One signing each club requires this summer

Aakash Rao
9 min readJun 28, 2023

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Welcome back to my blog for yet another article on the game we all love: FOOTBALL! It is currently the summer transfer window, where exciting, shocking, or even absurd player transfers are occurring and rumors are flying across the internet. Today, I will be presenting to you my expert opinion on one player each PL club HAS to sign this summer. Ready? Let’s get started!

Arsenal: Declan Rice

Declan Rice is apparently on his way to the Emirates and could already be part of the Gunners squad by the time this article is out, and while I am completely baffled at the simply scandalous transfer fee for the Englishman, I agree that he is the player the Gunners need to win something for once. The West Ham captain just led his side to an European trophy and has had a sensational season for West Ham and England, which completely justifies his desire to move to a top-4 team. Whether this is the right move for his career is yet to be seen, but he definitely should do well for Arsenal. Being the most expensive Englishman and most expensive buy in the PL would be a heavy weight to carry, but I doubt that he won’t come good in the long run.

AFC Bournemouth: Matias Vina

The Uruguayan was quite impressive during his loan spell at the Cherries, and Bournemouth should use their positive relationship with Roma to get a cut-price deal for the left-back. Justin Kluivert is arguably the steal of the transfer window, but he doesn’t address the key weakness in this squad: the full-back position. Vina would be a perfect permanent addition to the side, as he has had PL experience and would slot in perfectly.

Aston Villa: Pau Torres

Call me crazy, but I genuinely believe Emery could pull this off. The Birmingham side have been linked with some crazy transfers this season, e.g. Federico Chiesa (What the hell was that all about?) But in my opinion, this is a top-tier move that would transform Aston Villa into a potential top-six team. The buzz around Torres has died down a bit, and now would be a perfect time to strike. Pau Torres and Diego Carlos would be a phenomenal pairing who complement each other, and if Aston Villa use this transfer window smartly, they could be in store for a spectacular season.

Brentford: Viktor Gyökeres

The Coventry City forward has been linked with Everton, Brentford, and Wolves, but I feel he would be a better fit at Brentford. The Bees require someone to replace Ivan Toney in the short term and possibly complement him in the long term, and Gyokeres would definitely be a decent option. He has been awesome for the Blues this season and could grow a lot under Thomas Frank. Apparently he is close to agreeing a contract to keep him at Coventry, so the Bees probably should move quickly if they really want him.

Brighton: Mohamed Kudus

Brighton have had a phenomenal window so far, signing skilled players like Dahoud and Joao Pedro, and they could pull off the signing of the season by going in for Kudus. Initially, I thought this transfer would be impossible, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Kudus is still young, and he would be foolish to turn down a move to Brighton, a team that literally caters to a player like him. After watching him at the World Cup, I am convinced the Ghanaian has a huge future, and he should grasp the opportunity to play some beautiful possession-based football under RDZ, hone his skills, and then make the move to a top-4 PL side. As for Brighton, if they pull this off, their side will become 10 times better with a player of his quality in it. They could be ready to do big things in the Premier League if they keep these quality transfers up.

Burnley: Kamaldeen Sulemana

Another Ghanaian, the former Rennes winger, has been relegated to Southampton after making the move in January. Naturally, he has been linked with a transfer away, and Burnley should swoop in for him. He’s naturally gifted and a slick dribbler who has the potential to be a world-beater under the right coach. Kompany would do wonders with him, and he would massively boost their chances of survival if he kicked off.

Chelsea: No one

I think Chelsea should not sign anyone. They already have a bloated squad, which they are desperately trying to purge before June 30th. Chelsea’s fire sale to Saudi Arabia has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons, and while it does enter gray area territory when it comes to balancing the books, I doubt there’s much substance to the allegations. Also, for some reason, they are signing Nicolas Jackson for his release clause of 35 million euros, who has literally just burst onto the scene. Rightfully, this should be their last signing of the summer, but it probably won’t be. Todd Boehly and Co. have a huge, burning mess on their hands, and it’s probably going to get worse before it gets any better.

Crystal Palace: Perr Schuurs

Schuurs is a towering Dutch international who plays for Torino, and he’s just the type of defender Palace needs. The attacking options for the Eagles are honestly quite impressive, so I personally feel that they should probably focus on that weak defense. Schuurs would be a phenomenal player for them, and he probably would leap at the opportunity to play in the Premier League. All I can say is that they could do much, much worse.

Everton: Wilfred Gnoto

Everton seem to be linked to every Leeds player who can kick a ball this transfer window, but Gnoto would be the game-changing signing for them. Their attack lacks spark, and Gnoto is exactly what Everton need to actually score goals. The Italian would probably prefer a move to the Toffees than to play Plymouth away, so this move would work out for all parties. Unless Everton fumble the bag (again).

Fulham: Fred

Fred has been a player who’s blown hot and cold since joining Manchester United, and despite his value as a squad player, it’s clear to see his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end. Ten hag would much rather keep McTominay as an option off the bench due to the Scotsman being younger, so Fred should probably make the move to Craven Cottage if he wants the game time. He can link up with former United player Andreas Pereira as well, who had a decent spell at Fulham last year. Marco Silva could possibly reform Fred to become the perfect partner for the defensive Palhinha, and this transfer would definitely benefit all three parties.

Liverpool: Gabri Veiga

One area Liverpool need to stock up on is the midfield, and despite the links to Khephren Thuram, I think Veiga would be a better option. The Spaniard would probably be cheaper and more willing to warm up on the bench for a while before eventually breaking into the team. The youngster is clearly talented (he has even been called ‘Mini-Kaka’), and would be exactly the type of smart, low-key signing Klopp is used to making. If Andy Robertson could make it at Anfield, I’d say Veiga has more than a decent chance of doing so.

Luton Town: James Justin

If I were to be completely honest, Luton need at least 10 signings who would be starters this season if they are to survive. So far, they’ve barely done anything, which is indeed a worrying sign. They are by far the worst team in the PL this season, and will need to really revamp their squad if they are to survive. They can start doing so by signing ex-academy product James Justin, who should be available for a 10- to 15-million-pound deal after he got relegated with the Foxes. The full-back would improve their defense massively and would be a good step forward in their rebuild. Also, it would be a nice homecoming for their golden boy, especially if he keeps them up.

Manchester City: Theo Hernandez

In reality, Manchester City don’t really need anyone. They’ve signed Kovacic as midfield cover and are signing Gvardiol to play alongside Dias, so the only potential ‘weak’ spot I can find is left-back. Theo Hernandez in a swap deal with Cancelo would be an amazing deal, and City would be set for the next 5 years. If this deal happens, the Premier League will genuinely become a farmer’s league. I can only pray to the Football Gods to have mercy on us all.

Manchester United: Victor Osimhen

Do the Red Devils need Osimhen? Absolutely. Will we get him? Probably not. All the takeover drama has completely derailed our summer transfer plans, and as I type, United are yet to make a significant signing this summer. We could be in big trouble if we don’t make additions to the striker, goalkeeper, and midfield positions, which would be avoidable if the takeover just goes through. I really, really hope we get a striker at the very least, or we can just give up hopes of winning a trophy next season.

Newcastle United: Dominik Szoboszlai

Newcastle have shocked the world with an astounding move for Sandro Tonali, a young midfield monster who lines up for Milan, and despite their failed move for Maddison, they could make a potentially revolutionary signing in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian dynamo has been exceptional for Leipzig so far, and would be a great signing in the long-term. How we will be used is still an uncertainty, but it would be hard to pass up the chance to sign a player of his caliber.

Nottingham Forest: Dean Henderson

Forest have been linked with countless names this window, and while they’ve yet to make waves in the window, they could make a massive signing by the name of Dean Henderson soon. The English goalkeeper’s United career is all but finished, and he would definitely desire a fresh start at Forest. He was unfortunate to lose his place to Navas due to injury, and now that Navas’ loan has expired, Henderson would be roaring to win his place back and solidify himself as a PL number one.

Sheffield United: Robin Koch

The German center-back has been a mainstay for Leeds over the past few years, but there have been rumours he’s ready to leave this summer after relegation. he may not be the flashiest of players or one of the big names, but he’s one of those quintessential players who get the job done and add to the dressing room. Sheffield would be much more secure at the baxk and surely he would benefit massively from this move, especially if the Blades stay up?

Tottenham: Micky van de Ven

The Dutch center-back is being linked to almost every PL side, but I feel that the Lilywhites need him the most. Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, and more are all eyeing a move away from the PL’s circus club, despite some ambitious moves by Daniel Levy. The mood is at rock bottom at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the fans wrecked with fear about how the window will fare for them. While it may not seem like the smartest move right now, Van de Ven would be able to play in the Premier League and slowly develop himself under a brilliant coach like Postecoglu without feeling much pressure. He could become a world-beater at Tottenham and turn around the team’s luck. Let’s see if Levy decides to pay up or decides to stick with what they have.

West Ham: Tyler Adams

USMNT star and captain Tyler Adams is available on the market for a cut-price deal, and West Ham would be fools not to get this done. West Ham’s captain Declan Rice is on his way out, and a player of Adams’ quality would surely help to soften the blow. his performances for Leeds were impeccable, and he could do wonders at a side like West Ham.

Wolves: Lucas Ocampos

Lucas Ocampos is a tricky Argentinian winger who is a Sevilla stalwart with just one year left on his deal. Lopetegui knows the Argentinian well from his time at Sevilla, and would be more than delighted to welcome him aboard the Wolves project. This window has proven to be shaky so far for wolves, but the sale of Ruben Neves for 47 million will surely free up money for them to sign Ocampos and a new midfielder.

That’s all for this article, do let me know which player you want YOUR club to sign this summer. if you enjoyed this article, share it with your fellow football enthusiasts and till next time, adios!

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Aakash Rao

An avid Manchester United fan and football/music blogger!