Money talks in the EPL transfer window
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THIS summer’s transfer window is a story of inflated transfer fees and record-breaking transfers in a chaotic rush to strengthen the teams ahead of what could be the most competitive Barclays Premier League season in history.
Before a ball has even been kicked, the Manchester clubs have emerged as the favourites to take the title. With Mourinho at United and Guardiola at City, battles between the two rivals are the most anticipated in world football.
United have wasted no time in getting their hands dirty in the transfer market, sealing deals for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in typical, ruthless Mourinho fashion. The Red Devils also look to add Paul Pogba to their ranks in what would be a world-record transfer fee, but the clubs have faced numerous stumbling blocks along the way. This deal could see Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola pocket an unprecedented 20 million euros, according to Sky Sports, a fee that both clubs are hesitant to match.
City, meanwhile, have taken a more relaxed approach to the transfer season, but are expected to add rising star John Stones to their ranks. The Englishman could command a fee as high as 50 million pounds, pract ically unheard of for a defender. The capture of Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan should help massively with the transition to Guardiola’s intricate passing style, but it seems the Citizens are far from finished with their transfer business.
A lack of Champions League football has limited the number of transfer options available to Antonio Conte at Chelsea, with the Blues recruiting from a tier down than what they are used to. The signings of N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi have been great additions so far, but they need to add a centre-back before the start of the season.
Despite an early deal for highly rated Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, Arsenal are still yet to fully engage the market. Their desperate need to sign a top striker and a reliable centre-back is clear for all to see. Liverpool have set about building a squad that can fit Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity counter-pressing style, and have added highly energetic midfielders Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane to their ranks.
Defending Champions Leicester City have smashed their transfer record twice during this window to bring in French midfielder Nampalys Mendy and Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa, but could see the departure of star Riyad Mahrez after already losing N’Golo Kante – two players who were crucial to their success last season.
Runners-up Tottenham are gearing up for their first Champions League campaign since 2010, so transfer activity is expected in North London.
