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With the Summer Transfer window officially coming to a close in Europe, this article will take a look at how the top clubs fared this summer in the competition which is off-field.
The English Clubs had a mixed transfer window this time. For the first time in 15 years, an EPL club(Tottenham) chose to not make any changes in the squad. The record for the most expensive goalkeeper was smashed twice in a short period of time, which tells us that yet again, the EPL clubs weren't shy of flexing their financial muscle.
Note: The ratings are on a scale of 0 being to lowest, to 5 being the maximum.
Manchester United - 1.0
Manchester United started the transfer window with aspirations of getting a talented left-back, a reliable centre-back, and a skilful winger. They managed to succeed in signing none of those requirements.
The season has only just started, and the consequences of failing to achieve these targets have already started showing signs. The defense has leaked in 6 goals in the two matches lost, with the center-backs looking out of place. Anthony Martial made it clear he wanted to leave the club. Now, he is on bad terms with the manager and is looking stranded.
Manchester United managed to get the 1 rating because of the addition of Fred, who can provide some stability in the Man United midfield.
The return of Andreas Periera from a successful season at Valencia could be a source of joy in a rather disappointing transfer window for the Red Devils.
Arsenal - 3.5
The signings of Stephan Lichtsteiner, Lucas Torreira, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos gave Arsenal some much-needed depth and talent in the defensive part of Arsenal.
Bernd Leno is a fantastic signing, who could turn out to be a great goalkeeper.
Although Arsenal did an excellent job of preparing the defense for the new season, a signing or two in the offensive midfield or attack could have been great. Although, the current quality at Arsenal should definitely not be undermined.
If Unai Emery gets the Arsenal midfield and attack work together as a team, they could end up having a very successful season. It will be an interesting challenge for Unai to bring out the best out of this squad.
Chelsea - 3.5
Chelsea would have gotten a 4, or maybe even a 4.5, had they managed to keep hold of Courtois. He was an integral part of the team, and losing him was a big blow to them. However, they shelled out a colossal 71 million pounds to acquire the services of the very promising Kepa Arrizabalaga. He has a lot of potential, and may even turn out to be better than Courtois if he manages to fulfill his potential.
The signing of Jorginho was an excellent move. Jorginho was the key man in Napoli under Sarri, and is expected to play an important role under Sarri in Chelsea as well. The loan deal of Mateo Kovacic will give the option of a strong substitute, and possibly a starter, in the Chelsea midfield.
Another accomplishment would be managing to keep hold of their star Eden Hazard, who many expected to leave for Real Madrid along with his Belgian friend and former teammate Courtois. He is a very important player for the Blues, and retaining him for the season will certainly give them to boost as they look to make it big this season.
Liverpool - 4.5
The only expected signing was Naby Keita, who has been in exceptional for Liverpool and has instantly adapted to the team. He has excellent chemistry with Sadio Mane and may achieve great things with this Liverpool side.
The signings of Xherdan and Fabinho were a huge bonus. They add a lot of depth to the Liverpool squad and has made it a lot stronger. The Liverpool midfield now looks world-class, after quite a long time.
The signing of Alisson was amazing. They now have a goalkeeper who is really exceptional, and one of the top goalkeepers in the game. His passing range is quite exquisite, and will certainly help start quick counter attacks with long balls to the pacy and dynamic front three.
They only miss out on a perfect score because they lost an exciting prospect in Emre Can. But Liverpool have done more than enough to make the midfield sensational.
This Liverpool squad is a great one, and it shouldn't surprise the world if it achieves big things.
Manchester City - 3.0
Manchester City didn't really require new players, after a dominating performance last season, barring the defeat to Liverpool in the UCL.
Yet they signed Riyad Mahrez to add depth to already stunning midfield. They have an unreal squad depth, with each position covered quite well. When a team has Mahrez, Raheem, and Bernardo competing for a spot in the lineup, you know it is a great team. Manchester City certainly is an excellent team.
Some key players like Mendy and Aguero faced fitness problems last season, and they look good to go now. Aguero has already scored a hat trick and Mendy is looking strong in the left flank.
Pep’s men will definitely be out to win all the competitions they compete in, as they should with the quality in the squad.
