Following a summer marked by unprecedented expenditures from Premier League teams, the transfer window is drawing to a close. Despite this, it remains evident that several top clubs have unfinished business. Near the lower end of the standings, a concerning start to the Premier League season is likely prompting Manchester United to contemplate how much they need to invest to reclaim their previous standings. Conversely, at the opposite end of the table, Tottenham is performing well, largely despite summer transactions that turned loans into permanent signings and added two new players to Thomas Frank’s squad.
Meanwhile, unrest is brewing at West Ham, alongside a requirement for some intricate calculations to fully understand Chelsea’s position with UEFA after their settlement agreement. We dive into all these matters below.
1. Manchester United
There’s no need to dwell on the issues at hand. We’re all aware of Manchester United’s missteps this summer. They have utilized a substantial amount of funds that their owner claimed were unavailable, directing it all towards their attacking lineup. Presenting the second lowest-scoring Premier League record since the onset of 2023-24, they cannot afford to neglect their offensive situation, but significant investment is surely needed for United just to maintain their status this season.
The primary focus should be on acquiring a midfielder, particularly one capable of managing the game from a deeper position, a role that the increasingly immobile Casemiro can only intermittently fulfill. There is a valid argument that many center backs in Amorim’s squad lack the ball progression essential for a back three approach. A goalkeeper is on the horizon, with United nearing a deal for Senne Lammens of Antwerp. His statistics are noteworthy, as the 23-year-old concedes one goal fewer every two games than the post-shot xG value of the shots he faced in last season’s Pro League. Priced at just over $23 million, he might not be a standout addition, but as United enters a rebuilding phase, pursuing players on lower wages who could later be sold for a profit is a strong proposition.
Man United stunned by fourth-tier Grimsby Town in penalty kicks, eliminated from League Cup in second round
Pardeep Cattry
After all, as of Friday, United, a club with a significant surplus of players, had yet to finalize any sales for a transfer fee. Marcus Rashford is loaned to Barcelona, and both Antony and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to follow him, but this would leave the club with several players outside of Amorim’s plans. Nonetheless, following Wednesday’s catastrophic EFL Cup exit to Grimsby, United must reflect on their certainty regarding Amorim’s future within their plans. If they do not unequivocally believe he will be their long-term manager, then there is a strong argument for halting Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Chelsea, regardless of his desire to proceed, and expanding Kobbie Mainoo’s role at a time when he is contemplating his future.
2. West Ham
Things are starting to become quite tense in east London. A setback against Chelsea was succeeded by an EFL Cup elimination where Jarrod Bowen found himself arguing with West Ham fans, a troubling sign considering the growing frustrations among supporters at the London Stadium on Friday. Captain Bowen may have felt the brunt of fan dissatisfaction, but he undoubtedly understands that it’s not just him who needs to win over the fanbase, but those who have employed him.
The perception is that the club squandered the huge windfall received for Declan Rice and now faces numerous problematic positions to address if Graham Potter hopes to keep this squad in the Premier League. They have yet to find a suitable replacement for Rice—how could they?—but their midfield is deficient in even one of their former captain’s attributes. James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek lack agility, control, and defensive prowess, yet they were the best available for West Ham. Whether the acquisitions of Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa and Mateus Fernandes from Southampton will alter this is still in question.
Even if improvements are made, this is a squad that has long been in desperate need of a quality center forward ever since Michail Antonio’s decline from his peak three or four seasons ago. Mohamed Kudus was sold to fund other transactions, but an attack that once appeared stocked with technical inside forwards now seems short on creativity except for Lucas Paqueta. Potter’s back three looks to lack a crucial focal point at its core. A substantial amount of money needs to be spent promptly, but David Sullivan may have little choice but to authorize it due to the financial repercussions of a potential relegation that cannot be overlooked.
3. Chelsea
This situation raises an intriguing point. There is certainly a perspective that Chelsea’s most pressing need at the window’s end is some tranquility, to clear out some of those who are particularly unwanted, including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell from Enzo Maresca’s crowded squad. Nevertheless, one significant factor looms over Stamford Bridge—the settlement agreement reached with UEFA regarding violations of the governing body’s squad cost and football earnings regulations.
Beyond the penalty—a $23 million unconditional fee with an additional $70 million in possible fines—a key requirement of the agreement was that their «List A transfer balance» must remain favorable. In simple terms, they can’t spend more on registered players for the Champions League than they recover from those sold from their Conference League-winning squad. Chelsea has facilitated several sales for decent profits, particularly Noni Madueke, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and the anticipated departure of Christopher Nkunku. They have further minimized their expenditures by offloading players like Jadon Sancho and Marc Guiu, but not every significant sale is beneficial. For example, Joao Felix was omitted from Maresca’s List A last season, meaning his transfer to Al-Nassr holds no value.
Chelsea has generated a noteworthy sum in recent weeks, but has also spent considerably, especially with Alejandro Garnacho’s imminent arrival from Manchester United. A sale of Nicolas Jackson or possibly Benoit Badiashile would facilitate some room for their newly acquired players to participate in Champions League football this season. If not, Chelsea may need to consider alternative strategies.
4. Tottenham
Despite Tottenham’s transfer window being characterized by the players they missed out on—most notably Eberechi Eze—there has been some effective activity regarding the squad with signings like Kevin Danso, Kota Takai, and Mathys Tel. Kudus appears to be a strong addition for Thomas Frank as well. The real gap remains in midfield, where Spurs were dealt a blow with James Maddison’s knee injury while there are still uncertainties regarding Dejan Kulusevski’s fitness. Thus, Xavi Simons, long associated with Chelsea, is emerging as a target that Spurs are pursuing actively now. He might not be ready for the Premier League like Eze or Morgan Gibbs-White, but the best version of the Dutch international, the one that captivated the Bundesliga in 2023-24, could shine for any team.
TruMedia
Could this mark the end of Spurs’ transfer dealings? Yves Bissouma’s potential transfer to Galatasaray would create space in deeper midfield that Tottenham would be prudent to fill, even after signing Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese international shows strength in a destructive role, but when facing three top-tier opponents within a week, they will require someone who can manage the pace of a match better than Rodrigo Bentancur. Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray are promising options for the future, but for the immediate present, especially with a favorable run of Champions League fixtures approaching, a more stabilizing presence would enhance the midfield.
A winger would also be beneficial, but given Daniel Levy’s tendency for brinkmanship, it’s hard to believe that all necessary actions will be completed.
5. Fulham
There are several teams to choose from. Everton requires more players, Burnley needs quality, and even Liverpool could possibly stand to enhance both their attack and defense. Few, however, have managers as vocal about their need for new signings as Fulham. Prior to Wednesday’s EFL Cup victory over Bristol City, Marco Silva stated: «We have to [sign players]. This is the situation. I’m answering this way to you, and it’s not to place any additional pressure at all. It’s because we don’t have other solutions.»
The Cottagers have been proactive, pursuing deals for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin and Samu Chukwueze from AC Milan. Reiss Nelson, who spent the previous season on loan, is eager to return, with Arsenal seeking a permanent transfer. Raheem Sterling is also reported to be open to a transfer if Fulham targets him. There are opportunities to strengthen in wide positions, while they will be hoping that academy graduate Josh King can step up in midfield with Andreas Pereira expected to return to Brazil with Flamengo.
