With the transfer window set to slam shut in just over a week, clubs across the Premier League are scrambling to get their final pieces of business done. Sunday's action on the pitch will be watched keenly — but behind the scenes, it's the deals that are being hammered out in hotel lobbies and on video calls that may ultimately define how the season unfolds. Here's where things stand with some of the biggest stories still in play.
Liverpool Finally Land Zubimendi
After missing out on Martin Zubimendi twelve months ago — the Spain midfielder famously chose to stay at Real Sociedad despite Liverpool's pursuit — this summer has told a very different story. With Sociedad dropping into the lower half of La Liga and European football slipping further from their grasp, Zubimendi's head has been turned, and this time the deal has gone through. The fee is understood to be in the region of £55 million, and Arne Slot now has the deep-lying playmaker he's been crying out for to control the tempo of games from the base of midfield. It's a signing that could turn Liverpool's title push from credible to formidable.
Chelsea Complete Marc Guiu Deal
Chelsea's summer has been, as ever, busy. The west London club have moved to shore up their attacking options by bringing in Barcelona's highly-rated youngster Marc Guiu, the Spanish under-21 striker who announced himself on the biggest stage last year with a debut goal for Barcelona. At 21, Guiu fits the profile Chelsea have been targeting — high ceiling, Premier League-ready in terms of athleticism, and with a point to prove after a stop-start time in Catalonia. He joins a forward line that already has plenty of depth but has needed a more clinical central option.
Tottenham Still Hunting
After the nightmare start under Roberto De Zerbi — a 3-0 hammering at Brentford on the opening day — Spurs will be acutely aware that adding quality before the window shuts is no longer a preference but a necessity. De Zerbi has been clear in his briefings that he needs more players to execute his pressing system properly, and the Spurs hierarchy appear to have listened. Sources close to the club suggest at least two further signings are imminent, including a centre-forward and a left-sided midfielder. Whether they arrive before the deadline is another matter.
United's Quiet Window Raises Questions
Perhaps the most puzzling story of the summer has been Manchester United's relative quiet. After a heavily publicised rebuild of the squad under their ownership structure, the net spend this window has been modest compared to expectations. The capture of Carlos Baleba from Brighton added some physicality to midfield, but the questions at centre-back and in the wide areas remain unanswered. With the window running out of time, supporters are growing restless — and the pressure on whoever eventually takes the permanent managerial role will only increase if the squad isn't right come September.
The deadline is in eight days. Between now and then, expect the usual chaos, the last-minute drama, and at least one deal that nobody saw coming. This is the Premier League, after all — nothing ever goes quietly.
0 Comments