3 Premier League transfers that should happen
By Ivan Buss
A fair portion of Premier League Clubs have already worked to bring in new recruits to improve their squads so far this window, with some deals and big names still on the market for a transfer.
Manchester United have brought in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. Manchester City have brought in Savinho from Girona. Chelsea has added some youngsters to build out their already large collection of young players for the first team. Many more clubs have seen movement as well, but apart from a few big-name moves, the Premier League has been rather quiet compared to years gone by. Here are some names that I would love to see make the move to England and the Premier League.
1. Federico Chiesa to Chelsea
Federico Chiesa moving to the Premier League is certainly a move that could liven up this transfer window. With reports suggesting his time is up with current club Juventus, Chiesa has no shortage of suitors. First, it was reported that Spurs were close to a deal to bring the Italian International to North London, but I'd prefer him to Chelsea.
Chelsea has reportedly opened talks with his agent about a potential move, and Chiesa making the move to a team full of youngsters could be the right choice for both him and the club, albeit a difficult one. Chelsea has lacked real leadership in recent years, and this policy of bringing the most exciting and up-and-coming young stars to Stamford Bridge is not helping anybody involved.
After some rough injuries in the last few years, I fear Chiesa needs a new start. He's been on the road to recovery a few times over with various ailments, and both Chiesa and Juventus need to move on. Chiesa has shown what an incredible player he can be when he's at his best, with his best season coming back in 2020/21, scoring 14 goals in all competitions and another 2 goals in the Euros. I think at the price Juventus will ask from any potential club, he would be decent value for money in this current market.
2. Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United
After their heroic Champions League campaign back in 2018/19, I thought Mattijs de Ligt was on his way to Manchester City and the Premier League. Pep wanted him, he fit the bill, and de Ligt opted for a move to Juventus, and then Bayern Munich after that.
Now, there emerges another chance to have this player in the Premier League, and one I don't think United should squander. While he may not carry the same excitement he did when he was but a wee little lad leading chants with Ajax's supporters, he still has the ability and remains young enough to draw proper excitement.
Harry Maguire's move to United from Leicester has not exactly gone to plan, and neither did Varane's, or a number of the defenders they've recruited over the last 5-6 years. They need some stability, and with Leny Yoro already going down in pre-season (and admittedly returning to training a short time after the fact), Manchester United will want de Ligt's presence in defense whether it be alongside Lisandro Martinez or Yeny Loro, Matthijs de Ligt is a player I want to see in the Premier League. Matthijs de Ligt could certainly help United climb a bit further back up the Premier League table if they get the job done.
3. Jeremie Frimpong to Manchester City
This is on the condition that Kyle Walker decides it's time for a move. I would take him at City regardless, but also don't want his growth to be stunted for rotation. Again, it's worth noting here these are not moves I believe will happen, but rather moves I would like to see.
A right-back who scored 14 goals and provided another 10 assists in a side that went undefeated in the Bundesliga last season?! Who wouldn't want to see a player like that in the Premier League? The excitement he brings to games is undeniable, as is his talent. A move to Premier League Champions Manchester City would simply be a return to a former club, as he came up in the City Academy. He only left in 2019 and has well and truly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in world football. Frimpong has even mentioned a return to the Premier League and Manchester City.
This return could provide a dream come true for City fans, as the aging Kyle Walker has hit his fair share of obstacles over the last few seasons, both on and off the pitch. Securing Frimpong at just 23 years of age would bring some welcome youth into City's defense once again, and put them in a greaat spot to make a run at a fifth straight Premier League title. It would be a scary sight for opposing teams, but a little homecoming action for Frimpong in a side such as City, that would be a thrilling sight to see in my eyes.
Honorable Mentions
Victor Osimhen to any Premier League side: The likely destination would be a top 6 club given Napoli's demands are rather high. Osimhen in the Premier League would be electric, and being able to have him in England, even if just for a season or two, would be incredibly enjoyable given how gifted he is. He was left out of Napoli's squad towards the end of last season because of his desire for a move, so one of the Premier League clubs needs to make this a reality - I'm fairly certain they won't regret it.
Ivan Toney to Arsenal: Arsenal needs a striker, a top striker, there's no way around that. Gabriel Jesus has not been the same since leaving Manchester City and joining the twice Premier League runners-up, Arsenal. His confidence looks shot, his injury record seems worse than it was at City, and Arteta doesn't know where to put him when he is fit, with Kai Havertz beginning to fire towards the end of the season last year.
This move would either provide backup to Jesus, or replace Jesus in the number 9 position, but Toney in a project such as Arteta's and Arsenal's could be convincing enough to make them the Premier League favorites this upcoming season with some already impressive signings so far.