Youri Tielemans (Malcolm Couzens, Getty Images)
The summer transfer window is finally here. My very first article on Sincere Sports was a preview of the January transfer window and though many of the clubs didn't listen to my advice, I'm eager to try out a similar article for January.
After a few days of scouting perfect fits, I've put together a list of one player that each of the Premier League clubs should target.
I've gone solely for realistic signings, so only players that are on the market will be on this list. Don't worry, I'm not going to suggest Lionel Messi to Bournemouth.
With that out of the way, let's get started.
Arsenal
CM Youri Tielemans (Leicester City/Premier League)
While a new striker will be the primary target for Mikel Arteta this summer, there is room to improve elsewhere in the squad if the Gunners want to challenge for UCL football. Though Granit Xhaka has curried the favour of many Arsenal fans following his Player's Tribune article, it still seems like Arsenal need an upgrade in midfield. Tielemans would be the perfect partner for Thomas Partey. The progressive Tielemans offers a little bit of everything. He can score, he can pick out a through ball, he can make a solid tackle and he can knit a midfield together. The reason he should be a primary target for Arsenal is because of his price. With just 1 year remaining on his contract, the Belgian has been angling for an exit for a while now. Leicester could be coerced into letting him go for about £30 million, when his value is probably twice that. Arsenal could do worse than Tielemans.
Other Options: ST Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City/Premier League), RW Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich/Bundesliga)
Aston Villa
Calvin Bassey (Getty Images)
CB Calvin Bassey (Rangers/Premiership)
I suspect that Aston Villa have already conducted most of their business already. Despite a disappointing 2021-22 Premier League season, Villa have talent at every position. Thus, squad depth will likely be the priority for the rest of the summer. Former Leicester City academy prospect Calvin Bassey would be a solid choice. Typically a left-back, Bassey played most of his time in central defence under Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Rangers this past season. Bassey is good on the ball from his time at left-back and he is an eager tackler as well. The Nigerian youngster would be entrusted to provide squad depth. At age 22, Bassey has room to grow. I suspect he could become a left-footed Kyle Walker in the future.
Other Options: CM Glen Kamara (Rangers/Premiership), LB Quentin Merlin (Nantes/Ligue 1)
Brentford
CM Branco van den Boomen (Toulouse/Ligue 1)
Keeping Christian Eriksen would be the dream for Brentford, but that doesn't seem likely. His wage demands would be too high and he deserves UCL football. Thus, Brentford will be looking for a creative central midfielder to replace Eriksen. I've had my eye on van den Boomen for a while now. The Dutchman exploded onto the scene this season. He created 123 chances and contributed 34 goal contributions to lead Toulouse to the Ligue 2 title. It may take some convincing to pry van den Boomen away from the newly-promoted side, but Brentford should be willing to pay a hefty fee for the former Ajax youth product. I truly feel that van den Boomen would be a seamless fit as the most advanced midfielder in either the 3-4-1-2 or 4-3-1-2 formations that Thomas Frank usually employs.
Other Options: CM Joey Veerman (PSV Eindhoven/Eredivisie), RB Frederic Guilbert (Aston Villa/Premier League)
Brighton
ST Enes Unal (Getafe/LaLiga)
Brighton sealed the signing of striker Deniz Undav from sister club Union Saint-Gilloise in January, so they aren't completely bare at the forward position. However, they would be keen to add another striker to their midst. Unal broke out with 16 goals for Getafe in LaLiga this past season, outperforming his xG by over 4.4 goals. Alongside Undav, who is more the Timo Werner type, Unal would have many chances to score in the Premier League. With a young team on the rise, securing a dynamic striker pairing of Undav and Unal in the same year would be excellent business. This would likely spell the end of Neal Maupay at Brighton, but I don't think that's too difficult of a sacrifice to make when you know that his replacement has excellent finishing abilities.
Other Options: CB Joe Rodon (Tottenham/Premier League), CDM Gustavo Hamer (Coventry City/Championship)
Bournemouth
CM James McAtee (Manchester City/Premier League)
Bournemouth's first piece of business should be to seal a permanent deal for Liverpool center-back Nathaniel Phillips. That deal looks to be well on its' way, so let's focus on a different player. The gap in quality between Scott Parker's starting XI and his bench is way larger than it should be. In the Premier League, one of the most physically taxing leagues in Europe, the Cherries should add some quality to the rotation. A creative, box-to-box presence is one of Bournemouth's biggest needs. Manchester City youngster James McAtee fits the bill. He can play on the right wing as well as in midfield. McAtee is a very good ball carrier and he can penetrate a defense with his consummate passing ability. The Cityzens have also moulded him into an avid presser of the ball, which would suit Parker's system.
Other Options: CB Nathaniel Phillips (Liverpool/Premier League)
Chelsea
Jules Kounde (David Ramos, Getty Images)
CB Jules Kounde (Sevilla/LaLiga)
I won't be winning any marks for creativity with this suggestion. But a Kounde signing for Chelsea is so obvious that I have to mention it. Chelsea have a bit of a crisis defensively for next season. After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen (maybe Cesar Azpilicueta, too?), Chelsea are going to need to find replacements for those players. Thomas Tuchel seems to be a big fan of Kounde and new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will be eager to make a splash in his first transfer window. Kounde is the perfect modern center-back, in my mind. The Frenchman possesses the technical qualities to become the best center-back in the world. His intuition and athleticism ensures that he won't suffer as a result of his lack of size. Kounde often applies pressure to elite forwards and forces them to make poor decisions. Though it is no guarantee that he will thrive in the Premier League since he isn't necessarily a physical presence, I think he could establish himself as a superstar in Tuchel's system.
Other Options: CB Roger Ibanez (Roma/Serie A), RW Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona/LaLiga)
Crystal Palace
CM Cheick Doucoure (Lens/Ligue 1)
Chelsea will likely be bringing back loan star Conor Gallagher, so Crystal Palace will be left with a void in midfield. With James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate also potentially out the exit door, it is clear where Palace will need to focus in the summer transfer window. If manager Patrick Vieira wants a facilitator, Lens' Cheick Doucoure would be a great choice. The Mali maestro can play the holding midfield role and be capable on the ball. Palace are blessed with some truly great attacking options and the most impressive aspect of Doucoure's game is his ability to elevate his forwards' performances. Doucoure would likely have chemistry with young midfielder Eberechi Eze, who would take advantage of the additional space granted to him by Doucoure to hover around as a number 8. As a holding midfield option, Doucoure is a really solid choice for Crystal Palace.
Other Options: CB Chris Richards (Bayern Munich/Bundesliga), CM Lewis O'Brien (Huddersfield Town/Championship)
Everton
CB James Tarkowski (Burnley/Championship)
While watching Everton last season, the main thing that struck me was just how poor their defense was. Oftentimes, their center-backs looked Championship-quality. Tarkowski isn't a perfect defender, but he would at least provide some competence at the back. Tarkowski is a tall, strong center-back. He ranked first in the Premier League in clearances, blocked shots and aerial duels won last season. Another important factor is Tarkowski's longevity. The Englishman can play week-in, week-out and rarely look tired. Injuries just don't seem to befall the Burnley man. Financial Fair Play rules are likely to cripple Everton's summer business, but Tarkowski is available on a free transfer. Tarkowski wouldn't be the most glamorous signing, but if Everton want to avoid the kerfuffle of a relegation scrap, he would be a capable player to bring in.
Other Options: CM Orkun Kokcu (Feyenoord/Eredivisie), LB Oleksandr Zinchenko (Manchester City/Premier League)
Fulham
Harry Winks (Jose Manuel Alvarez, Getty Images)
CDM Harry Winks (Tottenham/Premier League)
Fulham were brilliant in the Championship last year, but it will take Premier League survival for the Cottagers to ditch their title of "yo-yo club." Signing Winks, once thought to be the next great hope for England's midfield, would be quite the coup for Marco Silva's side. Jean Michael Seri was good in the Championship last year, but I haven't seen enough to believe that he can carry that over to the Prem. Even if he does, Nathaniel Chalobah is no longer Premier League quality. Winks can complete a short pass better than most. He rarely plays eye-catching football, but he always has seemed to be able to exert a calming influence over a game. Fulham likely will be battling relegation for most of the season, so Winks' impact would be welcome.
Other Options: LB Alex Moreno (Real Betis/LaLiga), CAM John Swift (Reading/Championship)
Leeds
CDM Keaton Parks (New York City/MLS)
Under American coach Jesse Marsch, Leeds seem to be conducting a rebuild. They've already signed two RB Salzburg players, Brendan Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, to add some needed quality to a team that narrowly avoided relegation. The next target for the Whites would be a new CDM. Star midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been rumoured to be a target for some of the Premier League's elite, so Marsch should prepare to lose him. Keaton Parks of NYCFC would be a good option. Firstly, he's American, so he would appeal to Marsch. While Parks usually plays as one of the deeper members of a midfield, his progressive passing and aggressive carrying ability makes him a valuable attacking option. He has been making strides defensively, though he still has room to improve there. Parks would be a very Leeds-esque signing that accords with their principles.
Other Options: LW Emmanuel Dennis (Watford/Championship), CDM Marc Roca (Bayern Munich/Bundesliga)
Leicester City
RW Noni Madueke (PSV Eindhoven/Eredivisie)
Leicester City have a squad that most Premier League clubs would be envious of, but for whatever reason, the Foxes had a pretty terrible season in 2021-22. A new center-back is on the market and if I were Brendan Rodgers, I'd be considering a reunion with Calvin Bassey, whom I mentioned earlier. However, Leicester have been searching for a left-footed winger for a long time. Neither Marc Albrighton nor Ayoze Perez have cut it on the right flank. Noni Madueke is a promising English talent who fits the bill for Leicester. Madueke combines dynamic skill with a precise left foot. The former Tottenham youth prospect can also play as an attacking midfielder, which should help Brendan Rodgers' side in case of injuries, which always seem to befall the Foxes. Madueke would be a high-reward signing.
Other Options: RM Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town/Championship), CB Calvin Bassey (Rangers/Premiership)
Liverpool
ST Darwin Nunez (Benfica/Primeira Liga)
Liverpool are constructing a new front three. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have already been recruited for the Reds' front line and Benfica starlet Darwin Nunez could be the perfect complement. Nunez is a deadly finisher, as proven by his goal tally of 34 in a distinctly average side. Though Nunez's size may lead some to believe that he is nothing more than a tall striker, the Uruguayan is absolutely rapid and he loves to put opposing center-backs under pressure. I wonder how Nunez would suit Liverpool, since his best work usually comes in counter attacks, whereas the Reds like to dominate most of the ball. However, Nunez is talented enough to adapt to Jurgen Klopp's system. It would require a world-record fee to bring the striker to Anfield, but with Sadio Mane out the door, Liverpool may consider this to be worth the risk.
Other Options: LW Martin Terrier (Rennes/Ligue 1), CM Lucas Paqueta (Lyon/Ligue 1)
Manchester City
Marc Cucurella (Getty Images)
LB Marc Cucurella (Brighton/Premier League)
Manchester City have already had a perfect transfer window by signing Erling Haaland on a very cheap deal. However, there is still room for the Cityzens to improve. In my opinion, full-back is the biggest need for Manchester City. John Stones played too many games at right-back last year. By bringing in a player like Marc Cucurella, City could bring in some additional cover for that position. Cucurella was absolutely brilliant in his first season for Brighton. The Spaniard pushed forward with his majestic hair waving in the wind. But he was also a very capable defensive option, who would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Oleksandr Zinchenko. I think left-back is where City have the most room for improvement and Cucurella could be had for the right price.
Other Options: CM Kalvin Phillips (Leeds/Premier League), LW Rafael Leao (AC Milan/Serie A)
Manchester United
CM Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona/LaLiga)
Once again, this isn't the most creative pick on the list, but de Jong would be a perfect fit for Manchester United. Though Frenkie de Jong hasn't pushed on as much as many expected after leaving Erik Ten Hag's Ajax to pursue his Barcelona dream, he is still world-class. I've watched him command the midfield so many times in a Dutch jersey, so it's not difficult to imagine that de Jong could reclaim his form with the Red Devils. de Jong is a creative force, capable of dribbling past most players and making dangerous passes. His vision is elite and he always seems to make an impact when he hits the pitch. If Ten Hag wants to make his 4-3-3 formation a reality at Old Trafford, de Jong could be a crucial part of that.
Other Options: CDM Ibrahim Sangare (PSV Eindhoven/Eredivisie), GK Robert Sanchez (Brighton/Premier League)
Newcastle
RW Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen/Bundesliga)
Newcastle are ready to splash the cash yet again in their second window as the richest club on the planet. In my opinion, right wing is a major spot of need for the Geordies. Bayer Leverkusen's French star Moussa Diaby would be quite the coup. After a brilliant season with 25 goal contributions, he wouldn't come cheap, but he may very well be worth it. Miguel Almiron simply doesn't cut it anymore. Diaby would bring pace and flair that Almiron simply isn't bringing to Eddie Howe's squad. While it would likely put a significant dent in Newcastle's transfer budget, Diaby could become a world-class player one day. Opponents could never let up against the winger duo of Allan Saint-Maximin and Moussa Diaby.
Other Options: CB Evan N'Dicka (Frankfurt/Bundesliga), ST Hugo Etitike (Reims/Ligue 1)
Nottingham Forest
RWB Djed Spence (Middlesbrough/Championship)
Nottingham Forest need to do whatever they can to keep Djed Spence. The Englishman, who was on loan last year, has returned to Middlesbrough. However, Middlesbrough already have a promising young wing-back in Isaiah Jones, so they are likely to sell Spence this summer. Tottenham and Bayern Munich have both shown interest in the youngster. However, Spence would provide more value to Forest than any other club. He already knows the system well and he is a very capable defender. Spence can maraud forwards with ease. I still have nightmares of his masterclass against Arsenal in the FA Cup. It may take a record transfer fee to pry Spence away from Middlesbrough, but Forest should be eager to pay that for a top Englishman with room to grow.
Other Options: CAM Philipp Zinckernagel (Watford/Championship), ST Noah Okafor (RB Salzburg/Austria)
Southampton
GK Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City/Premier League)
I don't think many casual football fans realize how good Fraser Forster was last season. People may have forgotten that he got a call-up to the England squad. Forster will be a tough loss for Southampton after signing with Tottenham. However, there are several options to replace him. My choice would be Irish keeper Gavin Bazunu. At age 20, Bazunu wouldn't provide the most experienced set of hands, but he clearly has talent. Despite being the youngest keeper in League 1 to appear in at least 25 matches, Bazunu ranked in the 85th percentile for clean sheets, save percentage, saves per 90 and goals conceded per 90. He made an infamous penalty save on Cristian Ronaldo in World Cup qualification. Whether it be on loan or on a permanent deal, Bazunu would likely showcase his obvious talent in goal for the Saints.
Other Options: ST Chukwubuike Adamu (RB Salzburg/Austria), CM Joe Aribo (Rangers/Premiership)
Tottenham
CB Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig/Bundesliga)
Josko Gvardiol was arguably the signing of the season for RB Leipzig. He was brought in for £21 million from Dinamo Zagreb; he will likely go for three times that amount in the near future. If Antonio Conte can't convince Alessandro Bastoni to join Tottenham, Gvardiol would be an excellent second option. At age 20, he has lots of room to grow. Considering he plays a very similar role at Leipzig to what Conte would demand of him in North London, he likely would adapt quickly to Premier League football. The Croatian is comfortable with the ball; he's very creative for a defender. His defending intensity is in the 99th percentile of Europe's top 5 leagues, per smarterscout. If Conte can make Ben Davies look like the reincarnation of Laurent Blanc, imagine what he can do with a true talent like Gvardiol.
Other Options: RWB Ridle Baku (Wolfsburg/Bundesliga), CM Christian Eriksen (Brentford/Premier League)
West Ham
CB Nayef Aguerd (Rennes/Ligue 1)
Against all odds, West Ham secured European football again. To stay conmpetitive in the Premier League, they will need some more defensive depth. Moroccan center-back Aguerd would be a good choice. West Ham's defense often looked erratic last season, especially during the injury crisis of mid-January. Aguerd's primary skill is his ball retention abilities, which would help mask some of the lapses of concentration we saw from Moyes' side last season. Aguerd is also a potent threat from set pieces, having scored 5 goals in his past two seasons with Rennes. The Hammers have been linked with Aguerd for over a year now and this seems like a good time to pick up a player who could be a long-term successor for Angelo Ogbonna.
Other Options: GK Nick Pope (Burnley/Championship), LB Alfonso Pedraza (Villarreal/LaLiga)
Wolverhampton
CB Riechedly Bazoer (Vitesse/Eredivisie)
Veteran center back Romain Saiss is available on a free transfer this summer and it doesn't seem like he'll be returning to Wolves (Besiktas are close to an agreement with the defender). Bazoer, from Vitesse, would be a savvy signing for Bruno Lage. Wolves love players who can play in midfield and at the back (Saiss, Leander Dendocker etc.) and Bazoer fits the bill. He's a ball-playing center back who would be a seamless fit in a 3-5-2 system, like the one Lage employs. He likes to get forward, which would benefit Wolves' wing-backs immensely. While I wouldn't be stunned to see Toti Gomez get more game time at center back to replace Saiss, I do think another option is needed. Bazoer would be significantly cheaper than Goncalo Inacio, another target for Wolves, and I think the Dutchman would do a fine job in the Prem.
Other Options: LW Noa Lang (Club Brugge/Belgium), CM Joao Palhinha (Sporting CP/Primeira Liga)
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