funds from selling a number of players in the upcoming transfer window as Arsenal look to build on their progress.
A striker, winger and central midfielder are claimed to be the key priorities, with Wolves’ Pedro Neto the top target in the wide position.
talkSPORT reported in February how Wolves wouldn’t get in the way of a summer departure, with Arsenal a keen admirer.
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has been mentioned as potential partner for Declan Rice in the middle of the pitch, with the 25-year-old boasting a £51.3m release clause.
And while Arsenal are fans of Newcastle centre-forward Alexander Isak, the Magpies are unlikely to sell, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres also eyed up.
But with Sesko five years younger than Gyokeres, as well as being available for £42.8m due to his buy-out clause compared to the Sweden international’s £85m asking price, he could be seen as the ideal choice.
But a number of fringe players will have to make way first in order for the Gunners to comply with financial regulations.
Striker Eddie Nketiah is behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the striking peck order, with it claimed the Crystal Palace target could fetch as much as £30m.
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Leipzig striker Sesko is claimed to be on the Gunners’ radarCredit: Getty
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Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi is another that Arteta is said to be keen to snap upCredit: Getty
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Arsenal are known to be admirers of Wolves winger NetoCredit: Getty
The news outlet also stated that back-up goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale may be let go with Arsenal expected to turn David Raya‘s loan spell from Brentford into a permanent stay.
Hale End graduates Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are claimed to be facing uncertain futures, while surprisingly, it has been said Leandro Trossard may potentially depart.
Oasis legend Noel Gallagher joins outraged fans in slamming Arsenal fans for disgraceful move of leaving the Emirates early after defeat to Aston Villa
Trossard, who only joined Arsenal from Brighton last January, has fired in 13 goals this season, with only Bukayo Saka scoring more.
All signs point towards a hectic summer in north London, which could see Arteta’s line-up drastically change next season.
Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how Arsenal could start should they land three of their top targets.
Slotting between the sticks would be Raya, who has made the number one jersey his own since ousting Ramsdale in the fifth matchweek of the season.
Natural centre-back Ben White would then keep his spot at right-back in order to accommodate the formidable partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba in the heart of defence.
Forgotten Arsenal star Jurrien Timber would then slot as the inverted left-back as he looks to make an impact following his anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Signed from Ajax last summer, the Dutchman started in the Community Shield and in the opening league match before he suffered his knee knock.
Zubimendi would then be deployed as the lone defensive midfielder – in place of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
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Trossard could be one to depart Arsenal, despite his impressive season so farCredit: Getty
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Timber hasn’t featured for the Gunners since injuring his knee in August 2023Credit: Getty
This would see Rice feature in a roaming box-to-box role alongside skipper Martin Odegaard.
Bukayo Saka would start on the right wing, where he would be the only Arsenal forward from this season to keep his spot.
Gabriel Martinelli, who often plays on the opposite flank, would have to settle for a place on the bench with Neto replacing him.
Meanwhile Havertz and Jesus would also lose out on a starting spot should Sesko be brought it, with Arteta keen for a physical striker to lead the line.
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This is how Arsenal could potentially line-up next season
Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to reports in Spain.
The 24-year-old has played 39 times across all competitions this term, scoring once and assisting three goals, while picking up 13 yellow cards.
He made his only appearance for the Spanish national team in July 2021 after breaking onto the scene at club level.
Zubimendi was handed plenty of game time towards the end of the 2020-21 campaign and has since been a mainstay in Sociedad’s midfield, starring in the No. 6 role.
His fine form for the La Liga outfit has caught the attention of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The Spanish manager is eager to bolster his midfield in the summer transfer window and has reportedly made West Ham captain Declan Rice his top priority.
The Gunners will definitely sign at least one midfielder this summer, and even if that player turns out to be Rice, it would not be surprising to see another one join.
Rice can operate effectively as a No. 6, but is also very good in a box-to-box role, while Zubimendi is someone who excels playing in front of the defence and would be a cheaper alternative to Moises Caicedo – who Arsenal failed to sign from Brighton in January after having a £70million bid rejected.
Arteta’s side is not the only club in for the Spanish playmaker, with Barcelona also believed to be keen.
The La Liga leaders will need to sell before they can buy this summer, however.
Former Leeds United winger Raphinha is one player Xavi Hernandez is reportedly open to selling, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United all linked with the Brazilian – who could cost up to £80m.
Barcelona are also eyeing up a move for club legend Lionel Messi, who would not be cheap despite being available on a free transfer following the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.
The sale of Raphinha would probably not be enough for the Blaugrana to bring in Messi and Zubimendi – with Xavi desperately looking for a new deep-lying midfielder.
Arsenal have lost plenty of transfer battles with Barcelona, but could have the edge over their old foes in the race to land Zubimendi.
According to Gerard Romero, the 24-year-old Spaniard is ‘out of Barca’s reach’.
He said (via Barca Times): “A new pivot is a priority for Baraa in summer, given Busquets’ possible departure. [Sofyan] Amrabat is the first and most affordable option.
“Xavi loves Zubimendi, but his signing is out of the club’s reach.”
The report – which is centered around Barca’s interest in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat – states that Zubimendi is ‘ruled out’ as a target for the Catalan club as he is ‘very close to accepting an offer to play next season’ at The Emirates.
It is believed that Zubimendi has a €60m (£52.5m) release clause – which is a very decent fee in today’s market, especially when you consider that West Ham want over £100m for Rice.
