Liverpool’s Luis Suarez sale sees them rank low…
SEE ALSO: Most expensive Premier League transfers ever.
Based on the ins and outs so far at the clubs who finished in the top seven of last season’s Premier League table, here’s how we’ve ranked the transfer window dealings of the big English sides so far.
7) Everton
The Toffees are now paying for their loan policy last term. Two important players in Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku have left on the expiration of their temporary deals, and both have yet to be replaced – and doing so will be very expensive anyway. Gareth Barry has been secured on a free, but it’s difficult to see right now how Everton will be equally as strong as they were in 2013/14 unless Roberto Martinez is given a sizeable budget to use.
6) Liverpool
Liverpool have been the most active of the top seven clubs in the transfer market, but they’ve lost theirs, and the Premier League’s best player. Luis Suarez has been sold to Barcelona for £75m, and so far – only Adam Lallana, Emre Can and Rickie Lambert have arrived in his place – none of which are anywhere near the level of the world-class Uruguayan. While the Reds are expected to conclude more deals – nobody world-class is imminent.
5) Tottenham
Spurs haven’t done any notable business yet, but they have secured their keeper Hugo Lloris, arguably the best in the top flight, to a new, long-term contract. They’ve also acquired the clearly talented Mauricio Pochettino as manager, which has pleased the majority of Spurs fans.
4) Manchester United
United have not picked up bargains, but they’ve so far signed players they needed, and look like they’ll continue to do so until the new season. £27m left-back Luke Shaw has the potential to play for the club for much of the next decade, and Ander Herrera provides the midfield with the class and guile it cried out for last summer. If they acquire Arturo Vidal and Mats Hummels, they’ll shoot right to the top of this list.
3) Manchester City
City are normally much more vocal in the transfer market, but with their squad practically perfect, little needs to be done to improve on last season’s title winning bunch. Holding midfielder Fernando has arrived, and a £32m deal for Eliaquim Mangala looks close to completion. As backup to Joe Hart, Willy Caballero has signed from Malaga, and one of the country’s best right-backs, Bacary Sagna, has signed from Arsenal for free.
2) Arsenal
The Gunners have lost Bacary Sagna, but look like they’ll replace him with Mathieu Debuchy, who will soon complete a £12m deal. Arsenal have secured arguably the best player of any Premier League side so far though, with the £35m deal for Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean makes Arsenal’s attacking options frightening, and if they can secure a top level holding midfielder (Sami Khedira linked) they could genuinely challenge for the title.
1) Chelsea
Chelsea’s summer business so far has been ruthlessly brilliant. Somehow, they received £40m for David Luiz, and have spent it wisely on Cesc Fabregas, one of the world’s best creative midfielders, for £28m. He’ll add guile alongside the likes of Ramires and Nemanja Matic in the middle, while Diego Costa, who scored 36 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid last term – has arrived for £32m. If he has anything like the season he had in 2013/14, Chelsea could run away with the title, having already enjoyed the best defensive record in the country last season.
