What every Premier League team need to add to their squads before the close of the transfer window

19 August 2014 09:21

Having evaluated the teams on the opening weekend, here are where each team in the Premiership need to strengthen in order to meet their goals.

Arsenal

Arsenal fans have been asking for the usual type of players once again. The Gunners are nearly the complete article, but by signing a dominant defensive midfielder will allow their attacking players to flourish.

A new striker to help take some of the work load off Olivier Giroud would really add some depth; Yaya Sanago is still very raw and flatters to deceive.

Aston Villa

Paul Lambert has added some players in a number of positions, but still looking to add a quality winger and a creative midfielder with a bit of guile. Villa will be more than safe this year, but could finish mid-table with a few good additions.

Burnley

With not many funds being made available for manager Sean Dyche, Burnley will be looking to add some Premiership experience to their squad.

Sam Vokes will be as good as a new signing when he recovers from his knee injury.

Chelsea

Chelsea has probably done the best business this window by signing some established and top quality players to an already great squad.

Jose Mourinho has said he’s probably done for the summer, but do not be surprised if the Blues sign a centre back or a good back up striker if they can finally move Fernando Torres on.

Crystal Palace

Tim Sherwood will look to add his mark on the transfer market, however it’s not certain how much money will be made available to him.

Pulis did add to his squad before he left, maybe keeping the squad together and maintaining their strong spirit could be key.

Everton

Roberto Martinez’s squad looks quite complete at the moment. The £28million they spent on Romelu Lukaku appears to have diminished much of their budget. Another quality winger could push them in the battle for a top four spot.

Hull City

Following the sale of Shane Long’s £12million move to Southampton a striker must be a priority for Hull. A poacher who could latch onto Jelavic’s flicks could be ideal for the Tigers.

Much will depend on the progress of Robert Snodgrass’s injury, so they could look to sign another winger. If funds are available a new centre would be a welcome edition.

Leicester City

Some very interesting reports suggesting the former Champions League winner Esteban Cambiasso has been linked to Leicester; if Nigel Pearson cannot sign the 34-year-old then they’ll be looking for another experienced midfielder.

Pearson could be looking to sign another striker, but there may not be enough funds for that just yet, expect to see Leicester trying out Chris Woods until January before they sign another.

Liverpool

How do you replace Luis Suarez? Brendan Rodgers recent signings suggest they’ll only play one striker this season, especially as Rickie Lambert is not good enough as their number two frontman. If they want to compete for the league once again this year, they’ll need another striker.

Manchester City

Due to financial fair play restrictions, Manuel Pellegrini is unlikely to add to his squad anymore. The Chilean has added some depth to his squad, in particular in central midfield and defence.

As long as there are no injuries before the closing of the window, don’t expect to see any more signings.

Manchester United

Where to start? United probably need a new player in each position apart from a No10. Possibly two top class centre backs need to be added, especially if they want to play 3-5-2.

Van Gaal also needs to add a decent defensive midfielder to work alongside Herrera. A left and right sided wing back will also add some depth to the squad.

By looking at Manchester United’s line-up against Swansea, there will be very few clubs who will be scared when facing that team.

United fans will be hoping that they don’t repeat their panic buys of last year.

Newcastle United

With some interesting creative players now playing for Newcastle, Alan Pardew will be wanting a top quality frontman to put some chances away.

A new centre back will also be high on Pardew’s list. If Newcastle can make these signings they can really compete for a European place this year.

QPR

Harry Redknapp is well known for his ability to get signings on transfer deadline day and this year it will be no different. Redknapp knows he is short of quality in midfield, if there’s a midfielder in his early 30s and on his last year of their contract then he’ll be looking at them.

If Remy leaves, then they’ll need another good quality striker.

Southampton

Having lost so many quality players in the transfer window, Ronald Koeman must look to add some strength in depth.

I’m sure many fans did not expect the Saints to play as well as they did against Liverpool, yet still need to strengthen in defence or another winger. Jay Rodriguez’s return will act as a new signing.

Sunderland

A few good centre backs will be a welcome addition to the squad. The injury record of Wes Brown and John O’Shea are not good looking.

Sunderland must keep Conor Wickham fit and firing if they are to survive this year.

Stoke City

Mark Hughes has quite a strong squad at first look. Stoke do however have quite a large one for where they are in the league, Hughes will need to trim some of fringe players which could free up some funds for a big name player.

Swansea City

Top of their list has to be a replacement for Chico Flores, but their impressive win at Old Trafford has certainly quashed any suggestions they could be in for a relegation battle this year.

Keeping hold of Wilfred Bony will be a priority for Gary Monk, but with the window closing in a matter of weeks, they should be able to keep the powerful Ivorian.

Tottenham Hotspur

Regardless of what Spurs boss Maurico Pochettino says about having a fantastic squad, in reality that means they probably do not have the money to spend on players at the moment.

Spurs do look short in a number of areas this year, especially up top. Pochettino’s biggest job will be to get the best out the players they bought last year, in particular Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado.

If Tottenham want to make the top four they’ll need a striker, midfielder and a left sided winger.

West Brom

West Brom need to sign a player with some real guile and creativity in midfield, but more importantly a goal scorer.

Many have tipped West Brom to go down this year; unless funds are made available to the manager then the Baggies could struggle this year.

West Ham

With Andy Carroll once again injured this year, Sam Allardyce is certainly in the market for a striker just like most teams on this list.

Some creativity to central midfield will be a must, especially as the board have already instructed Big Sam to play more stylish and attacking football.

Source: DSG