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Which clubs have the most business to do in the summer transfer window?

| 31.03.2020
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

We look at who needs what when the transfer window opens

After a close-run title race in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, this year’s league title is all but decided, where it looks like Liverpool will get their first title in the Premier League era.

The champions-elect sit 25 points clear of Manchester City with a maximum of 10 games left. City, with 57 points, are closer to Southampton in 14th than they are to the league leaders.

It’s not gone to plan for the chasing pack this season, and while Liverpool rightfully pick up the plaudits, and surely the title eventually, we look at which teams have the most need for improvement in the Summer transfer window…

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s side have lost more matches through 28 games this campaign (seven) than they have over the previous two title winning seasons combined (six). It’s a worrying stat for the Cityzens, but three seasons with virtually the same squad means it could be time for a refresh.

Guardiola sides aren’t known for their defence, but that doesn’t mean you can go without one altogether. They’re lacking strength and depth across the back line, so should go for at least one target in each position.

With the long-serving David Silva off in the summer, Guardiola could look to bring in another midfielder should he not promote Phil Foden. In attack, their biggest aim should be keeping hold of Leroy Sane when the winger returns from injury. He’s been linked with Bayern Munich.

Tottenham Hotspur

Where to start with Spurs? Sacking Mauricio Pochettino and replacing him with Jose Mourinho hasn’t worked out quite as they’d hoped, but their squad is thinner than most.

It could be time for a new goalkeeper, with Hugo Lloris making more costly mistakes as the weeks go by. Paulo Gazzaniga isn’t up to the level required to be first choice.

The full back slots could do with some strengthening too. Serge Aurier is their only out and out right back but he often strays too far forward. On the left, Danny Rose doesn’t appear to have a long-term future at the club, and Ryan Sessegnon is too attacking to keep defensive solidity.

A defensive midfielder could be a priority too, with Eric Dier and Tanguy Ndombele far from impressing in that role. While there’s uncertainty on the future of Harry Kane and his role at Tottenham, Mourinho should look to secure at least one more striker, increasing to two should Kane leave. In Kane’s absence, Spurs have often looked toothless in attack this term.

Everton

Despite an upturn in form since the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti, the Toffees proved they’ve still got work to do in their 4-0 defeat to Chelsea at the start of March. Defensively, they’re all over the place, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

They should look for another firstchoice option, or at least an alternative that can provide the competition Pickford needs to improve his own form. Ancelotti should look to bring in his own choice of centre backs too, with no real outstanding candidates to fill that role.

They could be in the market for a few midfielders too. Andre Gomes has the quality to improve the midfield and should be given time after just returning from his horrific injury. But Morgan Schneiderlin, Fabian Delph and Tom Davies haven’t done enough to make a starting spot their own.

Theo Walcott, Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi aren’t proving good enough support for Dominic Calvert Lewin and Richarlison in attack. They should bolster their squad with more suitable options here.

West Ham United

After heavy investment in the summer, few would have expected the East Londoners to only be out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Should they avoid the drop, they’ll need to reinvest again.

There’s always a heightened sense of worry when Lukasz Fabianski isn’t between the sticks. They’ve gone through three back up options this season, including Roberto, David Martin and Darren Randolph. A long-term back up, or first choice, should be a priority.

The Hammers have defensive options, but they’ve not been able to piece that puzzle together correctly just yet. Right back is the weakest spot here and they could look for another option over Ryan Fredericks or the ageing Pablo Zabaleta.

West Ham simply do not score enough goals too. After spending £40m on Sebastien Haller, they’d have expected a better return from the Frenchman, despite being the club’s top scorer with seven. He’s their only notable striker too, so another player could be brought in to share the load up front.

Jarrod Bowen could be a shrewd addition to the squad, having arrived from Hull City on January’s transfer deadline day. He hasn’t been given enough time yet, but could be another answer to the team’s midfield and attacking crisis.

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Author

Drew Goodsell

Drew is a journalism graduate who closely follows American sports, focussing on the NBA and NFL. He also has a keen interest in all things football, paying regular attention to the Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.