With the 2015-16 transfer window now closed, let us take look at how the Premier League clubs have fared in the transfer market and whether the fans of the respective clubs can be satisfied with the summer business.
Arsenal
Are there any Arsenal fans around who are not disappointed with how the club handled the transfer window? The Gunners are the only club in Europe who haven’t signed a single outfield player this summer. Shocking.
Were Arsenal the best in-form team in the second half of last season? Check. Did the Gunners end the season on a high with FA cup victory? Check. If there was any time to make a bold statement it was this summer, and Arsenal have squandered that opportunity. No one can predict the future, the outcome of the season. Arsenal can win the title and prove the doubters wrong, but, if they fail to mount a successful title challenge, their failure to capitalise the summer window will come back to haunt them.
IN: Petr Cech Chelsea, £10m.
OUT: Lukas Podolski Galatasaray, £1.8m; Ryo Miyaichi St Pauli, released; Abou Diaby Marseille, released. Loans: Chuba Akpom Hull City; Serge Gnabry West Bromwich Albion; Carl Jenkinson West Ham United; Ainsley Maitland-NilesIpswich Town; Emiliano Martínez Wolverhampton Wanderers; Yaya Sanogo Ajax; Wellington Silva Bolton Wanderers; Wojciech Szczesny Roma; Jon Toral Birmingham City; Danny Crowley Barnsley; Gedion Zelalem Rangers
Aston Villa
Despite losing Christian Benteke to Liverpool and Fabian Delph to Manchester City, Aston Villa fans have every reasons to be cheerful about. Some of the new signings carry the promise of developing into special talents, but Adama Traore’s signing from Barcelona is a real coup. The 19-year-old forward has made an instant impact, coming off the bench and creating the equaliser against Crystal Palace on his debut.
Likewise Micah Richards is an absolute bargain on a free transfer. Jordan Amavi, the 21-year-old youngster, is another player who is technically gifted and seems like he has settled into the Premier League football easily.
IN: Jordan Amavi Nice, £7m; Jordan Ayew Lorient, £9m; Mark Bunn Norwich City, free; José Ángel Crespo Córdoba, £500,000; Rudy Gestede Blackburn Rovers, £6m; Idrissa Gueye Lille, £9m; Joleon Lescott West Bromwich Albion, £1m; Micah Richards Manchester City, free; Matija Sarkic Anderlecht, free; Scott Sinclair Manchester City, £2.5m; Adama Traoré Barcelona, £7.1m; Jordan Veretout Nantes, £8m
OUT: Darren Bent Ipswich, released; Christian Benteke Liverpool, £32.5m; Fabian Delph Manchester City, £8m; Shay Given Stoke City, released; Matthew LowtonBurnley, £1m; Antonio Luna Eibar, £500,000; Yacouba Sylla Rennes, released;Enda Stevens Portsmouth, released; Ron Vlaar released; Andreas Weimann Derby County, £2.75m; Aleksandar Tonev Frosinone, undisclosed. Loans: Nathan BakerBristol City Joe Bennett Bournemouth; Aly Cissokho Porto; Callum Robinson Bristol City
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have come a long way since their dark days when the club even struggled to meet the basic expenses due to financial turmoil.
The club is short of players having Premier League experience, but they have a good side capable of producing surprises. Artuc Boruc and Dan Gosling are proven Premier League players, while the defence has been bolstered with free transfer Sylvain Distin and Tyrone Mings, who joined from Ipswich Town for a reported fee of £8m.
IN: Artur Boruc Southampton, free; Silvain Distin Everton, free; Adam FedericiReading, free; Max Gradel St-Étienne, undisclosed; Josh King Blackburn Rovers, free; Tyrone Mings Ipswich Town, £8m; Glenn Murray Crystal Palace, £3m; Lee Tomlin Middlesbrough, undisclosed. Loans: Christian Atsu Chelsea; Joe BennettAston Villa; Filippo Costa Chievo
OUT: Miles Addison released; Mohamed Coulibaly released; Darryl Flahavanreleased; Ian Harte released; Josh McQuoid released; Joe Partington released;Brett Pitman Ipswich Town, undisclosed. Loans: Ryan Fraser Ipswich Town
Chelsea
The Blues have signed as many as nine players this summer but one still gets the feel they could have done better. Pedro Rodriguez will add an extra bite to their attacking unit, but it’s the defence that remains a major headache for Jose Mourinho.
The Champions have had three bids rejected for Everton defender John Stones, and while they did sign Papy Djilobodji from Nantes on the deadline day, the Senegal defender is merely seen as a back up option.
IN: Baba Rahman Augsburg, £21m; Pedro Barcelona, £21.1m; Asmir Begovic Stoke, £8m; Michael Hector Reading, £4m; Kenedy Fluminense, £6.7m; Nathan Atlético Paranaense, £4.5m; Papy Djilobodji Nantes, £2.7m; Danilo Pantic Partizan Belgrade, £1.25m. Loan: Radamel Falcao Monaco
OUT: Petr Cech Arsenal, £10m; Thorgan Hazard Borussia Mönchengladbach, £3m; Oriol Romeu Southampton, £5m; Josh McEachran Brentford, £400,000;Gaël Kakuta Sevilla, £4m; Filipe Luís Atlético Madrid, £16m; Didier DrogbaMontreal, released. Loans: Marco van Ginkel Stoke City; Mohamed Salah Roma;Christian Atsu Bournemouth; Mario Pasalic Monaco; Tomas KalasMiddlesbrough; Patrick Bamford Crystal Palace; Michael Hector Reading; Nathan Aké Watford; Juan Cuadrado Juventus; Marko Marin Trabzonspor; Lucas PiazonReading; Victor Moses West Ham; Andreas Christensen Borussia M’gladbach;Matej Delac FK Sarajevo; Wallace Carpi; Kenneth Omeruo Kasimpasa; Jordan Houghton Gillingham; Jeremie Boga Rennes; Nathaniel Chalobah Napoli; Alex Davey Peterborough; Todd Kane Nijmegen; Ulises Davila Victória Setúbal; Stipe Perica Udinese; Cristian Maneo Mouscron; Bekanty Victorien Angban, Cristian Cuevas, Joao Rodríguez all St-Truiden; Lewis Baker, Nathan, Isaiah Brown, Danilo Pantic, Dominic Solanke all Vitesse Arnhem
Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew with his smart signings has set an upbeat tone for the Palace fans. Yohan Cabaye returned to England (Palace’s record transfer) after a disappointing spell at PSG while in Connor Wickham and Patrick Bamford (loan) they’ve two exciting young strikers who are determined to prove a point or two.
IN: Yohan Cabaye Paris St-Germain, £10m; Alex McCarthy Queens Park Rangers, £3.5m; Bakary Sako Wolverhampton Wanderers, free; Connor Wickham Sunderland, £8m. Loan: Patrick Bamford Chelsea
OUT: Barry Bannan Sheffield Wednesday, released; Kyle de Silva Notts County, released; Stephen Dobbie Bolton Wanderers, released; Owen Garvan Colchester United, released; Adlène Guedioura Watford, £2.5m; Glenn Murray Bournemouth, £3m; Lewis Price Sheffield Wednesday, released; Peter Ramage Kerela Blasters, released. Loans: Jack Hunt Sheffield Wednesday; Hiram Boateng Plymouth Argyle; Ryan Inniss Port Vale; Jerome Binom-Williams Burton Albion
Everton
Everton’s biggest success in the transfer window have been their determined effort in keeping hold of John Stones. But have the Toffees done enough to bolster the squad? The additions have been modest at best, with the club paying a handful £10m for Ramiro Funes Mori from River Plate and Aaron Lennon completing a permanent switch from Tottenham.
IN: Tom Cleverley Manchester United, free; Gerard Deulofeu Barcelona, £4.2m; David Henen Olympiakos, £500k; Mason Holgate Barnsley, £1m; Aaron Lennon Tottenham Hotspur, £4.5m; Leandro Rodríguez River Plate Montevideo, £500k;Ramiro Funes Mori River Plate, £9.5m
OUT: Antolín Alcaraz released; Sylvain Distin Bournemouth, released; Matthew Kennedy Cardiff City, undisclosed; Chris Long Burnley, £500k. Loans: Luke Garbutt Fulham; Francisco Júnior Wigan Athletic; Jonjoe Kenny Wigan Athletic
Leicester City
The Foxes should be very happy with the way they’ve conducted their business this summer. The loss of Esteban Cambiasso has been covered up by the smart signings of Gokhan Inler and N’Golo Kante, both will add quality to the side.
Shinji “Samurai” Okazaki has been an instant hit for Leicester. The Japan International scored in 2-1 victory over West Ham and looked brilliant in every game he has played.
IN: Yohan Benalouane Atalanta, undisclosed; Christian Fuchs Schalke, free;Robert Huth Stoke City, undisclosed; Gökhan Inler Napoli, £5m; N’Golo KantéCaen, undisclosed; Shinji Okazaki Mainz, £7m. Loan: Nathan Dyer Swansea City
OUT: Esteban Cambiasso Olympiakos, released; Paul Gallagher Preston North End, released; David Nugent Middlesbrough, £4m; Gary Taylor-Fletcher released;Matthew Upson MK Dons, released; Chris Wood Leeds United, undisclosed.Loans: Ben Hamer Bristol City; Paul Konchesky QPR; Tom Lawrence Blackburn Rovers; Liam Moore Bristol City
Liverpool
The Merseyside club have spent big in the summer but the Reds have yet to plug all the holes that halted their progress last season. Joe Gomez looks an exciting young talent, while Nathaniel Clyne has nicely settled in the right back slot. Benteke has more to his game than just winning headers, while James Milner has always been an accomplished professional offering more industry than creativity.
However, two key areas have been neglected once again – central defence and defensive midfield – while alarm bells have started ringing already for Brendan Rodgers after the Reds took a merciless 3-0 battering from West Ham in their last home game.
IN: Taiwo Awoniyi Imperial Soccer Academy, £400k; Christian Benteke Aston Villa, £32.5m; Adam Bogdan Bolton Wanderers, free; Nathaniel ClyneSouthampton, £12.5m; Roberto Firmino Hoffenheim, £29.5m; Joe GomezCharlton Athletic, £3.5m; Danny Ings Burnley, tribunal; James Milner Manchester City, free
OUT: Iago Aspas Celta Vigo, £3.5m; Fabio Borini Sunderland, £8m; Sebastián Coates Sunderland, £2m; Steven Gerrard LA Galaxy, released; Glen Johnson Stoke City, released; Brad Jones Bradford City, released; Rickie Lambert West Bromwich Albion, £3m; Javier Manquillo released; Raheem Sterling Manchester City, £49m.Loans: Luis Alberto Deportivo La Coruña; Mario Balotelli Milan; Sergi CanosBrentford; Ryan McLaughlin, Danny Ward both Aberdeen; Lazar MarkovicFenerbahce; Kevin Stewart, Jordan Williams both Swindon Town; Andre Wisdom Norwich City
Manchester City
The Citizens are clearly the winners of the 2015-16 transfer window, having done some serious business in the summer. The forward line have been bolstered with the big money signings of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, while Nicolas Otamendi joined from Valencia to shore up the leaky defence.
IN: Kevin De Bruyne Wolfsburg, £51m; Fabian Delph Aston Villa, £8m; Nicolás Otamendi Valencia, £34m; Patrick Roberts Fulham, £11m; Rubén Sobrino SD Ponferradina, £200,000; Raheem Sterling Liverpool, £49m; Enes Unal Bursaspor, £2m
OUT: Dedryck Boyata Celtic, undisclosed; John Guidetti Celta Vigo, released;Jordy Hiwula Huddersfield Town, undisclosed; Frank Lampard New York City, released; Marcos Lopes Monaco, £9m; James Milner Liverpool, released; Matija Nastasic Schalke, undisclosed; Micah Richards Aston Villa, released; Scott SinclairAston Villa, £2.5m. Loans: Jason Denayer Galatasaray; Edin Dzeko Roma; Stevan Jovetic Internazionale; Enes Unal Genk
Manchester United
The Red Devils, like Liverpool, have spent millions on adding new faces, and yet they have failed to cover up the holes that troubled them last season. One of the major highlights of United’s transfer business this summer has been the failure to land their primary targets. The likes of Otamendi, Muller, Ramos, Pedro – the list can go on – have all rejected the chances to join United. In an attempt to attract big name players and getting rejected again and again, swaying away from the club’s tradition in a way, United have done a big damage to their reputation in the process.
Big things are expected from Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial; Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin adds stability and agility in the midfield; while Darmian has looked sharp and brilliant in every games he has played
IN: Matteo Darmian Torino, £12.9m; Memphis Depay PSV Eindhoven, £25m;Anthony Martial Monaco, initial £36m; Sergio Romero Sampdoria, free; Morgan Schneiderlin Southampton, £24m; Bastian Schweinsteiger Bayern Munich, £14.4m
OUT: Ben Amos released; Tom Cleverley Everton, released; Ángel di María Paris St-Germain, £44.3m; Jonny Evans West Bromwich Albion, £6m; Javier Hernández Bayer Leverkusen, £7.3m; Reece James Wigan Athletic, undisclosed;Saidy Janko Celtic, undisclosed; Nani Fenerbahce, £4.3m; Rafael da Silva Lyon, £2.5m; Tom Thorpe Rotherham United, released; Robin van Persie Fenerbahce, £4.7m. Loans: Tyler Blackett Celtic; Will Keane Preston North End; Adnan Januzaj Borussia Dortmund
Newcastle United
The Magpies have made three excellent signings this summer. Chancel Mbemba looks a brilliant signing from Anderlecht, while Georginio Wijnaldum and Florian Thauvin from PSV and Marseille respectively are highly promising attacking talents. Aleksandar Mitrovic, signed from Anderlecht for a reported £13m transfer fee could turn out to be a sensational signing, but question mark remains over his temperament.
IN: Chancel Mbemba Anderlecht, £8m; Aleksandar Mitrovic Anderlecht, £13m;Florian Thauvin Marseille, £13m; Ivan Toney Northampton Town, £300,000;Georginio Wijnaldum PSV Eindhoven, £14.5m
OUT: Mehdi Abeid Panathinaikos, £1.5m; Jan Alnwick Port Vale, released; Jonás Gutiérrez Deportivo La Coruña, released; Ryan Taylor Hull City, released. Loans: Sammy Ameobi Cardiff City; Rémy Cabella Marseille; Haris Vuckic Wigan Athletic
Norwich City
It has been a quiet summer transfer window for the Canaries and Alex Neil would have hoped to sign one or two strikers. Graham Dorrans and Youssouf Mulumbu both have joined from West Brom; Liverpool youngster Andre Wisdom will add to the defensive options; while Robbie Brady has been their biggest signing of the summer.
IN: Robbie Brady Hull City, £7m; Graham Dorrans West Bromwich Albion, undisclosed; Jake Kean Blackburn Rovers, free; Youssouf Mulumbu West Bromwich Albion, free. Loans: Matt Jarvis West Ham; Dieumerci MbokaniDynamo Kyiv; Andre Wisdom Liverpool
OUT: Luciano Becchio released; Mark Bunn Aston Villa, released; Carlos Cuéllarreleased; Javier Garrido released; Bradley Johnson Derby County, £6.5m. Loans: Jacob Murphy Coventry City; Josh Murphy MK Dons; Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe Rotherham; Michael Turner Sheffield Wednesday; Ricky van Wolfswinkel Real Betis
Southampton
Ronald Koeman had to rebuild the squad again following more departures from Southampton. Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne were sold to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, and the Saints have done relatively well to re-invest the money in other areas of the pitch.
IN: Jordy Clasie Feyenoord, £7m; Juanmi Málaga, £5.1m; Cuco Martina Twente, £3m; Oriol Romeu Chelsea, £5m; Cédric Soares Sporting, £3.6m; Virgil van Dijk Celtic, £11.5m. Loans: Steven Caulker Queens Park Rangers; Maarten Stekelenburg Fulham
OUT: Artur Boruc Bournemouth, released; Nathaniel Clyne Liverpool, £12.5m;Cody Cropper MK Dons, released; Dani Osvaldo Porto, released; Morgan Schneiderlin Manchester United, £24m. Loan: Sam Gallagher MK Dons
Stoke City
This summer has seen creative talents being brought in at Stoke City. Under Mark Hughes, Stoke City have been playing an attractive brand of football, and the same trend is likely to continue with arrival of creative talents like Xherdan Shaqiri from Inter Milan and Ibrahim Afellay from Barcelona.
IN: Ibrahim Afellay Barcelona, free; Moha El Ouriachi Barcelona, undisclosed;Shay Given Aston Villa, free; Jakob Haugaard Midtjylland, undisclosed; Glen Johnson Liverpool, free; Joselu Hannover, £5.7m; Sergio Molina Real Madrid, undisclosed; Xherdan Shaqiri Internazionale, £12m; Philipp Wollscheid Bayer Leverkusen, £2.75m. Loan: Marco van Ginkel Chelsea
OUT: Asmir Begovic Chelsea, £8m; Robert Huth Leicester City, undisclosed;Steven N’Zonzi Sevilla, £7m; Wilson Palacios released; Thomas SorensenMelbourne City, released
Sunderland
The addition of Fabio Borini from Liverpool will boost Sunderland’s survival this season. Yann M’Vila is a brilliant midfielder while Jeremain Lens from Dynamo Kiev offers creativity. The big issue is the defence – Sebastian Coates and Younes Kaboul cannot be the answer at the back, can they?
IN: Fabio Borini Liveprool, £8m; Sebastián Coates Liverpool, £2m; Younès KaboulTottenham Hotspur, £3m; Jeremain Lens Dynamo Kyiv, £8.5m; Adam MatthewsCeltic, £2m. Loans: Yann M’Vila Rubin Kazan; Ola Toivonen Rennes; DeAndre Yedlin Tottenham Hotspur
OUT: El Hadji Ba Charlton Athletic, undisclosed; Connor Wickham Crystal Palace, £8m. Loans: Jordan Pickford Preston North End; Santiago Vergini Getafe
Swansea City
Swansea have proved once again why they are such a well-run club that put most others to shame. The signing of Andre Ayew on a free transfer seems a cracking piece of business, with the Ghana international having scored three goals already, and producing another spectacular performance against Manchester United.
IN: André Ayew Marseille, free; Botti Biabi Falkirk, undisclosed; Éder Braga, undisclosed; Ollie McBurnie Bradford City, undisclosed; Kristoffer NordfeldtHeerenveen, undisclosed; Franck Tabanou St-Étienne, undisclosed
OUT: Jazz Richards Fulham, undisclosed; Alan Tate released. Loans: Nathan Dyer Leicester City; Kenji Gorré ADO Den Haa
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have shipped out plenty of deadwoods this summer, but have they brought in enough replacements? The defence has been bolstered with the signings of Toby Alderweireld, Kieran Trippier, and Kevin Wimmer. The forward line likewise has been strengthened with the purchase of Clinton Njie, who joined from Lyon and the big money signing Son Heung-min who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen. The biggest success lies however in keeping hold of star duo Hugo Lloris and striker Harry Kane.
IN: Toby Alderweireld Atlético Madrid, £11.4m; Son Heung-min Bayer Leverkusen, £22m; Clinton Njie Lyon, £10m; Kieran Trippier Burnley, £3.5m;Kevin Wimmer Cologne, £4.3m
OUT: Étienne Capoue Watford, £6m; Cristian Ceballos Charlton Athletic, released;Vlad Chiriches Napoli, £4.5m; Ryan Fredericks Bristol City, undisclosed; Brad Friedel retired; Grant Hall Queens Park Rangers, undisclosed; Lewis HoltbyHamburg, £4.6m; Younès Kaboul Sunderland, £3m; Aaron Lennon Everton, £4.5m; Paulinho Guangzhou Evergrande, £9.9m; Roberto Soldado Villarreal, £7m; Benjamin Stambouli Paris St-Germain, £6m. Loans: DeAndre YedlinSunderland; Grant Ward Rotherham United
Watford
Quique Sánchez Flores has signed as many as 15 players this summer; the promotion winning squad has been truly overhauled.
Jose Holebas and Victor Ibardo, both from Roma, would add necessary quality, while Capoue would like to prove himself in the English soil once more following his miserable stint with Tottenham Hotspur.
IN: Giedrius Arlauskis Steaua Bucharest, free; Valon Behrami Hamburg, undisclosed; Steven Berghuis AZ Alkmaar, £4.6m; Miguel Britos Napoli, undisclosed; Étienne Capoue Tottenham, £6m; Adlène Guedioura Crystal Palace, £2.5m; José Manuel Jurado Spartak Moscow, undisclosed; José Holebas Roma, undisclosed; Allan Nyom Udinese, undisclosed; Obbi Oularé Club Brugge, undisclosed; Sebastian Prödl Werder Bremen, free; Matej Vydra Udinese, free.Loans: Nathan Aké Chelsea; Alessandro Diamanti Guangzhou Evergrande; Victor Ibarbo Roma
OUT: Jonathan Bond Reading, undisclosed; Fernando Forestieri Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed; Lewis McGugan Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed;Marco Motta released. Loans: Gabriele Angella Queens Park Rangers; Diego Fabbrini Middlesbrough; Miguel Layún Porto; Daniel Pudil Sheffield Wednesday; Matej Vydra Reading
West Bromwich Albion
Saido Berahino couldn’t resist the frustration after West Brom rejected Tottenham’s fourth bid to sign the English winger. He has vowed never to play for the club again under the chairman, Jeremy Pearce, though in all probability he will be convinced to get his head right and start delivering all the pitch.
Salomon Rondon, the club’s record signing from Zenit St Petersburg for £12m, has already made a strong impression, while the defence has been bolstered with the arrival of Jonny Evans from Manchester United.
IN: James Chester Hull City, £8m; Jonny Evans Manchester United, £6m; Rickie Lambert Liverpool, £3m; Anders Lindegaard Manchester United, free; James McClean Wigan Athletic, undisclosed; Salomón Rondón Zenit St Petersburg, £12m. Loan: Serge Gnabry Arsenal
OUT: Chris Baird released; Donervon Daniels released; Jason Davidson released;Graham Dorrans Norwich City, undisclosed; Joleon Lescott Aston Villa, £1m;Youssouf Mulumbu Norwich City, released; Kemar Roofe Oxford United, undisclosed; Georgios Samaras released. Loan: Adil Nabi Delhi Dynamos
West Ham
The Hammers were busy in the transfer deadline day, as they made late additions of players such as Alex Song, Victor Moses, Nikica Jelavic and Michail Antonio. The biggest signing of the summer however is Dimitri Payet, who joined from Marseille for a reported fee of £10.7m. The biggest loss probably is the departure of Stewart Downing, who returned to his hometown club Middlesbrough after accepting a significant pay-cut to help Boro achieve promotion next season.
IN: Michail Antonio Nottingham Forest, £7m; Stephen Hendrie Hamilton, undisclosed; Nikica Jelavic Hull City, £3m; Pedro Obiang Sampdoria, £4.3m;Angelo Ogbonna Juventus, £10m; Dimitri Payet Marseille, £10.7m; Darren Randolph Birmingham City, free. Loans: Carl Jenkinson Arsenal; Manuel LanziniAl Jazira Club; Victor Moses Chelsea; Alex Song Barcelona
OUT: Carlton Cole released; Guy Demel released; Stewart DowningMiddlesbrough, £5.5m; Jussi Jaaskelainen Wigan Athletic, released; Nenê Vasco da Gama, released; Kevin Nolan released.
Loans: Matt Jarvis Norwich City; Diego Poyet MK Dons
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