The immense influx of money due to the bumper TV deal means that the Premier League clubs possess a sizeable amount of money to structure and furnish their squad. Accordingly, clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham have invested heavily in the transfer market, adding quality and depth in abundance to their squad.
While a number of clubs have demonstrated their ambition through qualitative signings, there are other teams who have failed to get their way till now. Here, I opine about three clubs who have underperformed so far in the transfer window.
Manchester United
Manchester United started the transfer window brightly, as they completed the signings of Diogo Dalot and Fred before the World Cup itself.
However, since then, United’s only signing has been former Stoke City custodian Lee Grant. Grant is not expected to play a huge part in the first-team and is mostly an ornamental signing to act as the third keeper.
A proper right-winger, experienced centre-back and probably a left back should have been the priority this summer. But by the look of it, centre-back seems to be the only position which might be bolstered.
Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez did a commendable job last season, as he ensured that the Magpies did not get sucked into the relegation dogfight and managed to finish in a respectable 12th position on the points table.
Newcastle’s lack of intent in the transfer market has been pretty evident. But Benitez has ploughed through it and his brilliance has ensured that the Magpies don’t suffer because of it. They might have done enough to stay in the Premier League but a club like Newcastle definitely have to aim higher.
Yes, they have signed 5 players in total but there is a lingering doubt as to whether the quality of the squad is better than it was last season.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur’s major task this window has been to ensure that they keep their star players tied to the club. As is widely known, Spurs have a strict wage structure thus making it difficult for them to keep hold of their star players which has, in turn, stunted their growth majorly over the years.
However, in the current nature of the market and level of competition, it is quite risky for a club to not make any notable addition to the squad. There are several positions that need strengthening and if Spurs want to have any say in the title race, they have to add to their team with the present squad depth unlikely to be sufficient with 4 competitions to navigate.