Ousmane Diomande (Squawka/Twitter)
In the late stages of the summer, the frantic nature of the transfer window is simply magnified through the roof. As Premier League action has begun, each English club has had a genuine chance to comprehend their strengths and weaknesses. The league's unprecedented financial power offers a chance to each squad to make dramatic changes to their team within the next week.
Making sensible decisions is far more crucial in the realm of modern football. In the media-driven society of the present day, the microscope upon incomings and outgoings is far more piercing than it ever has been. In addition, the razor-thin margins between relegation and European football has evidenced the need for any possible improvement.
There is plenty of possibility for a strike to the existing power balance of the EPL. Tactical evolutions, such as the newfound popularity of Pep Guardiola's 3-2-5 system, will be a major consideration for any team looking to improve significantly. As I have previously preached, clubs will be eager to flex their financial might in an age of unprecedented monetary reward for clubs in England.
As a self-proclaimed transfer guru, I have made it my duty to nail down an appealing three-person shortlist of targets for all 20 Premier League teams over the last few windows. My fascination for this stage of the season lingers, so I will be continuing my pursuit to develop a proper shopping cart for each club in England's top division.
Arsenal
CM Manuel Locatelli
Juventus (Serie A)
~€45 million
Despite a shaky start to the season for Arsenal's admittedly high standards, Mikel Arteta's process remains one of the most complete and promising rebuilds in the sport. Thus, pinpointing a requisite need for the squad is a genuine nightmare in waiting. Arsenal's transition defense and attacking patterns are elite, but Kai Havertz's struggles to acclimate to the "Granit Xhaka role" have proven the Gunners' necessity of a conservative second-phase profile to occupy the left 8 position between the half-spaces when Arsenal set up in possession. This would allow Havertz reps at the CF position, providing him with proper space to showcase his creative tendencies between the lines as well as his ball-striking abilities. Juventus midfielder Locatelli would mimic many of the qualities that Xhaka offered last season. He's a phenomenal passer and he specializes in the build-up. The Italian is equally adept at manipulating his body with the ball around his feet to operate in a tidy manner upon entry to the final third. In a proper JDP side, Locatelli's retention and reception will obviously blossom. He is an ideal option to lead Arsenal into the next phase of their project, a more possession-oriented structure to avoid frantic, transitional game states against the dregs of the Premier League. For an effervescent reinvigoration of the likes that only Arteta has managed to display to Arsenal fans, simplicity hardly seems like the optimal choice to transform the Gunners into Champions League contenders. Nevertheless, if Locatelli deems Arsenal's project as a more appealing option in the present, his modest, yet ostentatious style would add a strong tool to Arteta's toolbox.
Aston Villa
CB Lloyd Kelly
Bournemouth (Premier League)
~€15 million
After committing an impressive amount of funds to rectifying their lack of modern player profiles, Aston Villa's lauded transfer business was instantly deemed a stepping stone to a dramatic return to Europe. However, cruelly timed injuries have dampened the mood around Villa Park, leaving Unai Emery's side weakened at the back. After club captain and England international Tyrone Mings suffered an ACL tear, Emery has been forced to pivot his ideals of a 3+2 build-up structure. Luckily, if the Villans can successfully raid Bournemouth, their PL rivals, they could secure the signature of an excellent pure defender in Lloyd Kelly. Kelly is an athletic, ball-playing LCB with supreme versatility along the backline. Alongside the risky, progressive Pau Torres, Kelly could act as a safety blanket by marshalling the defence and controlling the high line. As a mid-term option to the project, there aren't too many better options on the market. Equally comfortable in possession and in 1v1 situations, he could ease the transformation of Villa from a counter-attacking side to a playmaking-oriented side. With just a single year remaining on his contract, there are no downsides to pulling the trigger on Kelly.
Bournemouth
CM Albert Sambi Lokonga
Arsenal (Premier League)
~€20 million
There will come a day where Albert Sambi Lokonga's evident on-ball quality is used to proper effect in a double pivot midfield alongside a strong tackling DM. Perhaps that eventuality is sooner than one may think, as Bournemouth are lacking a creative spark from their current midfield and Arsenal are prepared to sell Sambi for a reasonable price. Andoni Iraola would be a strong candidate to install off-ball responsibility and authority into the youngster's game, while simultaneously reaping the rewards of his elite range passing. His ball progression abilities are unbelievable for a player of the presumptive price tag. Combined with a great physical profile, Sambi has an entire package to develop into one of the world's finest deep-lying playmakers. While his occasional foolishness and nervous temperament can often lead to sketchy off-ball moments, a theoretical pairing with new addition Tyler Adams could cover the Belgian's weaknesses and bring out the best of both signings. Adams' ball-winning and duel capacities in the middle of the park would allow Sambi to vacate the space and carry the ball into dangerous positions in the final third. Iraola's counter-press and out-of-possession shape have risen the Cherries' floor as a club, but to augment their ceiling and truly push on in the Premier League, adding the press-resistance and ball progression of Sambi Lokonga could be an absolute boon to their chances.
Burnley
LB Greg Taylor
(Celtic/Premiership)
~€5 million
As one may expect from a club managed by a Pep Guardiola disciple, Burnley have adapted their play style from a traditional English 4-4-2 system to a rotation-based 3-2-2-3 shape with Connor Roberts inverting from right-back to form a box in midfield with Josh Cullen shielding the back line. However, Roberts is far more adept at overlapping the winger in comparison to his inversions, as the Welshman relies heavily on his pace and crossing ability. Forcing him into the second build-up phase for the sole purpose of constructing numerical advantages is a waste. The Clarets are clearly lacking the coveted profile of Ian Maatsen, who returned to Chelsea following a brilliant loan in the Championship in 2022-23. Fortunately, one of the best inverted left-back profiles in the world also happens to be one of the cheapest and most accessible players on the market. Under Ange Postecoglou, in a system that mirrored that of Vincent Kompany, Taylor excelled at moving into the second phase to assist in the build-up and to allow the advanced 8s to occupy the half-spaces and remove partial burden from the wingers. Taylor has rapidly fallen out of favour at the reigning Scottish champions, which likely has a direct correlation with Brendan Rodgers' flawed instructions to keep the Scotsman out wide. Burnley's young and exciting attacking core has been wasted by being overloaded by opposing defences. Securing an actual inverted full-back profile is a must to extract every last drop of quality from the forwards.
Brentford
ST Hugo Ekitike
Paris St. Germain (Ligue 1)
~€30 million
For a variety of reasons, it seems unlikely that Ivan Toney will play another game for Brentford ever again. Though Bryan Mbeumo's red-hot form has eased the burden on the Bees, Thomas Frank's squad is nevertheless keen to recruit another striker. While current #9 Yoane Wissa is rapid, his distinct lack of quality on-ball is apparent in contrast to the refined centre-forward mould that Toney so effectively demonstrates. PSG hotshot Hugo Ekitike is likely available on loan and the Frenchman happens to be an athletic beast, a trait that Frank prizes. The Frenchman's movement is his greatest strength, as he is proficient at threatening defences with prying dashes between the centre-backs. With the crossing skills of Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey behind him, as well as the deep-lying playmaking of Christian Norgaard, it is easy to imagine Ekitike utilizing his pace to create transitions for Brentford. He can also read and react to situations at a rate unseen among players of his age. With one of the best defences in the Premier League, Frank's team typically scrape results via inch-thin margins. As a more clinical and intelligent version of Wissa, Ekitike could secure many points for the Bees with significant room to improve his game in the following seasons.
Brighton & Hove Albion
DM Mats Wieffer
Feyenoord (Eredivisie)
~€25 million
Though significant investment and squad planning has already been installed to rectify the loss of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in Brighton's midfield, they continue to persist with a double pivot that is far inferior out-of-possession to the Seagulls' formerly lauded duo. Though recently acquired ex-Lille youngster Carlos Baleba has been dubbed Caicedo's replacement, I am far more convinced by Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer. Blessed with a powerful engine and an inch-perfect turning radius, Wieffer offers lone pivot potential to a squad that is severely lacking that profile. His running power is also a tool that could allow him to adjust to the physical Premier League as soon as possible. Following an Eredivisie triumph, Wieffer's leadership profile also projects as a worthy characteristic of his game. The Dutchman is highly capable of shielding the defence and he is a desired second-phase player to allow Brighton to invert their right-back and authorize Pervis Estupinan to overlap on the left-hand side, adding an extra element of dynamism to their already frightening attack. Signing Wieffer could permit Baleba to provide centre-back cover, essentially magnifying Brighton's strength in depth. The mercurial midfielder would be a perfect fit for a De Zerbian system that values territory control and counter-pressing.
Chelsea
CAM Oihan Sancet
Athletic Bilbao (LaLiga)
~€75 million
Considering their extreme net spend within the last two years, the lack of between-the-lines playmaker in Chelsea's squad is downright ridiculous. Athletic Club's Oihan Sancet is evidently loyal to his Basque club, but a prying offer from Chelsea could be enough to secure one of the world's best false 9 profiles. Sancet is a fantastic dribbler and carrier of the ball, while equally providing the potential of link-up play from the striker position. Consider him as a mix of Ivan Toney and Ilkay Gundogan: silky smooth on the ball in the build-up, but equally capable of providing goalscoring from a false 9 position. Mauricio Pochettino's side is in need of more interchange play, so securing the signature of a youngster that is comfortable in the pockets, while also offering greater depth in attack following Romelu Lukaku's move to Roma, can only be a positive for the Blues.
Crystal Palace
RW Cole Palmer
Manchester City (Premier League)
~€30 million
Buoyed by Wilfried Zaha for nearly a decade, Crystal Palace will have a tough task on their hands to replace their talisman. However, Manchester City's recent signing of Jeremy Doku may offer a glimmer of hope to the Eagles if talented youngster Cole Palmer hits the market. Palmer is genuinely phenomenal from my eye, a future world-beater in multiple positions that could potentially be accessible for a sliver of his true value. He carries himself with proper posture and an ego that is common among all superstars of this generation. While the angles that Palmer faces on the left wing don't suit his skillset to a tee, he is nevertheless an excellent option in that position, due to Pep Guardiola's tutelage. At 21 years old, he would bring an aura of elegance to the left flank, while also potentially serving as a future replacement to Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. Palmer is a great ball-striker, but the spaces that he tends to occupy at City don't fully accentuate his inherent goal-scoring ability. In a box-crashing role with occupation in the half-spaces, Palmer could notch 10 goals per season. In order to resurrect their diminished creative threat, Palace could not find many better options that the England U21 international.
Everton
CAM Jesper Lindstrom
Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)
~€35 million
After recently completing the signing of striker Beto, whom I rate highly, it is possible that Everton are too desperate for funds to make another splash. However, if they were to spend some cash, a creative second striker would be high on the wishlist. Hijacking Napoli's rumoured swoop for Danish attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom would be a wise move, per my estimation. Lindstrom is a generalist attacking talent, able to be plugged into any gap in the third phase to provide an injection of quality. As a false 9 profile operating in the space between Beto/Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Everton's mid-block, Lindstrom would serve a multi-functional role, floating between the lines and creating numerical overloads on the flanks via vertical switches of play. Consider Roberto Firmino's role during Liverpool's prime seasons, and you would be able to draw an accurate vision of Lindstrom's possible role in the team. He would drop deep to aid in build-up, allowing the natural centre-forward to run into passes and press the opposing centre-backs, while he shifts to the wings with his strategic movement. The Dane can equally lean on crossing as a method of chance creation, which would, once again, suit Everton's striker options. Lindstrom's cunning movement and ball-striking would extract the best from the Toffees' front line, a necessity for Sean Dyche if he is to save the club from relegation.
Fulham
CB Emmanuel Agbadou
Reims (Ligue 1)
~€15 million
Marco Silva's Fulham were high fliers in their return to the Premier League, sealing consecutive seasons in the English top flight for the first time in several years. Nevertheless, the most crucial aspect this summer is to add proper quality to their build-up structure and add players that can add defensive solidity or a cutting edge. Though Tim Ream garnered many plaudits last year, the Cottagers' right center-back slot was a revolving door, lacking continuity and composure on the ball. Tosin Adarabioyo is also attracting interest from elsewhere. Regardless, squad depth in defense is valuable. Reims defender Emmanuel Agbadou is one of the most underrated players in Europe, per my estimation. One of the best market opportunities currently available, Agbadou is a front-foot, aggressive defender who often likes to step out of defense and play the ball forward. As an RCB, he is very progressive, ranking amongst Europe's elite center-backs for npxG + xAG per 90. However, he is also a defensive wall, very solid and refined in the tackle for such a forward-thinking defender. Marco Silva has shown indications of a future possession-based manager, which Agbadou would suit well, as his current dynamics reflect that of a CB who can play on the left and the right, while allowing the full-backs to push forward at will.
Liverpool
DM Federico Redondo
Argentinos Juniors (Liga Profesional)
~€10 million
Frankly, there aren't many defensive midfielders on the market that stand out to me as a resolution to Liverpool's out-of-possession problems. Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure fits the profile, but he will be a massive overpay for the quality that he brings on the ball. Instead, the Reds should pinpoint the exact player that can fit their timeline and play style: Argentinian wonderkid Federico Redondo. With an absolutely impenetrable defensive radius, due to his active legs, while equally being one of the most intelligent in-possession 6s in the world at the age of 20, Redondo is a unicorn talent. Clean and elegant in the short range, his long passing and combination play is equally ridiculous. But he is far more than a simple luxury talent. Redondo is also adept at controlling the tempo and receiving in the build-up, which Liverpool require next to Trent Alexander-Arnold in Jurgen Klopp's recent change to the 3-2-2-3 in-possession shape. Though it may be unreasonable to expect immediate contribution from Redondo, his maturity and comfort under pressure would pleasantly surprise many onlookers.
Luton Town
CB Reece Oxford
Augsburg (Bundesliga)
~€10 million
As cynical as it may sound, it may be too late to save Luton's Premier League status. Their utter hopelessness out of possession in their first two matches is a far more deeply rooted managerial issue than a problem that can be rectified by simple investment in the transfer market. Nevertheless, if there was a position that required a final splash, Luton's Championship-standard defence would be a point of interest. Once tipped for great things as an upcoming prospect at West Ham, Reece Oxford's career has not panned out as many expected, mainly after dealing with a variety of injuries and a particularly dreadful bout with COVID-19. Once praised for his on-ball composure and his modern front-foot defending style, Oxford is one of the cheapest defenders on the market that could potentially play as a central centre-back, marshalling the back line and making vertical switches out to the wing-backs. Though the risk of signing Oxford would be significant, based on his injury history, Rob Edwards requires far more than floor-raisers to ensure the Hatters avoid the drop at the conclusion of this season. With the proper frame for a defender in the Premier League as well as a good range of passing, the Augsburg CB could be a real coup for Luton Town.
Manchester City
CM Jacob Ramsey
Aston Villa (Premier League)
~€60 million
Having failed to replace Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City's search for a new midfielder has taken them throughout the lands. The current favourite is Wolves' Matheus Nunes, but if Pep Guardiola is hunting for a box-to-box profile that can fulfill Gundogan's defensive responsibilities in the penalty box, Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey would be a strong option. The Englishman is an underrated poacher with good ball-striking and technique on his shots. In the right 8 position, he can defend many angles and block advances through the central areas, which would ease the massive transitional burden on Rodri at the base of the midfield. Securing one of England's most promising second phase talents under the pedagogy of the classy Catalonian manager would add an essential profile to both England and the Sky Blues' midfield for years to come. He has great end product already, so if he can develop security in possession, Ramsey could become the complete midfielder that Pep expects from Nunes.
Manchester United
CB Antonio Silva
Benfica (Liga Portugal)
~€55 million
The sudden injury rampage plaguing United's full-backs has simply magnified the need for reinforcement in defence. As counterproductive as it may seem, it may be beneficial to rectify their issues in depth with another centre-back as opposed to a direct left-back replacement. This is due to the obvious potential of Lisandro Martinez as an inverted LB, due to his security in possession and diminutive frame that would suit a diminished responsibility to defend the penalty box. Securing the signing of a leader in the back line with excellent range passing and turning radius under pressure would dramatically improve United's build-up play and allow them to preserve a higher line, a significant step on the way to becoming a possession team. Benfica's Antonio Silva fits that mould. He can defend central and wide spaces to a high degree, whilst also being a phenomenally successful dueller. He can also display his technique and composure in and out of the dribble, a trait that Raphael Varane is lacking. While the Portuguese starlet could instantly step into the first XI, he'd also serve as a long-term replacement (and possibly upgrade) on Varane for that very characteristic. The Red Devils' recruitment team would be wise to snap him up sooner rather than later, as his price tag could certainly balloon following another successful campaign in his age 19 season for Benfica.
Newcastle
CB Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP (Liga Portugal)
~€60 million
After prizing athletic aggression in their recent recruitment, Newcastle have added augmenting quality to almost every position on the pitch. However, the right centre-back position has so far escaped the eyes of the Magpies' scouts. Fabian Schar has been effective at covering the cracks, but a swoop for a more powerful profile like Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande would improve Newcastle's suffocating press and maintain the requisite quality in their distinctly flawed build-up system. Diomande is a commander, authoritative in all of his actions with a fluid range of movement. He is comfortable with the ball as well, capable of doing shifts in defensive midfield. For the Geordies to install a 3+2 build-up, they could invert Diomande into the deeper areas ahead of the centre-backs and shift their LHS to the middle, while permitting Kieran Trippier to bomb forward as an overlap. The Ivorian is genuinely one of the best talents in the world and would represent yet another coup in the market for an increasingly influential institution.
Nottingham Forest
CB Jonathan Gradit
Lens (Ligue 1)
~€10 million
I've subtly enjoyed Forest's transfer business this window, though they have not addressed their defensive depth. With Felipe aging and Willy Boly slowing, another centre-back would certainly not hurt. Personally, Lens' Jonathan Gradit has always struck me as a player that is very comfortable operating in a back-three system, making him an appealing candidate. Evidently, securing one of the French's club spiritual leaders just mere weeks before their unexpected Champions League return would be a difficult transfer to seal. He's a highly progressive defender, ranking among Europe's elite for progressive passes per 90. As a CCB, he can command the line and provide accurate long balls over the top for the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga to pursue. The abilities in possession that Gradit provides are far more beneficial than the on-ball traits of Forest's other centre-back options. Alongside safety blanket options, the Frenchman could easily allow Forest to maintain more pressure on the opponent, while equally being perfectly competent at snuffing out 1v1 scenarios and intercepting lanes.
Sheffield United
LB Nuno Tavares
Arsenal (Premier League)
~€20 million
Following Ben Osborn's muscle tear in a recent match, a new left-sided full-back has risen in the ranks for Sheffield United's needs. Arsenal's Nuno Tavares has been floated around as an option for other PL clubs, and could thus be a market opportunity for the Blades. Tavares is obviously a talented player, especially if granted the additional freedom of a wing-back role. The Portuguese youngster is a chaos merchant, capable of generating chances with his crossing and pace. Tavares has struggled to seal his place in the Gunners' first team due to his failure to accept responsibility in the first phase of the build-up. If encouraged to push forward, as he was at Marseille last year, he could easily become a prominent source of goal contributions with a more direct route to the final third. While manager Paul Heckingbottom's tentative structure could prevent the Blades from conceding very often this season, their minimal investment on striker talent demonstrates an obvious exigency for a more attacking-based wing-back, to which Tavares fits the bill.
Tottenham
LW Armand Lauriente
Sassuolo (Serie A)
~€30 million
Ange Postecoglou's system has unleashed a new complete build-up system with an inverting right-back and a vertical left-back, while James Maddison has added the requisite second-phase attacking player to improve Spurs' counter-pressing and their clinical nature in the final third. However, their LHS is slightly incompatible attacking-wise, because they have two inside forward moulds operating in the 9 slot and on the wing. In my opinion, it would be best to use Heung-Min Son as an outlet centre-forward with Richarlison as rotation, while purchasing an additional 1v1 specialist for the wing. Armand Lauriente is statistically the best dribbler in Europe, combining an Mbappe-like striding stance with a clean first touch. He is a tricky winger that can play on both sides, due to his comfort from a variety of angles, while offering a guarantee of goals and assists, due to a refined end-product assured through his elite ball-striking. For all the potential that Postecoglou's system can wield, a new attacking option would be very welcome.
West Ham
CB Nathan Wood
Swansea City (Championship)
~€10 million
West Ham have reinvested their money from the major sale of Declan Rice very well, completely rebuilding their midfield by adding ball-carriers, set-piece specialists and steely spirit. However, to seriously challenge for European glory this season, more depth in defence would be highly useful. Young English defender Nathan Wood has bags of potential, due to his ability to defend central angles and to marshall the back line with poise and composure. With Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma capable of defending wide areas, Wood would be a smart prospect buy to allow the Hammers to retain possession at a higher rate, while also giving them a young homegrown option to bolster their options. His potential is extreme and he reminds me of a William Saliba-lite. That ability isn't always on the market, especially for the price that Swansea would command.
Wolves
ST Kelechi Iheanacho
Leicester City (Championship)
~€15 million
After suffering through a toothless attack for an entire season, it has become clear that Gary O'Neil's Wolves side is still in need of more forwards. Wolverhampton have passed through the transfer window in a modest manner and could be prepared to buy a hybrid centre-forward and creative right wing threat. To add firepower up front, a Championship raid for Kelechi Iheanacho could provide major benefits. The Nigerian is wonderful at creating with his under appreciated deep passing, while he is a lethal ball-striker that supplies guaranteed output with minimal service. Unlike Gary O'Neil's current striker options, the Nigerian striker is excellent at linking play and turning with his back to goal. Leicester City are reportedly willing to offload his wages, while Wolverhampton have recently garnered enough money through the Ruben Neves sale to afford a swing on the forward. This move suits all parties.
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