Splashing the Cash: Winners and Losers from Premier League Transfer Window
Every summer, Premier League clubs hit the transfer market in the hopes of rebuilding or strengthening their squads from the previous season. This summer has been unlike any other, though. PL clubs have splashed out a record-breaking amount on new signings. For the first time, top-flight English clubs collectively dipped into their wallets to spend nearly €2.5 billion. While a mass influx of talent arrived in the Premier League, some squads certainly displayed better business principles than others.
Winners
1. Liverpool
Liverpool claimed its 20th Premier League title last season with minimal signings. The Reds kept their pockets closed to go all out this campaign. LFC broke the British transfer record to acquire Florian Wirtz, bringing more creativity to the midfield, allowing the forward line to thrive. That forward line also saw the arrival of striker Hugo Ekitike, who will drop centrally to drag center backs out of position or hold up the play to allow the wingers to make diagonal runs.
Despite the attacking prowess Liverpool possesses, the club knows that any title run cannot be complete without a solid backline. The additions of fullbacks Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez ease the defensive concerns LFC faced from pacy wingers last season. Italian international Giovanni Leoni signed in August to add more depth at the center back position. What makes Liverpool dangerous is that they're not done making signings either.
The Merseyside club has been in talks to bring Alexander Isak from fellow Newcastle for months. Liverpool’s strategy positions them well for the future, as each signing is in their early 20s. Their young age allows them to develop and ultimately integrate seamlessly into the starting eleven as more senior players age. No team comes close to the transfer window Liverpool had this summer.
2. Arsenal
For the past couple of years, Arsenal has finished second and has had sniffs at the PL title. This year, Mikel Arteta wants to go all out and capture the elusive trophy. It is no secret that the Gunners needed a striker, and that’s exactly who they targeted. Signing Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon adds another dimension to Arsenal’s attack. A proven goal scorer who is clinical is what the North London club lacked in the title race over the past three campaigns.
On top of Gyökeres, the midfield acquisitions of Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi give Arteta the license to experiment with his side. Nørgaard will provide coverage given Arsenal’s lengthy injury record. Zubimendi can sit just in front of the center backs to stifle opponents and recycle the ball, creating even more chances. The new midfield duo ensures certain players aren’t overplayed either.
The Gunners also boasted an incredible defensive record. Arsenal further added more stability in signing Cristhian Mosquera. Mosquera’s speed can give license to the outside backs to creep higher up the pitch. On paper, Arteta’s side undoubtedly upgraded from last season. It seems they have the pieces to push for the title; however, they must ensure the pieces go together before they win any silverware.
3. Tottenham Hotspur
Many thought that the second Harry Kane left Spurs, their chances of winning silverware would be zero. After a difficult season of injuries and inconsistent play, Tottenham bested Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The club performed well on the European stage yet suffered in the Premier League. Spurs finished in 17th place under Ange Postecoglou, so it is no surprise that a change was needed this summer.
One surprise, though, was the sacking of Postecoglou. The recruitment team did bring in Thomas Frank, who has already strengthened the squad. The arrival of Mohammed Kudus aims to bring a lively threat on the wing to opponents. Despite other potential signings being lured to other clubs, Tottenham did manage to bring in Xavi Simons to replace Son Heung-min.
The loan of João Palhinha brings stability to the Tottenham midfield, who were cut open at times last campaign. Palhinha has previous PL experience, having spent a couple of seasons with Fulham. Teams cannot overlook the Spurs this year, as they have game changers on the bench too. Frank must find consistency with his players, and they could sneak into a European spot.
Losers
1. Fulham
Marco Silva’s side finished one place outside the Top Ten last campaign. The Portuguese manager retained almost all his key players in an attempt to secure another top-half finish. Yet, the Cottagers have hardly made any moves in this transfer window. Fulham made two signings and saw several go out the door.
The club released Carlos Vinícius and Willian for no compensation. Andreas Pereira made the move to Palmeiras for £10m, which has been the only source of income this summer. The lack of movement both in and out the door suggests the London side will struggle throughout the season. Hardly any depth doesn’t boast well for Silva, especially during cup competitions or the Festive period, where fixtures come quickly and fast.
Fulham spent around £500k on goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to serve as back-up to Bernd Leno. Signing a 34-year-old goalkeeper does not solve any of the problems the club faced last season. The Cottagers relied heavily on crossing the ball, which yielded only a couple of goals, depending on the quality of the crosses. Regardless, it will be a long season for Silva.
2. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Similar to other PL sides, Wolverhampton lost a couple of starters to both Manchester clubs. Matheus Cunha left for Manchester United while Rayan Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City. This duo combined for 32 goal involvements last season. Ait-Nouri and Cunha were the reasons Wolverhampton stayed up and finished 16th, hovering above the relegation zone.
In an attempt to make up for those figures, Wolves acquired Jhon Arias and Jørgen Strand Larsen. The two have already shown some potential as Larsen bagged a brace in the EFL Competition. Combining for 32 goals and assists in their first season in the Premier League is tricky, however. They will have a small adjustment period that may only resolve itself when it’s too late.
It will be a long season for Wolverhampton, especially as they sit last in the table as things stand. Defense remains an area of weakness. Left back and new signing David Møller Wolfe appears to be the only defensive transfer to have received real minutes in the PL so far. If Wolverhampton is to stay, they may scrape by once again.
3. Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace won its first major silverware, the FA Cup, and then the Community Shield, creating a buzz in the fanbase. For the first time, Selhurst Park will host European matches under the lights. The Eagles compete to take home the Conference League trophy, aiming to secure three trophies in a matter of months. Despite the excitement of starting the new campaign, Oliver Glasner faces difficulties replicating the same level of success.
His squad does not possess the same firepower as it did in the previous campaign. Bigger clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool have poached two of Crystal Palace’s most consistent players. Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze to see the winger move back to his boyhood club. Liverpool continues to negotiate for club captain Marc Guéhi.
With Eze gone and Guéhi almost out the door, replacing these central figures is nearly impossible. In addition to their absence, the increased number of games means Glasner must be more selective in his team selection each week. A congested schedule increases the risk of injuries. Even though Borna Sosa and Yeremi Pino both made the move to London, the squad lacks depth if someone were to pick up an injury.
Final Thought
It was an intriguing summer that gave many fans high hopes for their club. Players pushed for transfers that left a sour taste with their time at the club. Ultimately, money is the primary driving factor in modern football. With the amount spent, we could see managers sacked left and right if results start to vary from what the board wants to see. This transfer window may have set a worrying precedent: there is less emphasis on homegrown talent and more on acquiring stars.
