Transfer Analysis part 3

Welcome back to my blog, and today I will be analysing the transfer needs of the first 5 teams in the second half of the PL table.

Southampton

Sell/Loan: Shane Long, Smallbone and Yan Valery

Buy: Dean Henderson

Southampton have quite a settled and decent squad, and i doubt there will be much movement for them this January. However, they could get rid of some squad players such as Shane Long, Smallbone and Yan Valery, while also getting a new goalie in Dean Henderson. The Mancunian seems to want a move, and while Caballero has been quite good for them, Henderson is definitely a better keeper anyday. He also has been linked to them for quite a while, and he definitely would get the game time he needs to make England’s World Cup squad.

Crystal Palace

Sell/Loan: Tomkins, Martin Kelly, Nathan Ferguson, Rak-Sakyi.

Buy: Eddie Nketiah, Max Aarons, Lloyd Kelly, Gallagher and Gabigol

Crystal Palace’s situation is quite similar to Southampton, as their squad has been over-performing to help the Eagles to a decent 12th place in the PL so far. However, they could get rid of some players in order to bring in new ones and push for top 10. Tomkins and Kelly are both veterans who could be shifted to bring in new blood, while youngsters Ferguson and Rak-Sakyi both could use a loan for more game time. Meanwhile, Patrick Viera could look to bolster an already superb attack through Arsenal striker Nketiah, while talented full-back duo Aarons and Lloyd Kelly could be bought in to strengthen a light defence. Conor Gallagher could also make his move permanent after an impressive half-season with the Eagles, while Brazilian striker would be a superb alternative to Nketiah.

Brentford

Sell/loan: Jeanvier, Racic, Stevens, Gordon, Fosu-Henry and Peart-Harris

Buy: J Aribo, Loftus-Cheek, Matt Targett, Todd Cantwell and Harry Winks

Brentford also don’t need much movement this winter, but they could let some talented youngsters like Stevens, Gordon, Fosu-Henry and Peart-Harris go out on loan, while selling the non essential players like racic and Jeanvier. They could also use with some midfielders, with youngsters Cantwell and Loftus-Cheek potential bargains or loan signings, while Rangers’ Aribo or Tottenham’s Winks could be the Bees’ marquee signing. Matt Targett could also sign for the Bees and solve that left-back weakness they have, given that Lucas Digne has signed for Villa.

Aston Villa

Sell/Loan: Hause, Trezeguet and Philogene-Bidace

Buy: Bissouma, Olsen/Rico, Glen Kamara, Joe Gomez/Nat Phillips, Gabigol, and Aubaemeyang

Aston Villa have had a superb start to the transfer window, with the signings of Lucas Digne and Coutinho a statement of intent from Gerrard and Villa. It is expected that Gerrard will get even more reinforcements, with Robin Olsen or Sergio Rico both potential loan signings who will challenge Martinez for a starting spot. Yves Bissouma is another marquee signing linked to Villa, as he will help to solve the lack of defensive midfielders Villa have. He is great on and off the ball, and he would be a great signing if Villa pull it off. Glen Kamara is another midfielder Villa could look to, given his experience working for Gerrard at Rangers. Gomez and Nat Phillips are two Liverpool players Gerrard would be eyeing to solve the lack of centre backs, while Gabigol and Aubameyang would also be two stellar loan signings Villa could look to pull off. On the other hand, squad players Hause, Trezeguet and Philogene-Bidace could all look to leave on loan for more game time, and to make way for new, better signings.

Everton

Sell/Loan: Jonjoe Kenny, Delph, Gbamin, Davies and Tosun

Buy: A New Manager, Sean Longstaff, Ross Barkley/Dele Alli, Dwight McNeil and Harry Winks.

Everton have been dreadful this season. Honestly. I backed Rafa Benitez to do a good job at Everton, but he seems to be past his best, and is unofficially sacked, with official confirmation expected to be announced on monday. So, obviously, the first order of business would be to hire a new manager, who I expect will be Wayne Rooney. I will talk more about this in my next article predicting Everton’s new manager. Meanwhile, let’s get to the players.

Regardless of who takes over the hot seat, the likes of Kenny, Delph, Gbamin, Davies and Tosun are definitely sellable, given their lack of involvement and horrendous injury record in the past few seasons. Midfield in particular needs a revamp, and selling Delph, Gbamin and Davies will help to clear way for better midfielders to come in. One of those better midfielders is Sean Longstaff. Despite his downturn in form in recent seasons, he still has massive potential to do well, and would be a decent buy. A homecoming for Ross Barkley would be great too, though Dele Alli would be a better ‘big name’ signing. Winger Dwight McNeil would also be welcome, given the constant links of a move to a bigger club, and Everton in particular. Finally, another Tottenham player in Harry Winks could be persuaded to move to Merseyside, once again to bolster that midfield.

So, that’s all for this article. We just went through the transfer needs of 5 more PL teams, and hopefully you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Look out for my article on potential Everton managers (maybe even comment who you think could take over in the comments), and till next time, adios!