An update has emerged on Sunderland and their attempts to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that the Black Cats are still chasing two more signings ahead of the deadline at the end of August.
However, they appear to be struggling – along with the rest of the Championship – to get deals over the line for a myriad of reasons.
In response to a fan asking for an update on the club, he tweeted:
“Keeper and striker search goes on … not easy for anybody this summer … Lack of available talent … lack of funds … loads chasing the same players … hard times”
Supporters will be frustrated
This claim will surely leave supporters frustrated as the second-tier season kicks off next weekend and the Black Cats are yet to significantly add to their team from the 2021/22 campaign.
Alex Neil’s side won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs after failing to finish in the top two in League One and have added Daniel Ballard and Aji Alose to their squad, whilst signing Leon Dajaku and Jack Clarke on permanent deals after their loans.
They are making a step up to a league of higher quality and their business, thus far, has not improved a significant portion of the team to help them bridge the gap.
They have also lost Callum Doyle and Nathan Broadhead after they returned to their parent clubs, with the former signing for Coventry on loan from Manchester City. The latter, meanwhile, remains at Everton and is reportedly wanted by Sunderland for a second spell at the Stadium of Light.
In his time on Wearside last season, the Welshman caught the eye with an impressive 10 goals in 15 League One starts. He proved that he has the quality to make a big impact in the final third at that level, suggesting that he could be a useful player in the Championship.
Supporters will, therefore, be frustrated with the difficult time Sunderland are having in the market as not having Broadhead in the squad clearly weakens their attacking options and they are yet to bring him back or replace him with another player.
Hopefully, Kristjaan Speakman can work his magic in the final month and a bit of the window to give Neil the tools he needs to oversee a successful campaign.
AND in other news, Decision incoming: SAFC could land Broadhead 2.0 in deal for £2.4k-p/w “goal machine”…
Celtic have rejected a loan bid from Toulouse for defender Stephen Welsh, according to reliable Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.
The Lowdown: Welsh on the move?
The Hoops are having a good summer in the transfer market, making some key additions as they prepare to start their Scottish Premiership title defence on Sunday.
There are also outgoings that could potentially happen in the coming weeks, however, with Welsh one of those who has been linked with a summer exit.
Now, a fresh update suggests he could still depart before deadline day next month.
The Latest: Celtic reject bid
Taking to Twitter, Joseph confirmed that Toulouse have made a loan bid for Welsh with an option to buy, but Celtic have turned down their initial offer:
“UPDATE: Celtic have rejected a bid from Toulouse for defender Stephen Welsh. It’s understood the fresh offer was for a season-long loan with an option to buy in the region of £3.5m, plus add-ons. Celtic don’t want to sell him as he is part of their first team plans.”
The Verdict: Sell for the right amount
At 22, Welsh is a very promising young defender with a bright future – he has been hailed as ‘superb’ by Greg Taylor – so Celtic should only sell if a massive offer comes along.
Granted, he only started nine league games last season but he is someone who provides good competition for Cameron Carter-Vicker and Carl Starfelt, and could mature into a regular starter in years to come.
That being said, if a new challenge appeals to Welsh and Toulouse return with a much-improved bid, Ange Postecoglou may well consider allowing his centre-back to leave, provided he can get a replacement in before the deadline.
West Ham United are reportedly ‘very interested’ in signing OGC Nice forward Amine Gouiri this summer, according to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: Rise to stardom
Signed by Nice from fellow Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in 2020, Gouiri has directly contributed to 46 goals in 84 outings for his current employers.
The 22-year-old France youth international has previously been linked to Liverpool and Newcastle United but is yet to get close to making a move away from his homeland.
Now, it appears as though the Hammers have joined the admirers for Gouiri and are actively pursuing a transfer in the ongoing window…
The latest: ‘Very interested’
As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, West Ham are ‘very interested’ in signing the 21-cap France Under 21 starlet.
However, it’s claimed that Nice have ‘other plans’ for their prized asset and a sale is ‘therefore absolutely not on the agenda’ as things stand.
The report also states that Rennes are keen on the youngster, who was labelled a ‘potential world-class talent’ by Ligue 1 expert Adam White.
The verdict: Stellar signing
Although this deal is seemingly some way off becoming a possibility, should the Hammers be able to entice Gouiri to the London Stadium and indeed convince Nice to sell, it would have to be regarded as a sensational coup for the east Londoners.
Capable of playing across the frontline, the exciting youngster would be a welcome attacking option in the Irons’ ranks, potentially to go alongside the heavily linked Napoli supremo Piotr Zielinski.
Last season, the £37.8million valued attacker – who was once praised by Kylian Mbappe no less – scored 12 times and provided ten assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.05 Sofascore rating whilst completing 1.6 dribbles, 1.3 key passes and 40.7 touches on average per top-flight outing.
Sharing similar stylistic traits to such highly regarded forwards as Memphis Depay and Paulo Dybala (Fbref), signing Gouiri would be a superb addition to David Moyes’ squad to accompany the capture of Gianluca Scamacca and if possible, should be regarded as a must-do piece of business for GSB and Rob Newman.
Newcastle United have been gifted a major injury boost before they play Nottingham Forest at home in their opening game of the new Premier League season.
The Lowdown: Excitement building
There is certainly excitement building among supporters as the first weekend of the new top-flight campaign gets underway.
With the signings of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett, the Toon Army may be confident of achieving a top-half finish this year, and with one or two more signings, they could even push for the European places.
However, their first hurdle will be a tricky one, as they take on newly-promoted Forest, who have made many new signings themselves and will have a buzz around the squad after returning to the Premier League after so long away.
The Latest: Injury news
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Eddie Howe revealed that while he is unsure how long Jonjo Shelvey will be out for, both Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez are not far away in terms of their recoveries, while Javier Manquillo is ‘back in training’:
“Jonjo is in London tonight for another assessment so we don’t have a clear, defined timeframe on his injury.
“Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez are working their way and shouldn’t be too long. Manquillo is back in training too so we’re not too bad.”
The Verdict: Boost
It is certainly a boost for the St. James’ Park outfit that three squad players could be returning quickly in time for the new season.
Manquillo, Fernandez and Lewis racked up 34 appearances in total between them over all competitions last term, and with Shelvey missing and the new signings needing time to gel, they could be important squad members for the next few weeks.
Nonetheless, the Magpies will want to get off to the perfect start by clinching all three points against Forest, and perhaps Manquillo could play some role off the bench if the returning Kieran Trippier needs a rest after an hour or so.
Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams looking at Memphis Depay…
What’s the word?
That’s according to Italian journalist Gerard Romero, who delivered a fresh update on the Dutchman’s situation at Barcelona to his Twitch channel, where he revealed that Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus are two likely destinations for the forward.
The 28-year-old is expected to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano last week, who tweeted:
“Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future.
“Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs.”
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Free agent bargain
That means the former Manchester United man may not cost the Lilywhites’ owners, the ENIC Group, a penny in terms of a transfer fee as Barcelona will be desperate to get his wages off the books.
And just like with Ivan Perisic, sporting director Fabio Paratici and his recruitment staff could seal another free transfer masterclass.
Another forward may be the least of manager Antonio Conte’s priorities, having added the £60m acquisition of Richarlison to a frontline containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura, but another option would add serious depth and quality to the squad, especially when they could be available for nothing.
The north Londoners will also be competing in the Champions League this season and in a World Cup year, rotation could be imperative heading into the second half of the season – at least if Spurs are aiming to end their trophy hoodoo.
Depay may have struggled in the Premier League before but that came at an early time in his career.
Since then, he has bagged 19 goals in 36 appearances in 2017/18, then 20 goals across 37 league matches in 2020/21, both for Lyon, and even finished last season as Barca’s top goalscorer, despite losing his place to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “special talent” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who certainly knows a thing or two about goalscoring himself.
Not only does he offer goals, though, as he ranks inside the top 1% of all forwards across Europe for passes attempted (48.11 per 90), as well as the top 3% for progressive carries (7.37 per 90), showing that he can get on the ball and help provide for his teammates, whether that be through a pass or a drive through the defensive line, as per FBref.
With Depay valued at €40m (£34m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, it’s clear that signing him on a free would be an absolute bargain, not to mention his aforementioned credentials.
As such, the Dutchman would be a pretty good depth option for Conte this season but they’ll have to beat Juventus to his signature.
AND in other news, Paratici can seal “incredible” Maddison alternative in Spurs bid for “special” target…
An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Watford’s Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Dan Ashworth is still trying to land a Magpies deal to sign the Brazilian centre-forward before next month’s deadline, despite failing with two bids so far.
He tweeted on Thursday evening: “Newcastle are still in negotiations for João Pedro despite second bid being turned down by Watford tonight. It’s not over, yet – talks ongoing. #NUFC Today’s bid was worth £22m plus £3m in add-ons but Newcastle will try to push again.”
This came after he reported the offer earlier in the day, tweeting: “Excl: Newcastle have submitted new bid today for João Pedro. £22m fee plus £3m add-ons, while Watford are asking for £30m total fee. Talks on. #NUFC João, keen on the move – he wants Premier League football again.”
Forget about Chris Wood
The club pushing to sign a new striker could mean that – after just eight months – it could be time to forget about Chris Wood.
He was brought in from Burnley in January to bolster the striking options on Tyneside and fill in for Callum Wilson whilst the Englishman was out injured.
However, he has been unable to prove his worth so far as he has struggled in the Premier League. Since arriving at St James’ Park, Wood has played 19 top-flight matches and scored two goals for the Magpies, only one from open play.
Eddie Howe wanted to turn Newcastle into a pressing team and Wood is distinctly average at that part of the game. Over the last 365 days, he ranks in the 54th percentile amongst players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for pressures applied per 90 at 15.25.
Meanwhile, Pedro ranks in the 84th percentile with 18.45 pressures per 90, which suggests that he could better suit Howe’s style of play – particularly off the ball – than Wood by putting more pressure on opposition defenders.
His pressing led to him making 2.24 tackles and interceptions and 1.53 blocks per 90, compared to the New Zealand international’s 0.69 and 0.83 in those respective statistics.
This shows that the 2o-year-old offers far more to the team out of possession than Wood, whilst his tally of three goals in 15 Premier League starts suggests that he could provide a similar goal threat.
Furthermore, the Watford dynamo is also 10 years younger than Wood, so he would come in as a long-term investment as he could grow and improve over time, whereas the former Clarets marksman is in the latter stages of his career.
Therefore, it is time to forget about the January arrival, as the prospective signing of Pedro – who was once dubbed “interesting” by scout Jacek Kulig – should limit Wood’s chances for the rest of the campaign, sitting behind Wilson and the Brazilian in the Magpies’ pecking order.
Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded Allan Saint-Maximin as ‘unplayable’ during Newcastle United’s clash against Manchester City this afternoon.
The lowdown: Rollercoaster affair
Despite the raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park and the confident run of form heading into the clash, the Magpies made a poor start against the Premier League champions as Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring inside five minutes.
However, goals from Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson turned the game on its head prior to half-time, and Kieran Trippier made it 3-1 in the 54th minute.
A rollercoaster match took its next drastic twist in a five-minute period just after the hour mark as quickfire goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva brought the teams level once more.
The latest: Saint-Maximin ‘unplayable’
Speaking at half-time during Sky Sports’ live commentary from St James’ Park on a dramatic afternoon, Richards was full of praise for the French winger’s impact on the first half turnaround.
The former Manchester City defender stated: “Saint-Maximin has been unplayable at times. Everything good for Newcastle has come down their left side.”
The verdict: Fully deserved praise
Saint-Maximin might not have been on the scoresheet today, but it’s not difficult to see why Richards was so fulsome on his praise of the 25-year-old.
He was Newcastle’s highest-rated player as per Sofascore, helping himself to two first-half assists, making four key passes, winning six duels, completing three dribbles and creating two ‘big chances’ as he proved a nightmare for Kyle Walker to handle on that flank.
The Frenchman has been questioned over his end product at times, but there could be no complaints from the Toon Army with his effect on today’s match, and against the reigning champions, of all teams.
Southampton mainstay Jan Bednarek is ‘ready to change club’ with an ‘unexpected’ and ‘surprising’ transfer to Aston Villa now on the cards.
The Lowdown: Southampton busy…
The Saints have been very active this transfer window having sealed six major signings in Gavin Bazanu, Romeo Lavia, Joe Aribo, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Mateusz Lis and Sekou Mara.
In terms of departures, there have been a few big names leaving St. Mary’s Stadium, with former goalkeeper Fraser Forster sealing a move to Tottenham and ex-striker Shane Long putting pen to paper at Reading (Transfermarkt).
September 1 lingers with just under a fortnight of the summer window remaining, but according to reports out of Poland, defender Bednarek could be on the move before then.
The Latest: Bednarek eyes move away…
According to news outlet Meczyki, the 26-year-old is ‘ready to change club’ this summer.
As well as this, Bednarek ‘may become the hero of a surprising transfer’, as it is claimed that Aston Villa are eyeing an ‘unexpected move’ which ‘may occur’ in the final days of this window.
The Verdict: Fight to keep him?
As per WhoScored, the Poland international finished 2021/22 as one of Southampton’s top five best-performing players by average match rating – all while playing the fourth-highest amount of league minutes.
Defensively, he was arguably manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s star asset – averaging more interceptions, clearances and blocks made per 90 than any other player in the Saints squad.
Still yet to reach his prime, letting Bednarek go would be a regrettable end to the window and Southampton would arguably need to sign a replacement.
Arsenal would be foolish to not make a move for Moises Caicedo before Thursday’s transfer deadline…
What’s the word?
The Brighton and Hove Albion powerhouse has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks and Express journalist Ryan Taylor has urged the Gunners to make a swoop.
“I think they’d be silly not to because of the high level of his performances in such a short space of time since making his debut,” he told GIVEMESPORT.
“I think one of his first games was away at Tottenham last year and that was only at the back-end of last season. Then he destroyed Manchester United in that 4-0 win, scoring, and the same happened on the opening day of the season.”
He cost the Seagulls just £4.5m during the winter transfer window’s deadline day and he is now thought to be worth in the region of €20m (£17m), as per CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis.
Shades of Vieira
The north London giants once had an aggressive and hugely competitive box-to-box midfielder by the name of Patrick Vieira. He captained the side for three years and became a legend, not just at Arsenal but in the Premier League overall, too.
Now the club could find a player very much in that mould with Caicedo.
The 20-year-old gem has set the league alight with his form for Brighton.
From just eight outings in 2021/22, Caicedo ranked as Graham Potter’s best-performing player with an average WhoScored rating of 7.07. He won tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game and contributed further up the pitch with 1.3 shots and 0.9 dribbles per game.
It’s perhaps no surprise to have seen him likened to N’Golo Kante, who only last week Vieira namedropped when asked about players similar to him.
“He is a terrific athlete who makes football look easy. A box-to-box midfielder,” claimed South American football expert Tim Vickery to talkSPORT. “A year ago he was saying that Kante of Chelsea is his role model but he is already more than that. He already offers more in the final third.
“That kind of box-to-box midfielder that’s very much in the tradition of the England game. Strong, quick, intelligent and cool. He really does look like the genuine article.”
Based on that endorsement alone, Caicedo could really become a Vieira-like beast in the Premier League over the next few years, so Gunners technical director Edu Gaspar must ensure it’s in the red and white colours of Islington, rather than the blue and white tones from the south coast.
Ecuadorian football historian and statistician Enrico Castro-Montes has added further weight to that comparison, claiming that the Ecuador international was “a cross between Kante and Pogba.”
In his own country, he is really seen as the crown jewel of a new generation,” he told Het Niuewsblad (via Sport Witness).
“Caicedo really has everything to become the best Ecuadorian footballer of all time. I think that off the ball, he is indeed somewhat reminiscent of Kante, but on the ball, he resembles Paul Pogba with his flair and his technique.”
With nearly less than 48 hours to go in the transfer window, Edu and co must look to lure Caicedo to the Emirates as he could well discover Arsenal’s next Vieira in the 20-year-old, who was also lauded as a “machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
He’d be an extraordinary signing to end a busy and exciting summer of business for the Gunners.
AND in other news, Imagine him & Jesus: Arsenal could form a dream duo by signing “magical” £21m ace…
The summer transfer window finally ended on the 1st Sept, without Brentford losing Ivan Toney!
There have been loads of exciting moves and Premier League clubs have spent more than ever before. I have ranked the hottest 10 transfers based on the impact the players are expected to have at their new clubs and highlighted a few other standout signings – both good and bad.
Loads of high-profile Brazilian talent is joining the Premier League, so it promises to be an entertaining season to come.
Top top 10 hottest summer signings
Here’s why these signings will make the biggest contributions in the Premier League at their new clubs…
1. Gabriel Jesus – Striker – Manchester City to Arsenal (£45m)
Soccer Football – Europa League – Arsenal Training – Arsenal Training Centre, St Albans, Britain – September 7, 2022 Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus during training Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Arsenal’s new star man has hit the ground running with six goal involvements in six games. At only 25-years-old, he has the potential to grow into an absolute monster under Mikel Arteta.
Jesus will be thirsty to prove himself as Brazil’s No.9 before the World Cup. He is very versatile and can play anywhere across the front line. Technically amazing, he delivers exquisite passes and sublime dribbling runs. Typically Brazilian, he has a lot of skills in his locker to evade defenders and likes nutmegs and fake shots.
Against Leicester, Jesus got four goal involvements, won eight duels, created three chances, completed three take-ons and had three shots on target. He also showed up in pre-season, scoring six goals in five games.
Since Jesus arrived in north London, the form of Arsenal’s attacking assets has improved massively. Arsenal’s left-winger, Gabriel Martinelli, has been on fire and in midfield, Martin Odegaard has another player to create chances for.
Now that Arsenal have a proper striker who is happy at the club, fans are very hopeful of a great season and a top four finish. This will be very welcome after the disappointments of past strikers who didn’t live up to the hype – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had two good seasons and then became a problem. Alexandre Lacazette never really did much at all.
2. Erling Haaland – Striker – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City (£64m)
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Nottingham Forest – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – August 31, 2022 Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Pleas
The Norwegian is one of the world’s brightest talents and a big move was always on the cards. After a disastrous missed shot on goal in the Community Shield against Liverpool, he had a memorable Premier League debut – scoring a brace against West Ham. Haaland left fans in hysterics, swearing twice in his first post-match interview.
He has scored 10 goals in six Premier League games, including back-to-back hat-tricks. He leads the Golden Boot race, with his closest challenger, Fulham’s Aleksander Mitrovic, already four goals behind. A lethal finisher, Haaland only needs half a chance to put it in the back of the net.
At Manchester City, Haaland will have plenty of chances with City’s creative options being the best in the world. His pace, explosiveness, physicality and amazing upper body strength allow him to destroy defenders. Another key thing is his hold-up play and his aerial threat. Being 6 foot 3 allows him to win nearly every header.
Now at a top European club, the Haaland vs Mbappe debate over who is the best player can fire up to the level of Messi vs Ronaldo.
3. Raheem Sterling – Winger – Manchester City to Chelsea (£45m)
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Chelsea have got an absolute steal, paying £45m for a game changer worth £55m, who has got bags of Premier League experience.
Raheem Sterling has got everything a winger needs in his arsenal: pace, dribbling, timing, passing, stamina and crossing. He can function anywhere along the front line, even as a striker. Most of his goals are from close range but this is where he comes into his element, using insanely clever and amazingly timed runs, Sterling puts himself in the right place at the right time.
This makes him the complete attacker with electric pace, deadly dribbling and a strikers instinct. At 27, he could be entering his prime so Premier League defenders had better watch out. Sterling will be doubly motivated, ahead of the World Cup, to prove to Gareth Southgate that he is still his first choice.
4. Antony – Right Winger – Ajax to Manchester United (£85m)
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A player Erik Ten Hag has sought after for the whole of the transfer window after failing to bring Frenkie De Jong through the door, Man United fans will be happy with this signing.
Antony’s a real crowd pleaser with his amazing skills and his pure confidence to show-boat. After scoring on his debut for the Red Devils, he kissed the United badge in celebration, much to the delight of fans.
A player that understands the Ten Hag pressing tactics, he reminds me of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. At only 22, his debut goal broke the record for the youngest Brazilian to score in the Premier League and makes him the only player to score a first-half goal against Arsenal this season.
His skill set is awesome, including pace, technique, dribbling, skills, passing and long shots. Antony’s amazing passes grabbed him eight assists in the Eredivisie last season. With lots of potential and a manager he knows well, it looks like the sky is the limit for this player.
Manchester United have bagged an asset who has the potential to dominate their game for years to come.
5. Lucas Paqueta – Attacking/Central Midfielder – Lyon to West Ham (£50m)
West Ham’s new star is an amazing talent. The Brazilian is a statement signing for the Hammers. Paqueta is the perfect defensive compliment to Declan Rice’s attacking skills; he is an all-rounder with no significant weaknesses. He combines amazing offensive skills with the ability to create chances for himself and his teammates.
A direct dribbler, Paqueta can drive through the heart of a midfield, leaving the opposition for dead, using his Brazilian Samba style and flair to get out of tight spots.
What’s even more unique about the Brazilian is his work rate and defensive contribution. His stats rival that of defensive midfielders such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Brazilian teammate Fabinho. At only 25, he and Rice could be bossing the midfield for years to come.
Paqueta’s been referred to as the second coming of Kaka and you can see the similarities. In my opinion, there isn’t another player like him. The mix of elite attacking and defensive attributes makes him the perfect midfielder. Still to hit his prime, he could be a key player for Brazil at the World Cup this winter.
6. Kalidou Koulibaly – Centre-Back – Napoli to Chelsea (£33m)
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After Chelsea lost star defender Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid, it was clear that they needed to strengthen. With this signing, they have done just that. Although he picked up a red card against Leeds, on his day Koulibaly can be the second best centre-back in the world, only behind Virgil van Dijk.
A no-nonsense defender, unafraid to get stuck in, he has height, physically and exquisite passing. Koulibaly is also comfortable in possession and bringing the ball out from the back.
A natural leader and captain of the Senegalese national team, Koulibaly should have a good relationship with fellow international and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Koulibaly brings much-needed experience to a young Chelsea side. Often linked with moves to elite-level clubs, Chelsea signed Koulibaly at just the right time to get a bargain, with only one year remaining on his Napoli contract.
7. Marc Cucurella – Left-Back / Centre-back – Brighton to Chelsea (£55m)
A very overpriced signing but definitely a good one. Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea splashed £55m on the 24-year-old, but after his debut against Tottenham, it seems he may have the potential to be worth it. An extremely versatile player, Cucurella can play centre-back, left-back and left-midfield – something every modern player needs.
A graduate of La Masia – Barcelona’s Academy – is always going to have second-to-none technique and Cucurella is no exception. Teams like Barcelona and Manchester City also wanted the silky Spaniard. He’s good on both offence and defence, being both a good tackler and able to create chances. Cucurella will be hungry to prove himself to Spain manager Luis Enrique in time for the World Cup, so we should see a good start to his season.
8. Ivan Perisic – Left Wing Back – Inter Milan to Tottenham (Free Transfer)
The 33-year-old was a favourite of Antonio Conte’s while at Inter Milan, so it makes sense that the Italian has brought him to north London. Perisic is a very attacking wing-back, who also functions as a winger and wide midfielder. He brings lots of experience after playing at big clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. Being a senior member of the squad, Perisic could mentor Ryan Sessegnon, another left-back who could be a key player for the future.
The Croatian’s stats from his first start for Spurs were impressive, seeing him make the most tackles (5), win the most duels (7) and create the most chances (3) for his team. Perisic registered two assists in his first 111 minutes of Premier League football.
This was a shrewd signing for Spurs – picking Perisic up on a free is a cracking bit of business. Now Spurs have their two bombing full-backs – Perisic and Emerson – alongside one of the best front three groupings in the Premier League – with Heung-min Son, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski – let’s see what they will achieve this season.
9. Oleksandr Zinchenko – Left Back / Central Midfielder – Manchester City to Arsenal (£32m)
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Arsenal needed a left-back to cover for the injury-prone Kieran Tierney. Zinchenko is extremely versatile and can also play in central midfield. In the first half against Bournemouth, he won back possession nine times. Mikel Arteta knows him well from his time as Manchester City’s assistant manager.
Zinchenko helps set the tempo of the game with his passing and his composure on the ball. He’s great at carrying the ball forward, which is why he can also function as a central midfielder. At 25-years-old the Ukrainian could become a top player with regular minutes, which is something he didn’t get at Manchester City.
On his debut for the Gunners, Zinchenko picked up an assist.
10. Nick Pope – Goalkeeper – Burnley to Newcastle (£10m)
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope celebrating.
Newcastle signed the ex-Burnley goalkeeper for a sum of around £10m. Nick Pope is a well-established Premier League keeper after his time at Turf Moor. He was crucial in times of need when Burnley were struggling in a relegation fight. In the 2019/20 season, he kept 15 clean sheets, finishing second in the Premier League in that respect.
Newcastle needed a top-level goalkeeper to compete and Pope was the ideal man for the job. His distribution is second to none – a key attribute in a modern goalkeeper. In his first two Premier League games for the Magpies, he kept two clean sheets. Pope is a great shot-stopper who’s made 28 saves already this season – the most in the Premier League. If he can maintain his top form he could be on the cusp of being England’s new No.1 ‘keeper.
Honourable mentions
These were great signings that narrowly missed my top 10…
Richarlison – Everton to Tottenham (£60m)
Last season he was one of the best players outside of the top six. True to form, Richarlison has already picked up two assists for Spurs. I don’t think he’ll be one of the first names on the team sheets because Tottenham have an amazing attack, but it’s a really good signing for squad depth purposes.
Sven Botman – Lille to Newcastle (£35m)
Newcastle have signed their future captain. He’s a near-perfect centre-back and is good on the ball with pace and physicality. I predict that Botman will grow into one of the Premier League’s top five centre-backs. The Magpies chased the Dutchman throughout the January transfer window and finally got him this summer. He’s not a complete player yet but he can develop into one. Newcastle look solid at the back for now and the future.
Not-so-hot signings:
These signings weren’t really what their new clubs needed…
Morgan Gibbs-White – Wolves to Nottingham Forest (£42m)
Nottingham Forest signed Gibbs-White from Wolves for £42m.. I don’t think he has enough experience to be worth that fee. Wolves got much better value when they signed Matheus Nunes for a similar fee – gaining experience, potential and a better all-round player.
Dwight McNeil – Burnley to Everton (£20m)
After losing top man Richarlison to Tottenham, you would expect Everton to sign an established star player. However, they signed McNeil from Burnley, who’s never been a stand-out player. He only scored seven goals in five seasons for Burnley in the Premier League. In each of Richarlison’s seasons with Everton he scored 7+ goals. Everton will need to work miracles with their attack to maintain their position.
The Winners and Losers
In my opinion, Arsenal and Tottenham are the biggest winners of this transfer window, both signing good players on free transfers or for reasonable fees. Manchester United also signed some good players, as did Chelsea – who got three from my top 10, although they are yet to start performing.
For me the biggest loser of this transfer window was Everton, who lost star player Richarlison and didn’t manage to replace him with a player of equivalent quality. Close behind are Leicester City, who lost Kasper Schmeichel in goal and only made one signing (Wout Faes) – I bet they are wishing they had made more after a tough start to the season.