The transfer window is one of the most adrenaline inducing periods of the football calendar. Emotions can fluctuate between those of euphoria when your club is signing a potential superstar that could change the fortunes of the entire team, or despair when you realise that your team is on the naughty step and excluded from sharing in the sweets that are being handed out. Whichever one you’ll experience is dependent on the decisions of managers, agents, chief executives and many more in the complicated system that is the transfer market. From swashbuckling buys to more economic purchases, the following are nine signings that could change the landscape of the Premier League.
“It is clear that Man United need a rejuvenation and Jadon Sancho could just be the answer.”
Firstly, there is Jadon Sancho to Manchester United. It seems that the Jadon Sancho Man United rumour has been around since the dawn of time. Yet, with the team’s lacklustre start to the season and criticism surrounding the inaction of Clive Woodward in the transfer window, as well as Donny Van De Beek being the only signing, it has certainly escalated. There is no denying Sancho will add dynamism and creativity to a team which has become ever more reliant on the brilliant Bruno Fernandes. Evidence of Sancho in full flight manifested itself in his personal demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach in Dortmund’s 3-0 win over them on the opening day of the Bundesliga season. With a bitter aftertaste still left in their mouth from their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace at the start of the season, it is clear that Man United need a rejuvenation and Jadon Sancho could just be the answer.
Next up is Kalidou Koulibaly to Manchester City. Like Sancho, Koulibaly has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium throughout the summer. Koulibaly’s combination of sheer physicality and defensive prowess makes him an enticing asset for a leaky Man City side, whose defence looked all too fragile during the course of last season. Despite Nathan Aké’s recent addition, the injury of Aymeric Laporte, and Guardiola’s perennial dislike of John Stone, Man City desperately needs someone of Koulibaly’s stature. It has been revealed though in the last few days that Liverpool are attempting to hijack City for Koulibaly’s signature, further intensifying the stakes.
Arsenal’s potential signing of Houssem Aouar would be significant. With Mesut Ozil being deemed surplus to requirements and Matteo Guendouzi frozen out, Mikel Arteta is frenziedly searching for a creative spark to re-energise his club. Houssem Aouar, the 22-year-old Lyon playmaker, is the Spaniard’s primary target. Aouar’s balletic feet and technical dexterity would further Arsenal’s potency in attack. His versatility in a variety of positions is an added bonus for Arsenal. The attacking midfielder could adapt quickly to the pace of the Premier League and aid Arsenal in their quest for a top four place, which has evaded them over the past several seasons.
Declan Rice to Chelsea would be another impactful transfer. The 21-year-old has been integral to the stability and functioning of West Ham in recent seasons. Despite his age, his leadership qualities have been self-evident in guiding West Ham to safety last season. As a proven Premier League pedigree and at a progressive age, Rice would make an excellent addition to the Chelsea squad. David Moyes has declared his intention to keep Rice.
Fifthly is Adama Traoré to Liverpool. Liverpool have operated shrewdly in this year’s transfer market, signing a world class midfielder in Thiago and the promising Diogo Jota. They could add to their haul with Traoré. A revelation at Wolves over the last couple of seasons, his explosive pace and daring runs ensure that he leaves full backs brimming with nervous tension as they face the Spaniard. This could drastically change the dynamic of the title race as Liverpool attempts to overcome the threat of Man City. Liverpool will definitely face tough competition for Traoré’s signature.
“There is no doubt that Julian Draxler to Leeds United would change the pace of the Premier League as well.”
There is no doubt that Julian Draxler to Leeds United would change the pace of the Premier League as well. Marcelo Biesla, the master tactician of Leed’s thrilling style of play, could enhance his squad’s strength with the World Cup winner Julian Draxler. Currently at PSG, Draxler was considered one of football’s brightest talents less than four years ago, although this has slightly dimmed with a lack of regular football. Biesla could be just the right manager to reinvigorate Draxler’s undoubted talent. Although unrealistic, what a brilliant move this would be for Leeds as they try to keep their heads above water in the Premier League.
Rafinha to Everton is another potential transfer that cannot be overlooked. Rafinha could soon follow his brother Thiago to Merseyside, this time for the blue of Everton. Everton have looked sharp and creative in the season openers and James Rodriguez with his silky left foot has been the main contributor. Rafinha could further propel hopes of European Football for the ‘Toffees’ with his incisive and direct play, adding pace and conviction to Everton. Barcelona educated, this could be another coup for Ancelotti and his team.
“Doubt remains though about Levy’s willingness to meet the asking price.”
Milan Skrinar transferring to Tottenham would undeniably be notable. Whether you loved or hated the new Amazon documentary on Tottenham, it certainly gave us an insight into José Mourinho and Daniel Levy’s approach to the Transfer Window. Whether Levy will consider buying the Inter Milan defender is another question. José Mourinho has declared his admiration for the Slovakian, who’s playing style encompasses strong tackling and authoritative headers. Skrinar will be essential in providing Tottenham stability at the back, especially considering the loss of Jan Vertoghen this summer. Doubt remains though about Levy’s willingness to meet the asking price.
Lastly, there is the potential for Arsenal to pick up Thomas Partey. Although Arsenal have previously been mentioned in this article, the potential signing of Partey could not go unreported. Partey, in his prime at 27 years of age, is viewed by Arteta as integral in completing the jigsaw. Currently at Atletico Madrid, his defensive output in midfield has been outrageous and his no-nonsense mentality is transferable to the Premier League. For too long, Arsenal have been perceived as lacking in grit and determination, but Partey could guarantee that this is no longer true.
Whether all, some or any of these transfers will come to fruition is difficult to predict. However, the sheer possibility of the likes of Sancho or Traoré coming to your club is intoxicating enough to keep you glued to the screen waiting for that next transfer rumour notification.
