Transfers Every English Premier League Club MUST Make Part 2

Manchester United

The EPL champions and UCL runners up had a terrific season and cemented the clubs position as England’s finest. Despite showing a team on paper with much less quality than you would normally associate with Manchester United, the Red Devils based their season upon consistency and defence and it paid great dividends. Since the season finished they have spent big, bringing in talented young defender Phil Jones, Villa winger Ashley Young and Athletico shot stopper David de Gea. The jury is still out on Jones and de Gea, but Young could prove to be a real impact for a side lacking an x factor in midfield. There is not too much needed to bring into the club, but they have lost some defensive depth with the departures of Wes Brown and cult hero John O’Shea. They make seek an experienced cover that can play multiple positions along the line. Also if the rumours are true and the hugely expensive Dimitar Berbatov is on his way out of the club I believe Manchester United need to add a bigger striker who can hold the ball up and offer an aerial threat.

Newcastle

Newcastle finished in 12th position following their return back to the top flight. They were just a win away from entering the top 10 and it was definitely a positive year for the club. They made the transfer of the century flogging Andy Carroll, a man they put a 1 million pound price tag on at the beginning of the season, for a whopping 35 million pounds at the end of January. He was injured and unable to play at the time. Just unfathomable. Regardless of that Newcastle showed brief moments of form that could see them return to the European discussion, none more so than against Arsenal in that memorable 4-4 draw at St James’ Park. As an Arsenal fan I am still trying to erase that from my memory. Newcastle still have most of the money left from Carroll and should seek to spend more to ensure they build on their season. They are in desperate need of more quality striking options and would benefit greatly from adding more depth to midfield and their defensive line. A playmaking midfielder, whether central or on the wing, would add more of a spark to a sometimes dull offence but if Newcastle bring in the right talent they could re-enter a conversation they were once firmly a part of.

Stoke City

Stoke had an up and down season but defied popular belief they would be relegated and managed a 13th place finish. Stoke prides itself upon its defensive tenacity and has players that fit that bill. Delap’s throw ins are another highlight of the team. Whilst they have some strong attacking weapons upfront and out wide, they lack real direction and leadership through the centre of the park and that should be the focus of their summer. Nigel Reo Coker is without a contract and a player I have admired for a long time because of his work rate, leadership and ability to control a midfield. He would be a perfect fit for this team.

Sunderland

Sunderland finished 10th last season, a year in which they lost their best player for a huge fee but still managed to usher through another crop of young talent that will no doubt out grow the club over the next few years. Sunderland have added veterans Wes Brown and new captain John O’Shea (why?) which gives the defence depth and experience, something it lacked last season. Connor Wickham has joined the club and will fit in nicely amongst the emerging talent at the club. If Sunderland can keep hold of these players and perhaps spend some of the money acquired from Jordan Henderson to improve their midfield it could be a very promising year for the team with the loudest stadium. Asamoah Gyan looks likely to stay at the club and could be in for a big season if the club can add another playmaking midfielder.

Tottenham

Spurs fell out of the top 4 after a stay of just 1 season in the UCL. They managed a fifth place finish and look set to slip further next season with the revival of Liverpool. Luka Modric has sent shock waves through the club with highly controversial comments and a transfer request, with Chelsea a potential suitor. Tottenham have been linked with former Arsenal nemesis Emmanuel Adebayor which would improve their lacklustre strike force and add even more heat to the North London derby. I think Tottenham’s biggest need is in their defence and between the sticks. Gomez may have the odd good game, but he is the most clumsy and error ridden goal keeper I can remember playing for a top 6 club. How he is still there is beyond me. Their defence is as reliable as a $10 Rolex watch and must be enforced with players that do not need surgery 3 times a month. If Modric leaves they will need to find a replacement to create in the centre of the park. They need to find more goal scoring and should probably make way with one of their fledgling strikers who failed them last season.

West Brom

West Brom surprised many in finishing 11th last season, some of which can be attributed to Roy Hodgson, who took over after his dramatic failure at Liverpool. Peter Odemwingie came from nowhere to register 15 league goals, ranking in the top 5 in the league, and captain Chris Brunt put his name on the map as one of the better midfielders in the league. West Brom are not a wealthy team so I do not wish to provide them with a list that is a fantasy, but they would do well to improve their back four. The lesser clubs in the EPL have shown they are at their most dangerous when they absorb pressure and attack on the counter, which is where you see shock results against the more favoured clubs. West Brom would do well to bring some experience into the back four and add depth to the strike force. Craig Bellamy could be a loan option if they can negotiate his wages.

Wigan

Wigan finished 2 spots out of the relegation zone last year and could be in for a similar year if things do not change. Whilst they boast some desirable attacking weapons, their defence is abysmal and constantly let themselves down on this end of the field. Charles N’Zogbia’s impending departure will give the club some more funding to go after some defensive signings. Their midfield also needs reinforcement and Nigel Reo Coker could be an option on a free transfer. Veteran keeper Kirkland is being worked overtime because of his defenders and this should be the real focus for the club over the off season.

Wolves

Last and if last year is anything to go on, least, is Wolves. They finished 1 place away from relegation last season and it doesn’t look very clear on the horizon for the side. The biggest positive of Wolves’ season was the emergence of Matt Jarvis, who will leave if he knows what is good for him. There isn’t really a clear direction for Wolves to go in as their needs reach every position on the park. Sadly they are not owned by a rich oil tyrant so it looks unlikely they will make radical changes to the squad. Sorry to be so gloomy Wolves fans but I would say it would be a near miracle if they retained their Premier League status past this next season.