The summer transfer window will officially open on Wednesday June 9, 2021 for Premier League clubs, running for 12 weeks until 11pm BST on Tuesday August 31. The transfer window is the lifeline that can make or break a teams season, so teams need to make it count.
For many fans the window can be almost as exciting as the season itself, be it rumours of world class players potentially signing for their club or hopes of bagging the next teenage Messi or Mbappe.
Every Premier League team will be looking to improve their squads during the window, but although many clubs already have their eyes on certain players, the twists and turns of the transfer window mean that nothing is ever simple when it comes to getting deals over the line.
Betting on Euro 2020 to show the talent
The long awaited Euro 2020 will take place this summer, with 24 teams playing 51 matches across 12 cities. Starting on Friday June 11th in Rome, the competition runs through to Sunday July 11th with the final taking place at Wembley Stadium. For those who like to bet on football, England are currently favourite to win, with 888 Sport giving their odds of winning as 5.50/1.
This month of world class football represents a great chance for clubs to scout new signings or simply confirm what they already know about a player before splashing the cash. The competition also provides teams with the potential to find themselves a bargain, as it’s not uncommon for unknown players to burst on the scene and become overnight superstars, creating a clamour for their signature and a transfer tug of war. In the 2018 world cup
Top Four Transfer Targets
After Manchester City’s 3rd Premier League title in four years, the teams directly below them will be desperate to stop them next season. But what do the clubs closest to City need in order to make that next step, and what do City require to cement their place at the top?
Manchester City
It is no secret that Manchester City, despite playing most of the season without a striker, desperately need to sign a striker in the transfer window. With record goal scorer Sergio Aguero’s departure confirmed, City have been linked with Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund, and Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan. However, it is England Captain Harry Kane that has emerged as the likeliest option given Kane’s recent public comments about his desire to leave Tottenham in order to win trophies.
While other positions, such as left back, need addressing, if City can add a player that can guarantee them 20 goals a season, Pep Guardiola’s team are going to be very hard to stop.
Manchester United
Finishing second is never good enough for a team like United, especially when you finish behind your local rivals. With Edison Cavani signed up for another season, plus Rashford and the emerging Mason Greenwood providing options up front, United’s need for a striker is not as urgent as it once was – although they continue to be linked with former player Christiano Ronaldo.
United are rumoured to be in the market for another wide player, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jaden Sancho heavily tipped to complete a move to Old Trafford after last years protracted transfer chase came to nothing.
Other areas that need strengthening are central defence, with an over reliance on Harry Maguire at Centre Half and neither Lindelof or Bailly really convincing in that position. United do have an interest in Real Madrid’s French defender, Raphael Varane who could become available as a cash strapped Real seek to raise funds in a difficult market.
Liverpool
Although Liverpool’s title defence fell well short, injuries played a massive part. A replacement for Joel Matip can’t be ruled out in defence, but with Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez expected back for the start of the season another defender is not a priority, especially with the recent emergence of Nat Phillips.
Jordan Henderson’s injury problems and the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer has left them in need of new midfield recruits. Yves Bissouma has impressed for Brighton this season and established himself as one of the club’s best players. With an asking price of around £40m for the 24-year-old Malian midfielder, Liverpool is expected to be interested in his signature.
Chelsea
After spending heavily in last seasons transfer window, Chelsea is again expected to be big spenders in this window, as they look to back new boss Thomas Tuchel. With Mendy solving their goalkeeping crisis Chelsea will be looking to add goals to their squad in the close season.
With Giroud seemingly set to move on and Tammy Abraham looking to move in search of first team opportunities, Chelsea are intent on signing a striker. While they would love to sign Kane from Spurs, it seems unlikely due to local rivalry. Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku remain their main targets.
Next year’s Premier League Champions
Whoever wins the title next season, a huge part of that success will be down to how well they recruit this summer. If teams can get their transfer business done early and secure their number one target, then we may well see a new name on the Premier League trophy next year.
