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With the growing competition in and around the world of football, the Premier League (being the most entertaining and popular one) seems to have split wide open in terms of the fight for European Competition places just as the transfer window ends this summer. A record smashing $1.5 billion was spent in the current summer transfer window as players moved to greener pastures in search of game time and higher wages.
With a host of top clubs swooping in the likes of David Luiz and Moussa Sissoko, some were busy wracking brains in forming the right combination for this season. Here is a list of English Clubs that could prove to be the dark horses in contention of European Football next season.
Middlesbrough
With a host of signings this summer, The Boro could be looking to aim for European football next season. Although manager Aitor Karanka would just be looking to survive in the league with a stiff competition from the other clubs around, but it certainly does seem that the team has a lot of potential to make it big coming into the season with the signings like Victor Valdes, Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez
The Boro have also added the likes of Antonio Barragan, Fabio Da Silva and Calum Chambers to strengthen their defensive lineup as they gear up to face the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton in their upcoming fixtures. One surprise signing on the deadline day which might play-in as the wildcard this season is the Barcelona academy product Adama Traore.
After a dismal season with Aston Villa, Traore would like to prove his worth in the Premier League and help the Boro fight for a place in the top 10. Do not be shocked if you see Middlesbrough finish above the likes of Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
Stoke City
The Potters have had a good time last season with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Arnautovic and Bojan coming into the mix with their blazing runs and dazzling dribbles to score against the likes of Chelsea and both halves of the Manchester. With a solid 8th position finish last season, Mark Hughes men will look to set their sights over Europe this time around.
Some good signings in the summer transfer window in the form of Joe Allen and Wilfried Bony would certainly add to the quality of the players. Ryan Shawcross would be looking forward to link up with the likes of Bruno Martins Indi at the Centre Back position.
With some solidarity at the back and a threatening attack, Stoke should be looking to finally make the cut for the European spots this time around.
AFC Bournemouth
After finishing 16th last season, The Cherries would love to bounce back into the top half of the table. After some entertaining matches last year (especially the 3-3 draw with Everton) Eddie Howe would be looking forward to carryover the momentum from second half of the 2015-16 season.
The Cherries have made some smart summer signing in Jordan Ibe and Mark Wilson and the loan renewal of Nathan Ake. Along with a good mix of youth and experience, a huge risk has been taken by the manager in signing Jack Wilshere.
As lucrative as it seems, Wilshere has had his own highs and lows over the years at Arsenal. Things certainly seem to be going right for the Cherries as the transfer season ends; if all goes well, the dream of playing in European competitions might come true this time around.
West Ham United
After a brilliant 2015-16 season followed by a dismal performance in the Europa League qualifiers, the Hammers would be looking to recreate the magical form they showcased last season. With good news coming in for Antonio for the England call-up, Slaven Bilic looks to put him into the right side of the midfield alongside Dimitri Payet and Andre Ayew after they announce the late deadline day signing of Alvaro Arbeloa.
With a solid defense last season, Bilic has improved on the front line with the signing of Simone Zaza as he looks to convert the half chances into goals this season. With injury crisis looming large in the dressing room, West Ham certainly have buffed up their bench with an array of talent.
Recce Oxford would be looking to make an impact once again as he enters the new season. Alongside him would be Manuel Lanzini who played a huge part in the Hammers finishing 7th last season. Watch out Big Four, the Hammers have arrived.
