Premier League Teams with Significant Transfer Window Work Remaining

With the opening round of Premier League fixtures just two weeks away, some clubs are likely to find themselves in a state of panic. A failure to complete essential transfer business before the season kicks off can lead to immediate on-pitch problems, often prompting desperate and ill-advised decisions.

However, there`s still time to avert such scenarios. The upcoming days are poised to be a period of intense activity in the Premier League. Clubs, having perhaps tried to negotiate lower prices, now face impatient head coaches eager to integrate a complete squad before the season opener. Everyone understands that transfer window shortcomings inevitably manifest on the field, with consequences for those in charge.

For the five clubs listed below, this period represents a crucial turning point that could define their performance over the next nine months. Here`s an overview of their pressing needs:

1. Newcastle United

Newcastle United`s transfer window is unfortunately becoming notable for all the wrong reasons, a fact their supporters are keenly aware of. What initially promised a host of exciting targets, such as Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford, instead saw these players opting for Premier League rivals. The situation has now worsened, with their key player, Alexander Isak, reportedly seeking a departure. Liverpool, potentially funding this through the sales of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, seems ready to shatter the British transfer record to secure him.

Even if Newcastle were to retain Isak, which appears improbable, the window would still be considered a missed opportunity. Their primary targets declined moves, and the incoming players—Anthony Elanga and Southampton loanee Aaron Ramsdale—are primarily depth options for a Champions League-aspiring side. Crucially, the much-needed upgrade on the right wing of the attack doesn`t appear close, nor does the right-sided center-back they missed out on last summer, Marc Guehi. Furthermore, replacements are needed for Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson in the squad.

Despite the concerns, Newcastle`s squad still possesses considerable talent. With Benjamin Sesko reportedly a target to either replace or complement Isak, there are glimmers of hope amidst the challenges at St. James` Park. However, given their demanding start to the season, it`s imperative for Newcastle to accelerate their transfer activity immediately.

2. Everton

In stark contrast to Newcastle, Everton`s transfer activity at Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer has been commendably productive. Carlos Alcaraz secured a deserved permanent move after an impressive loan spell, while Mark Travers provides a valuable backup goalkeeper option. Thierno Barry, notably tall, appears to be an ideal David Moyes-esque striker. Adam Aznou also fits the Moyes mold, a full-back whose defensive statistics from last season highlight his solidity.

While such acquisitions would suffice for most clubs, Everton`s situation demands more. Following their turbulent involvement with 777 Partners and the escalating costs of their new stadium, the club faced unique pressures. The departures of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, all on free transfers, have further depleted an already thin squad. Manager David Moyes acknowledges the significant work still ahead.

“I anticipate deals next week,” Moyes stated after the Premier League Summer Series concluded. “I believe we are much closer now, though I felt similarly four or five weeks ago. Clearly, we`re approaching the crucial phase and must finalize some agreements.”

The Friedkin Group, Everton`s owners, are clearly striving to prevent Moyes from regretting his public statements. Currently, Everton is reportedly nearing an agreement for Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and is also in discussions to sign promising Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. While these potential additions would significantly improve the squad, Moyes` earlier assessment that the team needed “nine or ten” new players still holds true. An influential central midfielder would be a welcome addition, as would a creative force capable of energizing Hill Dickinson Stadium from the outset. Perhaps a player of Jack Grealish`s ilk?

3. Manchester United

Was it prudent to allocate over $170 million from an already tight budget towards the Premier League`s most significant expected goals overperformers last season? Only time will reveal whether Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo represent sound investments. However, according to their own captain, Manchester United`s squad still requires substantial strengthening.

“It was abundantly clear that we needed more competition for the existing players and more quality to elevate everyone`s performance for a starting XI spot,” Bruno Fernandes informed NBC after their 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League Summer Series. “That`s precisely what the club and manager are attempting to achieve, and hopefully, we can bring in one or two more players to assist with that.”

Indeed, more than just one or two additions might be necessary. A central striker remains a top priority, with the club reportedly vying with Newcastle for Sesko. Should that fail, Ollie Watkins is said to have admirers at Old Trafford, but signing a 29-year-old striker past his prime for a significant fee carries considerable risk. Beyond the forward line, several other positions could benefit from the kind of targeted, meticulously planned recruitment that has been conspicuously absent at Old Trafford recently.

While Fernandes appears well-suited to Ruben Amorim`s double pivot system, the question remains whether Manuel Ugarte is the dominant midfielder needed to partner him in a Manchester United side aiming for European qualification. Other options like Atalanta`s Ederson and VfB Stuttgart`s Angelo Stiller are still available. Furthermore, the goalkeeper position presents another dilemma. While Andre Onana`s occasional high-profile errors tend to overshadow his otherwise competent performances, Jim Ratcliffe`s comments about strained budgets suggest this might be a position where the club has to make do with existing resources.

4. Brentford

A strong argument could be made for including Aston Villa, West Ham, or Wolves instead of Brentford in this list. The Bees have been active in the transfer market, and although they`ve lost last season`s standout player, Bryan Mbeumo, they seemingly had his replacement, Kevin Schade, already within the squad, who netted 11 Premier League goals.

Christian Norgaard has also departed, but veteran presence like Jordan Henderson offers solid stability. The departure of Mark Flekken was likely not a significant loss, especially with Caoimhin Kelleher as his replacement. Furthermore, they`ve acquired Antoni Milambo after a promising season with Feyenoord, and Michael Kayode showed flashes of potential during his loan spell.

Moreover, if any club has earned the trust to execute a squad overhaul, it`s Brentford. They ascended from League One to become a Premier League fixture, all while consistently offloading their top players. They successfully navigated periods without Ezri Konsa, Ivan Toney, and David Raya, even achieving promotion the summer after Watkins` departure. Why should things be different now, simply because Thomas Frank has left? A new manager can have as profound a positive impact as a key player, and this club has a proven track record of recruitment to mitigate any such losses.

However, considering Brentford now have an untested head coach, Keith Andrews, and face the potential loss of Yoane Wissa in addition to Mbeumo—removing 39 goals from the team without direct replacements—it might be prudent to ensure the new coach has ample attacking options.

5. Fulham

Fulham, yet to acquire any outfield players, are showing promising form with four wins from four in preseason. Their goalkeeper situation seems stable with the arrival of Benjamin Lecomte to compete with Bernd Leno. Additionally, Reiss Nelson reportedly wishes to return to Craven Cottage after his successful loan spell last season, and both Fulham and Arsenal are keen on a deal, though Arsenal prefers a permanent transfer.

If Fulham were to field essentially last season`s squad, one might expect them to slip from upper-mid-table to lower, but without a significant threat to their Premier League status for a fifth consecutive year. However, strengthening in a few key areas would certainly be beneficial. At 34, Raul Jimenez played the sixth-most minutes last season, and while Marco Silva is lauded for his work with strikers, the combination of the aging Mexican international and Rodrigo Muniz forms one of the less intimidating strike partnerships in the Premier League. Likewise, a new midfielder capable of displacing either Sasa Lukic or Sander Berge could significantly improve Fulham`s control in matches. This isn`t about radical changes, but with astute additions, this Fulham squad could become a genuinely formidable force.

6. Chelsea

It`s been a lengthy two days without any new incoming transfers, surprisingly…