Ahead of Transfer Deadline Day, Adrian Clarke analyses how Liverpool, Luton, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle can improve
Adrian Clarke looks at what Liverpool, Luton, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle need to do in the remaining days.
Liverpool
Major deals so far
Ins: Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig), Wataru Endo (Stuttgart).
Outs: Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli), Naby Keita (Werder Bremen), James Milner (Brighton), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Besiktas), Fabio Carvalho (loan to RB Leipzig), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad).
Jurgen Klopp has revamped his central midfield with three quality additions this summer, but it still feels as if at least one more defensive player is required.
Liverpool’s adventurous brand of football ensures they always offer a goal threat, but their structure out of possession remains a work in progress. A little too open at times, they have faced 46 shots already and are yet to keep a clean sheet. Worryingly, only three top-flight goalkeepers have been forced to make more saves than Alisson (15) so far.
The Reds have been linked with Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, and those reports make sense. A powerful, athletic midfield specialist with ball winning qualities would complement the players Klopp has at his disposal and add more security.
Liverpool may also be in the market for a right-back who can cover in central defence. Joe Gomez has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and would need replacing.
Luton Town
Major deals so far
Ins: Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham), Mads Andersen (Barnsley), Tahith Chong (Birmingham), Marvelous Nakamaba (Aston Villa), Issa Kabore (loan from Man City), Ryan Giles (Wolves), Thomas Kaminski (Blackburn), Ross Barkley (free agent), Jacob Brown (Stoke), Tim Krul (Norwich).
Outs: None.
Luton Town should be active between now and the end of the window.
After losing heavily at Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea, it is clear they need to bring in more defensive quality, preferably with Premier League experience.
Averaging 23 shots faced per 90 minutes so far – the highest tally in the division – they must quickly find a way to stem the tide. Arsenal’s Rob Holding is a name that has been linked, but the Hatters might be on the lookout for two centre-backs, and a defensive midfielder.
If Rob Edwards’ side continue to be porous, they will also need greater punch in attack to pick up points.
Luton are averaging an Expected Goals (xG) of 0.4 in open play per 90 minutes, which is not enough.
Recruiting a pacy striker who can stretch opponents in behind or run on to Carlton Morris’ flicks would be an ideal target as they seek to strengthen at both ends of the pitch.
Manchester City
Major deals so far
Ins: Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Jeremy Doku (Rennes).
Outs: Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Riyad Mahez (Al-Ahli), Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr).
We may see more outs than ins at the Etihad Stadium this week, with a number of talented youngsters, including Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, attracting attention.
Pep Guardiola is keen on bringing in Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes. His balance, speed and dribbling ability give him line-breaking qualities, and in the absence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, that will be beneficial if they get a deal done.
Joao Cancelo’s reported departure means there is also a space up for grabs in the full-back department. The champions tend to use centre-backs or central midfielders in that role, so if there is a hole in City’s squad, it is perhaps a shortage of natural left or right-backs.
The future of out-of-favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also uncertain at this stage. If he departs, it may tempt City to bring in a new face to act as cover for Rodri. The Spaniard is rarely rotated, starting 37 of the last 41 Premier League matches.
Manchester United
Major deals so far
Ins: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Andre Onana (Internazionale), Rasmsus Hojlund (Atalanta).
Outs: Alex Telles (Al-Nassr), Anthony Elanga (Nott’m Forest), Fred (Fenerbahce).
This season’s early Premier League stats tell us no team has won possession more often inside the middle third than Manchester United (85). The data is correct, but also misleading.
Watching United, a lack of athleticism in central areas has seen opponents target that domain with powerful surges down the spine of the field. With attack-minded midfield players flanking him, 31-year-old Casemiro has at times been left isolated and exposed.
Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat is reportedly on their radar, and if somebody of his ilk arrived at Old Trafford, it would make a positive difference.
Injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia mean that Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for emergency cover at left-back. Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella is rumoured to be on their list of targets.
Only three sides have faced more efforts on goal from open play than United, which should encourage the push for reinforcements.
Newcastle United
Major deals so far
Ins: Sandro Tonali (AC Milan), Harvey Barnes (Leicester), Tino Livramento (Southampton), Lewis Hall (loan from Chelsea).
Outs: Chris Wood (Nott’m Forest), Allan Saint-Maximin (Al-Ahli), Ryan Fraser (loan to Southampton).
With UEFA Champions League football on the horizon, Eddie Howe has added strength in depth across a number of key positions this summer.
The last hole left to fill is the acquisition of another central defender.
Fabian Schar and Sven Botman have forged a terrific partnership, but if either player is out through injury or suspension, it does leave the Magpies light.
There is also an argument to suggest Newcastle should be looking to sign a new starting defender anyway.
Howe’s back four was incredibly solid in the first 22 matches of last season, conceding only 13 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets.
Their record since, a 19-match period, indicates a severe downturn in reliability at the back.
During that spell, only two clean sheets have been earned, and they have leaked 24 goals.
Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva of Benfica have been mentioned as names that could be of interest to Newcastle.
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