In less than a week the English Premier League will start the 2017/18 league campaign, kicking off in London on Friday August 11th, where the 2016/17 FA Cup winners and most recently FA Community Shield winners, Arsenal, will host the 2015/16 English Premier League champions Leicester City.
Three new teams will be joining the English Premier League this year, with Newcastle (Championship champions), Brighton & Hove Albion (Championship runner-up) and Huddersfield (winner of the Championship play-offs), replacing Hull City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Before the mayhem begins, the English Premier League sides were tasked with preparing their squad as best as they can; so here is a brief summary of the transfers this summer so far.
Arsenal
Key Transfers
Arsenal has enforced their attacking force by signing Alexandre Lacazette who scored 28 goals in 30 league games for Lyon last year. Some may doubt that he can translate his scintillating form in France to the English Premier League, but his pace and deft finishing suggest that he has the qualities to succeed. Further doubts surround the future of Alexis Sanchez among seven other first team players with just one year on their contract left. However, as each day goes by Sanchez looks increasingly likely to stay, as do his peers Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Arrivals
Sead Kolasinac (Schalke – Free), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon – £46 million)
Departures
Takuma Asano (Stuttgart – Loan), Chris Willock (Benfica – Free), Yaya Sanogo (Released), Stefan O’Connor ( Newcastle – Free), Kristopher da Graca (Released), Kostas Pileas (Released), Marc Bola (Bristol Rovers – Loan), Glen Kamara (Dundee – Free), Kaylen Hinds (Wolfsburg – £2million), Dan Crowley (Willem II – Undisclosed), Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus – £10.5million).
Bournemouth
Key transfers
The Cherries have improved their spine through former – Chelsea players keeper Asmir Begovic and young centre-back Nathan Ake, and up-top Jermain Defoe will give guaranteed goals. Also, Bournemouth have succeeded in holding onto all of their key players.
Arrivals
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea – £10 million), Jermain Defoe (Sunderland – Free), Nathan Ake (Chelsea – £20 million), Connor Mahoney (Blackburn – Undisclosed).
Departures
Callum Buckley (Released), Jake McCarthy (Released), Alexander Neale (Released), Mark Travers (Weymouth – Loan), Ryan Allsop (Blackpool – Loan), Jordan Lee (Torquay United – Loan), Lewis Grabban (Sunderland – Loan).
Brighton & Hove Albion
Key Transfers
Brighton were promoted after finishing 2nd in the Championship. Key signings include Mathew Ryan from Valencia who will command the no. 1 jersey and attacker Isaiah Brown on loan from Chelsea who will be looking to fulfill his potential. The Seagulls may need a couple more big signings if they want to keep the English Premier League status after this season.
Arrivals
Mathew Ryan (Valencia – Undisclosed), Pascal Gross (Ingolstadt – Undisclosed), Josh Kerr (Celtic – Undisclosed), Markus Suttner (Ingolstadt – Undisclosed), Mathias Normann (Bodo/Glimt – Undisclosed), Izzy Brown (Chelsea – Loan).
Departures
David Stockdale (Birmingham – Free), Rob Hunt (Oldham – Undisclosed), Christian Walton (Wigan – Loan), Jordan Maguire-Drew (Lincoln – Loan), Elvis Manu (Genclerbirligi – Free).
Burnley
Key Transfers
Burnley will be hoping to survive the season once again after they finished 16th last season. After only scoring 39 goals last season, The Clarets need greater attacking potential but have failed to make any additions in this area. Furthermore, they have lost their best defender Michael Keane to Everton who has not been replaced. Their most notable addition was defensive-midfielder Jack Cork from Swansea for 10 million pounds.
Arrivals
Jack Cork (Swansea – £10 million), Jon Walters (Stoke City – £3 million), Charlie Taylor (Leeds – Tribunal), Phil Bardsley (Stoke – Undisclosed).
Departures
Michael Keane (Everton – £30 million), Aiden O’Neill (Fleetwood – Loan), Michael Kightly (Southend – Free), Joey Barton (Released), George Green (Released), R J Pingling (Released), Christian Hill (Released), Taofiq Olmowewe (Released), Jon Flanagan (End of loan, returns to Liverpool), Josh Ginnelly (Lincoln City – Loan), Geroge Boyd (Sheffield Wednesday – Free), Ntumba Massanka (Wrexham – Loan), Rouwen Hennings (Fortuna Dusseldorf – Free), Paul Robinson (retired), Connor King (Barnoldswick Twon – Loan), Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest – Undisclosed), Chris Long (Northampton – Loan), Alex Whitmore (Bury – Loan).
Chelsea
Key Transfers
Last seasons English Premier League winners have consolidated their team with the signings of the powerful defensive-midfielder Bakayoko, strong centre-back Rudiger and the well-rounded forward Alvaro Morata. One notable transfer going the other way was Nemanja Matic, who oddly was allowed to leave for Manchester United to join up with Jose Mourinho, to make way for Bakayoko. Additionally, John Terry left for pastures new and his presence and leadership on and off the pitch will be sorely missed. A big shame is that Chelsea let go of so many of their young English talents on permanent deals, including Dominic Solanke, Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Chalobah.
Arrivals
Willy Caballero (Manchester City – Free), Tiemoue Bakayoko (Monaco – £40 million), Antonio Rudiger (Roma – £34 million), Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid – £67 million).
Departures
Nemanja Matic (Manchester United – £40 million), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus – Undisclosed), Christian Atsu (Newcastle United – Undisclosed), Asmir Begovic (AFC Bournemouth – £10 million), Dominic Solanke (Liverpool – Free), Alex Kiwomya (Doncaster Rovers – Undisclosed), Bertrand Traore (Olympique Lyonnais – Undisclosed), Nathan Ake (Bournemouth – £20 million), John Terry (Aston Villa – Free), Lucas Piazon (Fulham – Loan), Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford – Undisclosed), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace – Loan), Ola Aina (Hull – Loan), Bradley Collins (Forest Green – Loan), Charlie Colkett (Vitesse Arnhem – Loan), Todd Kane (Groningen – Loan), Josimar Quintero (FC Rostov), Kasey Palmer (Huddersfield – Loan), Tammy Abraham (Swansea – Loan), Ike Ugbo (Barnsley – Loan), Marco van Ginkel (PSV Eindhoven – Loan), Fankaty Dabo (Vitesse Arnhem – Loan), Mukhtar Ali (Vitesse – Undisclosed), Jay Dasilva (Charlton – Loan), Kurt Zouma (Stoke City – Loan), Izzy Brown (Brighton – Loan), Mason Mount (Vitesse Arnhem – Loan), Tomas Kalas (Fulham – Loan), Michael Hector (Hull – Loan), Jamal Blackman (Sheffield United – Loan), Matt Miazga (Vitesse Arnhem – Loan), Victorien Angban (Waasland-Beveren – Loan).
Crystal Palace
Key Transfer
New manager Frank De Boer will be hoping for different results that his disastrous managerial spell at Inter Milan produced. Luckily for De Boer the Eagles are a slightly stronger side now than before the summer, as their only sale of note was second-choice keeper Steve Mandanda while they have added young talents in centre-back Jairo Riedewald and centre-midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Arrivals
Manager: Frank de Boer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea – Loan), Jairo Riedewald (Ajax – Undisclosed).
Departures
Steve Mandanda (Marseille – Undisclosed), Zeki Fryers (Barnsley – Free).
Everton
Key Transfers
Everton fans will be ecstatic with their summer proceedings so far, with a plethora of quality first team players arriving to fill in the gap left by Romelu Lukaku, who scored an impressive 25 league goals last season. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and centre-back Michael Keane will make their side tougher to breakdown, while Davy Klaassen will provide creativity going forward. Everton’s most notable transfer has been the return of Wayne Rooney who, although it is difficult to see where he will fit in, will certainly add experience and a winning mentality to aid in elevating Everton to the next level.
Arrivals
Jordan Pickford (Sunderland – £25 million), Davy Klaassen (Ajax – £23.6 million), Nathangelo Markelo (FC Volendam – Undisclosed), Henry Onyekuru (Eupen – Undisclosed), Sandro Ramirez (Malaga – £5.2 million), Michael Keane (Burnley – £30 million), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United – Free), Cuco Martina (Southampton – Free), Boris Mathis (Metz – Free), Anton Donkor (Wolfsburg – Loan), Josh Bowler (QPR – £4 million).
Departures
Tom Cleverley (Watford – Undisclosed), Russell Griffiths (Motherwell – Free), Conor McAleny (Fleetwood Town – Free), Henry Onyekuru (Anderlecht – Loan), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona – Undisclosed), Aiden McGeady (Sunderland – Undisclosed), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United – £75 million), Josef Yarney (Newcastle – Free), Brendan Galloway (Sunderland – Loan), Tyias Browning (Sunderland – Loan), Courtney Duffus (Oldham – Undisclosed), Matthew Pennington (Leeds – Loan), Joe Williams (Barnsley – Loan).
Huddersfield
Key Transfers
Huddersfield Town have been the busiest of the three newly promoted sides over the summer, spending nearly 40 million pounds. The one to watch out for is 11 million pound signing Steve Mounié, who scored 14 league goals for Montpellier last season. Despite good movements in the transfer window, they may require additional signings to stay up in this league campaign. Moreover, this is Huddersfield’s first time competing in the English Premier League, therefore it would be regrettable if they were relegated in their first season due to a lack of preparation.
Arrivals
Laurent Depoitre (FC Porto – Undisclosed), Aaron Mooy (Man City – £8 million), Jonas Lossl (Mainz – Loan), Mathias Jorgensen (FC Copenhagen – Undisclosed), Steve Mounie (Montpellier – £11 million), Kasey Palmer (Chelsea – Loan), Tom Ince (Derby – Undisclosed), Danny Williams (Reading – Free), Scott Malone (Fulham – Undisclosed).
Departures
Jordy Hiwula (Fleetwood – Loan), Tareiq Holmes-Dennis (Portsmouth – Loan), Fraser Horsfall (Gateshead – Loan), Rekeil Pyke (Port Vale – Loan).
Leicester
Key Transfers
The 2015-16 English Premier League winners have had a positive transfer window, with no notable departures yet. Defensive-midfielder Vincente Iborra and centre-back Harry Maguire will add steel to the defense while Kelechi Iheanacho will join a formidable forward line-up, especially if Riyad Mahrez sticks around.
Arrivals
Harry Maguire (Hull – £17 million), Eldin Jakupovic (Hull – £2.5 million), Sam Hughes (Chester – Undisclosed), Vincent Iborra (Sevilla – Undisclosed).
Departures
Cedric Kipre (Motherwell – Free), Ron-Robert Zieler (Stuttgart – Undisclosed), Bartosz Kapustka (Freiburg – Loan), Callum Elder (Wigan – Loan).
Liverpool
Key Transfers
The Reds have had an average summer, with just one big-signing in place winger Mohamed Salah who will add quality to Liverpool’s already frightening attack. Dominic Solanke is another exciting addition after his stellar performances in the FIFA U20 World Cup this year, with him taking home the golden ball/best player award while scoring 4 goals as England lifted the trophy. Despite these additions, a successful season for Liverpool may depend on the future of Phillipe Coutinho as Barcelona are currently vying for his services.
Arrivals
Mo Salah (Roma – £39 million), Dominic Solanke (Chelsea – Free), Andrew Roberston (Hull City – £8 million).
Departures
Andre Wisdom (Derby – Undisclosed), Ryan Fulton (Hamilton – Free), Lucas Leiva (Lazio – £5 million), Kevin Stewart (Hull – Undisclosed), Conor Randall (Hearts – Loan), Pedro Chirivella (Willem II – Loan).
Manchester City
Key Transfers
Man City have gone on a spending spree of over 200 million pounds during the summer, mostly spent on bolstering their defense with three wing-backs, Benjamin Mendy, Kyle Walker and Danilo, and also 23-year-old goalkeeper Ederson. The Citizens most exciting signing is Bernardo Silva who’s directness created 53 chances in the final third for Monaco last season. Man City’s most notable departures are Joe Hart who left for West Ham after a year on loan at Torino, and Pablo Zabaleta who left after nine years at the club, also joining The Hammers.
Arrivals
Bernardo Silva (Monaco – £43 million), Ederson – Benfica (£35 million), Kyle Walker (Tottenham – £45 million), Douglas Luiz (Vasco Da Gama – Undisclosed), Danilo (Real Madrid – £26 million), Benjamin Mendy (Monaco – £52 million).
Departures
Pablo Zabaleta (West Ham – Free), Joe Hart (West Ham – Loan), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield – £8 million), Gael Clichy (Released), Jesus Navas (Sevilla – Free), Willy Caballero (Chelsea – Free), Baccary Sagna (Released), Angus Gunn (Norwich – Loan), Enes Unal (Villarreal – Undisclosed), Bersant Celina (Ipswich – Loan), Olivier Ntcham (Celtic – Undisclosed), Joe Coveney (Nottingham Forest – Free), Nolito (Sevilla – Undisclosed), Angelino (NAC Breda – Loan), Ruben Sobrino (Alaves – Undisclosed), Bruno Zuculini (Hellas Verona), Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma – Undisclosed).
Manchester United
Key Transfers
The first colossal signing of the transfer window came from Manchester United as they signed Romelu Lukaku for 75 million pounds. Despite the over inflated price, a top-class striker was a necessary signing after they scored 31 less goals than champions Chelsea. Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic have also come in to add to their already impressive defense. Leaving Manchester United was their all time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney, and also Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his contract was not renewed due to injury, although there are rumors that he will make a return.
Arrivals
Victor Lindelof (Benfica – £31 million), Romelu Lukaku (Everton – £75 million), Nemanja Matic (Chelsea – £40 million).
Departures
Josh Harrop (Preston North End – Free), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Released), Sam Johnstone (Aston Villa – Loan), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad – £9.8million), Dean Henderson (Shrewsbury – Loan), Wayne Rooney (Everton – Free), Regan Poole (Northampton – Loan).
Newcastle United
Key Transfers
The Toon Army easily bounced back to the English Premier League through winning the Championship last season. On the contrary manager Rafa Benitez has found it very difficult over the transfer window to make a major signing. Even so, Newcastle have signed quality players, with new wingers Christian Atsu and Javier Manquillo expected to terrorize teams down the flanks. Their most notable departure was Florian Thauvin as Marseille made a permanent offer after Thauvin spent last season there on loan in fantastic form.
Arrivals
Christian Atsu (Chelsea – Undisclosed), Florian Lejeune (Eibar – Undisclosed), Stefan O’Connor (Arsenal – Free), Josef Yarney (Everton – Free), Jacob Murphy (Norwich – Undisclosed), Javier Manquillo (Atletico Madrid – Undisclosed), Mikel Merino (Borussia Dortmund – Loan).
Departures
Florian Thauvin (Marseille – Undisclosed), Kevin Mbabu (BSC Young Boys – Undisclosed), Matz Sels (Anderlecht – Loan), Haris Vuckic (FC Twente – Free), Lubomir Satka (DAC 1904 – Free), Sammy Ameobi (Bolton – Free), Tom Heardman (Bury – Loan), Alex Gilliead (Bradford – Loan), Vurnon Anita (Leeds – Free), Yoan Gouffran (Goztepe SK – Free), Adam Armstrong (Bolton – Loan), Sean Longstaff (Blackpool – Loan), Daryl Murphy (Nottingham Forest – Undisclosed).
Southampton
Key Transfers
Mauricio Pellegrino, may have been hoping for more transfer activity over the summer, however Southampton still easily have a squad that can maintain a position in the top half of the table. Their only signing of the summer is centre-back Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan to replace Martin Caceres who left to Hellas Verona, while attacker Jay Rodriguez signed for West Brom.
Arrivals
Jan Bednarek (Lech Poznan – Undisclosed).
Departures
Jay Rodriguez (West Brom – £12 million), Cuco Martina (Everton – Free), Lloyd Isgrove (Barnsley – Free), Harley Willard (Released), Martin Caceres (Released), Jason McCarthy (Barnsley – Undisclosed), Olufela Olomola (Yeovil – Loan), Harrison Reed (Norwich – Loan), Harry Lewis (Dundee United – Loan), Ryan Seager (MK Dons – Loan).
Stoke
Key Transfers
The Potters are another side who have had a relatively quiet summer, in comparison to previous seasons. Central-midfielder Darren Fletcher will add experience and leadership to their side while Kurt Zouma, who has joined on loan, is somewhat of coup for Stoke and will strengthen their defense greatly. However, Marko Arnautovic’s presence will be sorely missed, especially as Stoke are yet to make a replacement.
Arrivals
Darren Fletcher (West Brom – Free), Josh Tymon (Hull – Undisclosed), Tre Pemberton (Blackburn – Undisclosed), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea – Loan).
Departures
Daniel Bachmann (Watford – Free), Shay Given (Released), Liam Edwards (Released), Harry Isted (Released), Joel Taylor (Released), George Waring (Released), Jon Walters (Burnley – £3 million), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa – £2 million), Marko Arnautovic (West Ham – Undisclosed), Phil Bardsley (Burnley – Undisclosed).
Swansea
Key Transfers
Swansea’s leaky defense conceded 70 goals last season, the second worst record in the English Premier League. The Swans have failed to address this issue thus far, with the only notable signing being central-midfielder Roque Mesa. To add to their defensive worries, defensive-midfielder Jack Cork left over the summer joining Burnley. Swansea’s summer could worsen if they fail to hold on to Gylfi Sigurdsson, who Everton are believed to be interested in.
Arrivals
Erwin Mulder (Heerenveen – Free), Roque Mesa (Las Palmas – £11 million), Tammy Abraham (Chelsea – Loan), Marc Walsh (Finn Harps), Cian Harries (Coventry City – Undisclosed).
Departures
Gerhard Tremmel (Released), Marvin Emnes (Released), Liam Shephard (Released), Josh Vickers (Released), Owain Jones (Released), Tom Dyson (Released), Tom Holland (Released), Alex Samuel (Stevenage – Undisclosed), Keston Davies (Yeovil – Loan), Franck Tabanou (Released), Bafetimbi Gomis (Galatasaray – £2.5 million), Connor Roberts (Middlesbrough – Loan), Jack Cork (Burnley – £10 million), Liam Shephard (Peterborough – Free), Jordi Amat (Real Betis – Loan), Borja Baston (Malaga – Loan), Daniel James (Shrewsbury Town – Loan).
Tottenham
Key Transfers
There is not much to report on for Spurs as they have made absolutely zero signings this season. The most notable departure was Kyle Walker who left for a hefty 45 million pounds to Manchester City; Tottenham will have to count on Kevin Trippier to step up to the plate to fill in for Walker.
Arrivals
No Signings!!!
Departures
Kyle Walker (Manchester City – £45 million), Luke McGee (Portsmouth – Undisclosed), Connor Ogilvie (Gillingham – Loan), Clinton N’Jie (Marseille – Loan), Federico Fazio (Roma – Undisclosed)
Watford
Key Transfers
After a 17th place finish last season, Watford needed to improve their team to ensure safety. Consequently, Watford have at least improved slightly. Where they have upgraded most is in the midfield department, including Tom Cleverly who impressed on loan last season as well as a young duo of Will Hughes and Nathaniel Chalobah.
Arrivals
Tom Cleverley (Everton – Undisclosed), Will Hughes (Derby County – £8 million), Daniel Bachmann (Stoke – Free), Kiko Femenia (Alaves – Free), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea – Undisclosed), Harvey Bradbury (Portsmouth – Free), Sam Howes (West Ham – Free).
Departures
Mario Suarez (Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng FC – Undisclosed), Rene Gilmartin (Colchester – Free), Dennon Lewis (Crawley – Loan).
West Brom
Key Transfers
Following a very respectable 10th place finish in last season’s English Premier League campaign, manager Tony Pulis seems to have thought it to be better to not tinker too much with his squad. Accordingly, West Brom have made just one major signing in attacker Jay Rodriguez who will help better last years total of 43 goals. One notable departure was Darren Fletcher who’s presence will be missed on the pitch, as he featured in every game last season, and in the dressing room.
Arrivals
Jay Rodriguez (Southampton – £ 12million), Yuning Zhang (Vitesse Arnhem – Undisclosed), Ahmed Hegazi (Al Ahly – Loan).
Departures
Darren Fletcher (Stoke – Free), Sebastien Pocognoli (Standard Liege – Free), Yuning Zhang (Werder Bremen – Loan).
West Ham
Key Transfers
Hammers fans will be delighted with their summer so far, with none of their key players leaving and strong additions across the pitch. These additions include winger Marko Arnautovic who will add power and pace, while goalkeeper Joe Hart will instill confidence into West Ham’s defense and Javier Hernandez will certainly net bags of goals in the new English Premier League season.
Arrivals
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City – Free), Joe Hart (Manchester City – Loan), Marko Arnautovic (Stoke – Undisclosed), Javier Hernandez (Bayer Leverkusen – £16 million), Anouar El Mhassani (Ajax – Free).
Departures
Reece Burke (Bolton – Loan), Josh Cullen (Bolton – Loan), Reece Oxford (Borussia Mochengladbach – Loan), Havard Nordveit (Hoffenheim – Undisclosed), Jonathan Calleri (Deportivo Maldonado – End of loan), Gokhan Tore (Besiktas – End of loan), Alvaro Arbeloa (Released), Sam Ford (Released), Sam Howes (Released), Kyle Knoyle (Released), Sam Westley (Released), Raphael Spiegel (Released), Stephen Hendrie (Released), Enner Valencia (Tigres – Undisclosed), Sam Howes (Watford – Free), George Dobson (Sparta Rotterdam – Undisclosed), Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough – £5 million), Ashley Fletcher (Middlesbrough – £6.5 million).
2017/2018 English Premier League Season Preview
In the coming season the top six clubs are too strong to not stay within the top six, unless Everton, who have had an excellent transfer window this summer, can mount a challenge. The six teams therefore are Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Spurs have made no signings this summer while all of their contemporaries have strengthened. Add to this that they will play in Wembley this season, and their record at the ‘new’ Wembley is two wins, one draw and six losses; realizing this it becomes easy to see them slipping to 6th position. In 5th place will be Liverpool, as it looks like Jurgen Klopp will be wrongly satisfied with just the one major signing, additionally the possibility of Philippe Coutinho leaving could have devastating effects.
Now, with regards to Arsenal I believe they will reclaim their famous 4th place trophy, as all their stars look set to stay making an irresistible forward line of Sanchez, Ozil and Lacazette. Furthermore, despite Arsenal’s usual dip in form after Christmas time, I believe that last years dip as they lost 4 away game consecutively was a particularly rare case.
The 3rd position will go to an improved Manchester United who I still believe are one or two world-class players away from mounting a serious English Premier League title-challenge, but I am certain Lukaku will be a hit.
Chelsea will be unable to defend their title after losing the advantage of no European football; I also feel that Morata will take a little while to settle while their fans won’t forget Diego Costa in a rush.
That leaves Manchester City, who at times last season looked far and beyond the best team in the English Premier League, however at other times looked a little troubled by the system and defended poorly, both of these issues will and have been addressed and I believe Man City will consistently produce the top performances they are capable of, raising the Champions silverware in the end.
I would predict that the 3 relegated teams this season will be Burnley, who with the loss of Michael Keane will concede even more goals than last season and they failed to add to their striking force, Huddersfield, as a result of a lack of ambitious signings and that a lot of their squad are championship-level, and finally Swansea, who have made terrible transfer dealings this window while only surviving less than comfortably last season.
With all being said, I hope that you are ready for some English Premier League here at Get More Sports. Also, please visit Google Play Store and download our Get More Sports App and follow us where you go!
