'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The next season of football will soon be upon us, with leagues around the world ready to start a fresh new campaign. Meanwhile, the transfer window is open, and clubs, while being conscious, have already conducted some interesting bits of business.
With the emergence of technology, smaller and financially modest clubs are making smart decisions regarding transfers, as well as managers.
We look at 5 teams to watch out for next season.
#5 Benfica
One of the "Big Three" clubs in Portugal, Benfica have been ambitious this transfer window, having finished second last season in the league under manager Bruno Lage.
Lage was sacked in July, with Nelson Verissimo taking over as caretaker for the remaining games. Jorge Jesus arrived as the permanent appointment in August, having enjoyed a hugely successful spell as manager at the club from 2009 to 2015.
It is the signings though, which have raised eyebrows. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen arrived as a free transfer a few days ago, while talented Brazil international Everton Cebolinha and German striker Luca Waldschmidt have come in as well.
With the potential arrival of Edinson Cavani, as well as talents like Ruben Dias, Julian Weigl and Alex Grimaldo in the squad, Benfica look primed to mount a serious title challenge next season.
#4 Southampton
When Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton lost 9-0 to Leicester City on October last year, it seemed as though the Austrian manager's days were numbered.
But Hasenhuttl has turned it around, playing an attractive brand of football while getting the best out of the likes of Danny Ings and Jan Bednarek. Well-renowned for his seemingly erratic press which he previously implemented at RB Leipzig as well, Hasenhuttl has emerged as a manager to keep an eye out for.
Southampton, after a few years in the wilderness, are once again making sensible transfers. Highly-rated centre-back Mohammed Salisu has been signed from Real Valladolid, while right-back Kyle Walker-Peters' loan move has been made permanent.
With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gone, the Saints are looking at Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie to add more quality to their ranks in midfield.
The club is assembling an interesting squad for Hasenhuttl, who, if he plays his cards right, could be on the move to a bigger club by next season.
Also Read: Top 10 footballers with the highest net worth (2020)
#3 Villarreal
Villarreal finished 5th last season under manager Javier Calleja, who subsequently made way for former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery.
The Spaniard has a wealth of experience in La Liga, having enjoyed a successful three and a half years at Sevilla. However, it is the transfers that have grabbed the attention.
The Yellow Submarine have benefitted heavily from the current state of Valencia, who have seemingly placed half their squad on the transfer list. One of La Liga's most talented midfielders Dani Parejo joined on a free from Los Che, while defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin has made the switch as well.
Villarreal have also brought in talented young winger Takefusa Kubo on loan from Real Madrid, while they are also looking at Valencia centre-back Gabriel Paulista. Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi has been touted as a potential target as well. Now it is up to Emery to form a cohesive unit from the many talented players he has.
#2 Chelsea
Frank Lampard's young Chelsea side surprised a few people with how good they were, as they finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the finals of the FA Cup.
They had a transfer ban last season and received €100 million from Real Madrid for star winger Eden Hazard. With money to spend, Chelsea have not been quiet. Having already confirmed deals for Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, Chelsea are now looking to reinforce other areas.
A primary target remains Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz, with a deal said to be very close. Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice are on the radar of the club as well.
With such an exciting young squad at his disposal, in addition to potential arrivals, Lampard's Chelsea could be serious title-contenders next season.
#1 Leeds United
Back in the Premier League after 16 long years, Leeds United could prove to the surprise package of the season.
Under manager Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites won the Championship last season. Bielsa-ball, which has been hugely admired to world-class coaches, will be on display in the biggest league in the world.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a devout disciple of Bielsa and it will be a mouth-watering class between the two managers. The world of football is already drooling over the prospect of two of the sharpest minds in football pitting wits against one another.
While Leeds have been slow on the transfers front, there has been movement. They are interested in buying centre-back Ben White on a permanent deal after he impressed on loan last season. Stuttgart's Nicolas Gonzalez is another player of interest for the club.
Also Read: 10 greatest number 10s of all time
