Southampton:
The signings of Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren from Celtic and Lyon respectively show the south-coast club’s intentions for this upcoming season. Spending a combined £20 million on the pair who both hold valuable experience at the highest levels of European football seems to have been good business. Their ability to beet Cardiff to the signing of Wanyama will be a boost for the side, and could allow them to attract even bigger names through the door. Watch this space….
Rating: 7/10
Stoke:
New boss Mark Hughes’ first transfer window is progressing slowly. After the arrival of centre-back Mark Muniesa from Barcelona and the signing of PSV left-back Erik Pieters everything seems to have gone quiet over at the Britannia. One would assume that there will be some movement in the market from Stoke shortly, if not then Stoke are going to have a very tough season, as the teams in and around them have bought reasonably well. There’s still time though.
Rating: 5/10
Sunderland:
Paolo Di Canio has bolstered his squad with no less than nine new arrivals. The pick of the bunch their capture of Italy international Emmanuele Giacherrini from Italian champions Juventus for £6.8 million. Other notable deals incude former Hull loanee Jozy Altidore and former Arsenal no.2 Vito Mannone, who joins on a three year deal. Looked impressive in Barclays Asia Trophy.
Rating: 7/10
Swansea:
Michael Laudrup has added eight signings to his league cup winning squad for the upcoming season. The pick of the bunch Dutch Player of the Year Wilfriend Bony for a club record £12 million, who scored 31 goals in 30 appearences for Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem last season. He joins new signings such as Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey and highly rated youngster, the centre-back Jordi Amat from Espanyol.
Rating: 6/10
Tottenham:
Despite the Gareth Bale ‘will he or wont he saga’ taking centre stage Tottenham have made some good signings. The capture of Brazillian international midfielder Paulinho represents a big signing from the club, having waved off interest from Inter Milan and Real Madrid for his signature. Also exciting winger Nacer Chadli has arrived from the Eredevisie, and both will provide Tottenham with more options in midfield. The decision to let future star Steven Caulker depart for Cardiff is a surprising move from Spurs, and this decision will come back to bite them. The ongoing talks with Valencia striker Roberto Soldado are promising for Spurs fans as the club are desperately in need of another striker.. The real judgement on Spurs’ transfer activity will be the future of Bale, and if he does leave who they replace him with. In need of few more strikers.
Rating: 7/10
West Brom:
Steve Clarke’s only singing thus far is a big one: Nicolas Anelka from Juventus. The Frenchman has vast experience across a variety of leagues and has played for many clubs throughout his career. Despite being aged 34, he should be a good signing for the Midlands club and arriving on a free is a bargain for the club. Now they just have to add a few more faces and finally seal a departure for Peter Odemwingie. Nothing too exciting, still more to come.
Rating: 5/10
West Ham:
Three signings so far from West Ham. The £15 million gamble on ex Liverpool striker Andy Carroll could pay off if they keep the hitman injury free. However its questionable whether the striker is worth the combined wages and transfer fee of around £30 million, best not to even mention the £35 million move to Liverpool. Free agents Rat and Adrian bolster the squad, could do with a few more faces and perhaps even a big name signing.
Rating: 5/10
Some of the ratings may seem harsh, it is worth reminding however that we are only half way through this window and there is still more to come. With this in mind, ratings could rise dramatically when more business is completed and fall if there are any major departures.
Do you agree with the ratings? Are you pleased with your clubs business so far? Let us know.
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