Premier League 2019-20: Grading every club's transfer window
After a busy couple of months in the trading of players, it is time to evaluate the performances of the club.
The Premier League summer transfer window slammed shut and the clubs in the top tier in England will now turn their attention to the season ahead of them, hoping to make it one to remember for their fans.
We at Khel Now grade the Premier League clubs on their performance in the window.
Arsenal: Grade - A
It looked like it was set to be a long summer for the Gunners, who saw Aaron Ramsey leave the club for free. With only £40m to spend on transfers, nobody expected the Gunners to have the window that they have. The likes of Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos add genuine quality to a side that has seemed like it has lacked a spark in recent years.
Aston Villa: Grade - B
It’s been a strange summer down at Villa Park. The disappointment of not being able to extend the loan stay of the likes of Axel Tuanzebe, who was a stalwart in their Championship winning side, was balanced out by the relief of being able to keep hold of Jack Grealish and John McGinn.
The Villians have also managed to bring in players of quality, such as Wesley, Tyrone Mings from Bournemouth and Matt Targett from Southampton.
Bournemouth: Grade - B-
The Cherries have had a quiet summer in comparison to some of the other clubs in the bottom half of the table, with only five players coming into the club. The one that stands out is Philip Billing from Huddersfield Town. Bournemouth have also brought in Harry Wilson on loan from Liverpool as well as Arnaut Danjuma.
Brighton: Grade - C-
Brighton have had a particularly poor window, with their only notable bit of business being securing the signature of Aaron Mooy from Huddersfield on loan for the season. The likes of Anthony Knockheart have left the club who will most likely enter the new season, weaker than they were in the last.
Burnley: Grade - B+
The clarets have had a decent summer, bringing in replacements to the players they lost over the summer. The signing of Jay Rodriguez could prove to be a masterstroke if he manages to find the form that he had before his injury at Southampton. Danny Drinkwater could also prove to be a signing that could put in a shift for a Burnley side who will be looking to break into the top half of the table this season.
*Chelsea: Grade - N/A
Chelsea's transfer ban meant that they could not bring in new players to the squad this window. However, they completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic who was on loan at the club from Real Madrid last season. Chelsea also saw the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, leaving fans with little to cheer about heading into the new campaign.
Crystal Palace: Grade - C
Palace have managed to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha, at least until January, which they will see as an absolute transfer market win. However, the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United was not addressed, leave the side with a hole on the right side of defence. The experience of Gary Cahill could bring some crucial experience to defence.
Premier League net spend for the summer 2019 transfer window...
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 9, 2019
Everton: Grade - A
The Merseyside club are now undoubted contenders for the European slots in the coming season. The toffees have signed Fabian Delph who will add crucial Premier League know-how to the side, Moise Kean and Djibril Sidibe would not be caught out of place in any of Europe's top sides. Marco Silva will be highly optimistic about his side's chances heading into the campaign.
Leicester City: Grade - B+
Leicester have done incredibly well to tie Youri Tielemens down to a long term deal at the club, following interest from several Premier League big boys. The Foxes also pocketed a world record fee on the sale of Harry Maguire to Manchester United apart from a £30m deal to sign Ayoze Perez from Newcastle. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that his side will be ready to challenge for European spots again.
Liverpool: Grade - E
Several fans of the Reds have questioned Jurgen Klopp's decision to keep Liverpool largely anonymous during the summer window. There have not been any major departures from the side, nor have there been any major signings. West Ham goalkeeper Adrian being brought in to replace Simon Mingolet as the number two in the side is the only bit of business that Liverpool have done that directly affects the first team.
Manchester City: Grade - B
City have had a quiet transfer window in comparison to recent years but have still managed to bring in players of quality that further improve their squad. Pep Guardiola is building a side that will want to challenge for the Champions League in coming seasons and the signings of Cancelo and Rodri were targetted at just that. City remain firm favourites going into the campaign.
Manchester United: Grade - C
To put it lightly, Manchester United had some problems last season. The window has been a partial success for the side, with the signings of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire sending the defence up several levels. However, the failure to replace Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini in midfield puts enormous pressure on the likes of Angel Gomes.
Newcastle United: Grade - B
The signings of Joelinton and Andy Carroll will go some way to replacing the hole left by Ayoze Perez in the side. However, the Magpies' biggest loss will be that of manager, Rafa Benitez. It remains to be seen if Steve Bruce can raise the performance of a side whose fanbase is getting ever more frustrated with how the club is run.
Norwich City: Grade - C
Norwich City had a spectacular season in the championship last year. However, the Premier League is a big step up for them but the club have failed to bring in the recruits they need to truly ensure their safety in the League. Josip Dirmic from Borussia Monchengladbach and Patrick Roberts from Manchester City are their only signings of note, meaning it could be a very long summer for the canaries.
Sheffield United: Grade - D
Another one of the newly promoted teams in the Premier League who have failed to deceive in the transfer window. The blades have brought in Ravel Morrisson, Phil Jagielka, and Lys Mousset into their side, all players who are either past their prime or have failed to impress with their previous clubs. Ollie McBurnie could be the saving grace of their transfer window.
Which Premier League club had the best transfer window?
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 9, 2019
Southampton: Grade - D-
Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo are the only two players that the club signed despite their disappointing season last year, meaning it might be a long campaign for the Southampton fans who were hoping for a major overhaul this year.
Tottenham Hotspur: Grade - B+
Spurs are a side that just seems to keep getting better every year. Apart from keeping the core of their team solid right through the last five years, the team has strengthened in key areas, bringing in the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovanni Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon. Spurs are likely to be in and about the top spots in the coming season.
Watford: Grade - B
The Hornets completed the signing of Danny Welbeck from Arsenal, who is an elite striker when he is fit and finally a replacement for Odion Igalo in the side. Craig Dawson will bring in experience to the side who have also done well to keep hold of their best players for the upcoming season. A decent window all round.
West Ham: Grade - B+
Sebastian Haller and Pablo Fornals were both extremely astute signings by the Hammers who have done no harm to an already competitive side. The London club will be hoping that the side can hit the ground running and challenge for the European places.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Wolves: Grade - A
Wolves are tipped by many to be the dark horses of the Premier League this season. They have completed the signings of Patrick Cutrone, Jesus Vallejo while also tying last season's top performers, Dendonker and Raul Jiminez to permanent deals at the club. Wolves are an example of a perfectly run football club and may have a few surprises up their sleeve this season.
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