Two weeks into the 2015 summer transfer window and there has been no shortage of moves in the Premier League. Newcomers Bournemouth and Watford have wasted no time by completing six transfers each to date, matching Liverpool as the most active clubs in the early stages of the window. But which signing will have the biggest impact of all in the Premier League, free signings such as James Milner and Andre Ayew or big money deals like Raheem Sterling and Morgan Schneiderlin?
£49 million pounds is a lot of money to spend on a 20 year old prospect and may take several seasons to come to fruition, for now it’s the biggest deal so far but Sterling may need some time to make a meaningful impact. Manchester United reportedly spent just under £75 million on Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger will have commentators practicing tongue twisters before kick-off but will also reinvigorate United’s midfield. Michael Carrick has been shouldering the work load and while he could use the help will be looking over his shoulder when it comes to a starting place. As for Depay he is an ideal replacement for Angel Di Maria if that move to PSG happens, united fans should be happy with Depay because he looks to be on the path to becoming a world class winger. All four will prove useful additions almost instantly but Schweinsteiger is the one to keep our eyes on, if he can regain anywhere close to top form he will be a bargain for the ages.
Arsenal have finally bought a top drawer goalkeeper, Wenger is proving again this year that if the right player is available he will spend big to get them. Petr Cech didn’t quite suit the bench at Stamford Bridge and a move across London is ideal for him, while not the most glamourous addition he may well be the most effective. Crystal Palace managed to beat off plenty of competition to sign Yohann Cabaye from Paris Saint Germain and similarly to Schweinsteiger if Cabaye can regain the form he achieved with Alan Pardew at Newcastle then Crystal Palace have got a great deal. Roberto Firmino is the most exciting name on Liverpool’s ‘in’ column so far, if he can adjust quickly to Premier League Kop fans could have a new hero to chant for and rival defenders will have a new addition to their nightmares. James Milner for free also lacks the glamour factor but Anfield should expect no less than any other team he has played for, Milner leaves nothing on the pitch and in a more central role can reduce the impact of losing Steven Gerrard. West Ham put up a handsome fee for Dmitri Payet from Marseille; the French international is a clever wing man who likes to drift inside and should prove a solid addition for new manager Slaven Bilic. Marseille also lost winger Andre Ayew to Swansea City on a free transfer, a coup for the Swans Garry Monk has also added left-back Franck Tabanou from St. Etienne, striker Eder from Benfica and back-up keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt from Heerenveen. Expect to see Swansea maintain their top 10 status in the coming season.
Other notable moves have seen Toby Alderweireld follow his season long loan with Southampton with a permanent move to Tottenham, reuniting him with Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen whom he played alongside at Ajax, he should continue to impress in the Premier League and aid Spurs push for Champions League football. Stoke and Southampton have brought in former Spain youth internationals Joselu (from Malaga) and Juanmi (from Hannover) respectively, both could need time to adjust to the demands of Premier League football may come in useful in the future. Radamel Falcao has joined Chelsea on loan after a disappointing season at Manchester United, can Jose Mourinho’s style of football and a partnership with former team-mate Diego Costa bring Falcao back to his best, if so Chelsea will be hard to stop.
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