With the Premier League season opener just two weeks away, some clubs will inevitably face immediate challenges due to incomplete transfer business. This rush often leads to ill-advised decisions as panic sets in. However, there`s still time to avoid such pitfalls. The upcoming days are expected to be intense for Premier League clubs, as teams who held out for lower prices now face urgency from managers desperate to integrate their full squads before the season begins. Everyone understands that transfer window failures ultimately impact on-pitch performance.
Therefore, for the five clubs detailed below, the next few days could define their entire season. Here`s a look at what each team needs to accomplish:
1. Newcastle United
Newcastle United`s transfer window is proving to be remarkably challenging, and for all the wrong reasons. Initially, several key targets like Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford opted for rival clubs. Now, their star player, Alexander Isak, is reportedly seeking a move, with Liverpool — after potentially selling Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez — prepared to pay a British record fee if necessary to secure him.
Even if Newcastle manage to retain Isak, which seems improbable, this window would still be viewed as largely unproductive. Their primary targets declined, and acquisitions like Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale (on loan from Southampton) appear to be mere squad depth for a Champions League-caliber team. Crucially, the much-needed right-wing upgrade is not materializing, nor is the right-sided center-back they missed last summer when failing to sign Marc Guehi. Furthermore, replacements are needed for Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson within the squad.
Despite these concerns, Newcastle still boasts considerable talent, and the potential arrival of Benjamin Sesko as a successor or complement to Isak offers a glimmer of hope. However, with a formidable start to the season looming, Newcastle must accelerate their transfer efforts immediately.
2. Everton
In contrast to Newcastle, Everton`s transfer activity at Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer has been notable. Carlos Alcaraz`s impressive loan spell earned him a permanent move, Mark Travers is a valuable backup goalkeeper, and Thierno Barry, with his imposing height, appears to be an ideal `David Moyes-esque` striker. Adam Aznou also fits this profile as a full-back whose defensive stats highlight his solidity.
While this might suffice for most clubs, Everton`s situation, compounded by the failed 777 Partners deal and rising stadium costs, demands more significant reinforcements. The departures of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin — all on free transfers — have further depleted an already thin squad, leaving manager David Moyes aware of the extensive work ahead.
Following the Premier League Summer Series, Moyes commented, “I think there’ll be deals next week… We’re getting much closer, though I felt that way weeks ago. We’re reaching the crucial stage and need to finalize some signings.”
The Friedkin Group, Everton`s owners, appear committed to backing Moyes. Currently, the club is reportedly close to signing Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and is in discussions for promising Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. While these additions would significantly boost the squad, Moyes` previous assessment of needing “nine or 10” new players remains accurate. The team could still benefit from an authoritative central midfielder and a creative presence to ignite excitement at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
3. Manchester United
Manchester United`s decision to allocate over $170 million of their limited budget to players who significantly overperformed their expected goals last season (Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo) raises questions. Only time will reveal if this was a wise investment, but according to their captain, the squad still requires substantial strengthening.
Following a 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League Summer Series, club captain Bruno Fernandes told NBC, “It was crystal clear we needed more competition and quality to push everyone for a starting XI spot. The club and manager are working towards that, and hopefully, we can add one or two more players.”
However, United likely needs more than just a couple of additions. A striker is a top priority, with a reported battle against Newcastle for Benjamin Sesko. If Sesko isn`t secured, Ollie Watkins is another name linked with Old Trafford, though signing a 29-year-old past his peak for a high fee presents a significant risk. Beyond a central forward, other areas of the squad could benefit from the kind of targeted, strategic recruitment rarely seen at Old Trafford recently.
While Bruno Fernandes appears suited to Ruben Amorim`s double pivot system, the question remains whether Manuel Ugarte is the dominant midfielder required to partner him in a United team aiming for European qualification. Alternatives like Atalanta`s Ederson and VfB Stuttgart`s Angelo Stiller are still available. The goalkeeper situation is also precarious; Andre Onana`s occasional errors overshadow his otherwise competent displays. Given Jim Ratcliffe`s comments about tight finances, this might be a position where United has to make do with their current options.
4. Brentford
A strong argument could be made to swap Brentford for Aston Villa, West Ham, or Wolves on this list. While Brentford have been active in the market and lost Bryan Mbeumo, their top performer last season, they already had his replacement in Kevin Schade, who scored 11 Premier League goals.
Christian Norgaard has also departed, but veteran presence like Jordan Henderson is a strong replacement for stability. The loss of Mark Flekken isn`t seen as a major blow, especially with Caoimhin Kelleher brought in. Additionally, Brentford secured Antoni Milambo after his promising Feyenoord season, and Michael Kayode showed potential on loan.
Furthermore, Brentford`s history demonstrates their capability to manage squad overhauls. They climbed from League One to become an established Premier League side, consistently selling key players yet remaining competitive. They thrived after losing Ezri Konsa, Ivan Toney, and David Raya, and even earned promotion the summer following Ollie Watkins` departure. The question is, should the situation be any different now that Thomas Frank has also left? A new manager can have a significant positive impact, and the club has a proven track record of recruiting effectively to offset such losses.
However, with an untested head coach, Keith Andrews, and the potential loss of Yoane Wissa in addition to Mbeumo—meaning 39 goals removed from the team without direct replacements—it might be prudent to ensure the new coach has ample attacking options.
5. Fulham
Despite not yet signing an outfield player, Fulham are enjoying a strong preseason with four wins from four matches. The goalkeeper position is secure with Benjamin Lecomte joining to compete with Bernd Leno. Additionally, CBS Sports sources indicate that Reiss Nelson is keen to return to Craven Cottage after his loan spell, and both Fulham and Arsenal are motivated to complete a deal, though Arsenal prefers a permanent transfer.
Deploying a squad largely unchanged from last season would likely see Fulham regress from upper mid-table to a lower position, but without significant risk to their five-year Premier League tenure. Nevertheless, strengthening a few key areas would be beneficial. At 34, Raul Jimenez played significant minutes last season, and despite Marco Silva`s reputation for developing strikers, the combination of Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz isn`t the most intimidating in the league. Similarly, acquiring a new midfielder to challenge Sasa Lukic or Sander Berge could significantly improve Fulham`s control in matches. While no major overhaul is needed, strategic additions could transform Fulham into a genuinely formidable side.
6. Chelsea
It`s been a lengthy two days without any new incoming transfers, you know…
