The Premier League transfer window shut last month, with teams spending already over the one-billion-pound mark. However, some will be happier with their dealings than others. Who are the winners and losers? Let’s take a look.
THE WINNERS
MANCHESTER CITY
They win everything else so why not win in the transfer market as well? Man City hasn’t gone mad with additions and Pep Guardiola has subtly added to his squad depth with the addition of Atletico Madrid anchorman Rodri.
During the last two seasons, City has been near untouchable but if Fernandinho is out of the team they have a fragility about them. Rodri will be a more than capable understudy until the Brazilian retires and, although he isn’t as physically combative as Fernandinho, he brings great defensive qualities and his ball retention is near perfect.
The other big signing made at the Etihad is the swap deal with Juventus, which sees Danilo leave and Joao Cancelo arrives; the Portuguese right-back will provide competition for Kyle Walker and will give Guardiola the option to switch Walker to centre half – a role he occupies for England. It will take a monumental effort from their rivals to take away their Premier League title.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
When Spurs moved into their new stadium, it was anticipated that Mauricio Pochettino would be operating on a shoestring but the record signing of Tanguy Ndombele early in the window caught people off guard and he’ll add some mobility to the midfield.
‘Poch’ also got the deals for Giovani Lo Celso and young starlet Ryan Sessegnon in the Premier League deadline day. The new boys could aid Tottenham in their transition from top-four finisher to title challenger.
ARSENAL
Arsenal landed left-back Kieran Tierney from Celtic in the deadline day too, but despite being a sound addition that’s not the defensive signing they really need. They did sign David Luiz from Chelsea too, on the last hours of the transfer window, but the inconsistency of the experienced centre back always brings doubts.
The signing of Nicolas Pepe greatly reduces the requirement for a commanding presence at the back. The attack is the best form of defence after all.
With a pairing of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette already pretty potent, the move to bring Pepe in is one that will give the Gunners one of the deadliest frontlines in the league. Arsenal was always going to be in around the top four, but their transfer business should see them over the line.
LOSERS
CRYSTAL PALACE
If Premier League was a horse race, let’s say that Crystal Palace wouldn’t be in the favourites of the Breeders Cup picks. Roy Hodgson saw his team finish in mid-table last season but a less than the mediocre window, which only did not become atrocious since Wilfred Zaha stayed, could see them facing a fight against relegation.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has switched London for Manchester and Michy Batshuayi has returned to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell.
On the flip side, the incomings have been from the budget category, to say the least, and Palace fans will be fearing the worst with a lack of goals looking like it could be a real problem in the campaign ahead. However, a win over Manchester United already gave the supporters something to cling on and we will be eager to see if Hodgson can do omelettes without eggs.
CHELSEA
It seems harsh to include Chelsea on this list given they’ve been under a transfer embargo but any team who loses a player of Eden Hazard’s quality without the opportunity to replace him is going to be weaker as a result.
New boss Frank Lampard will hope his young guns step up to the plate, but he has his work cut out. If you’re a player who’s been on the periphery at Stamford Bridge though you now have an enormous opportunity.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Chris Wilder has done a miraculous job with the Blades and the club has landed plenty of their targets with seven players having arrived at Bramall Lane. The trouble is the Premier League is a big step up and many of the new faces have little or no experience at that level.
Blending one or two into a new team is one thing but integrating half aside is another task altogether and, more often than not, if you have a team of Championship players, you’ll quickly find yourself in the Championship. The one blessing is that relegation wouldn’t destroy the club and the signings they’ve made would give them a big chance to bounce back.
WATFORD
Of course, so far, the biggest loser of Premier League transfer window might be Watford, which although accomplished a couple of surprising signings, is sitting bottom of Premier League. The Hornets have already fired their coach, Javi Gracia, and replaced him with Quique Flores, who had been in charge before, so it seems like they are in for a tough year.
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