The 12 Days of the Transfer Window pt.3

With the potential top seven wrapped up, it's time to turn our attention to those who will probably scrapping it out further down the table, or will they? As previously mentioned in this blog, many of these teams have had a lot more cash to splash with the TV money due to pour in next season. This has led to some very interesting transfers, let's have a look at them.

Stoke
Best buy - Xherdan Shaqiri

So far:
Last season was Stoke's first positive goal difference and also their highest ever goals scored in the Premier League. This signifies a shift in focus from an emphasis on defence to attack, and the signings only reenforce this shift. Striker Joselu and midfielder Ibrahim Afellay both come in as ready-made first team players but the real marquee signing is Xherdan Shaqiri in from Inter. Reports are that Shaqiri left because Inter needed the cash and Stoke were happy to stump that up. His assist at the weekend gives a good indication that this is likely to be a big season for Shaqiri at the Britannia. The arrival of Glen Johnson is a solid addition to an already strong defence.

What do they need?
I could say a better centre back in place of Geoff Cameron, but he's started the season reasonably well so that might be a bit harsh. Aside from that, Mark Hughes seems to have all bases covered

Southampton
Best buy - Jordy Clasie

So far:
Much like the last two seasons that they've been in the top division Southampton have made some fairly unassuming signings that could well turn out to be absolute gems, very little sign of that yet though. Defenders Cedric Soares and Steven Caulker, Central-midfielder Oriol Romeu and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg have all made at least one appearance in Southampton's stuttering start to the season, but we're yet to see £8m signing Jordy Clasie in first-team action. A fan favourite, Jordy Clasie comes to England with growing reputation and consequently an expectation to fill Morgan Schneiderlin's large boots.

What do they need?
Depends who they sell between now and 1st September. Wanyama and Mané have both been tipped to leave the club but Southampton seem to be holding strong. Another striker would be welcome to help Pellè, Long and Rodriguez, who have all looked far less effectual than last season.

Swansea
Best buy - André Ayew

So far:
The biggest buy so far, financially, has been the £5m signing of striker Éder from Braga, who will provide adequate backup for Gomis. However, the name on everyone's lips is André Ayew, the Ghanaian coming in from Marseille, where he managed better than a goal in every four from central-midfield. He has done even better in South Wales, scoring twice in his first three games and impressing everyone who watches.

What do they need?
Judging by the first few games of the season, very little. With some of the other signings he's made, Monks has real depth in his squad now. I'm sure he wouldn't turn down another quality signing but the team doesn't need any tampering with.

Newcastle
Best buy - Georginio Wijnaldum

So far:
New boss Steve McClaren has persuaded Mike Ashley to part with some serious cash so far this summer; over £30m on 3 promising first-teamers. Versatile defender Chancel Mbemba has already played in the centre and on the right and looks like a good enough partner for captain Coloccini. Aleksandar Mitrović looks exactly like a Newcastle player, full of energy and ready to take a booking or two. By all accounts he'll add some much needed fire to the Newcastle front line. However, in the goalless away draw against United it was Geroginio Wijnaldum who impressed the most. His distribution and cool head was exactly what Newcastle were missing last season and looks like a real catch for McClaren.

What do they need?
Another natural goalscorer. Mitrović is a great forward player but he won't be able to get all of Newcastle's goals and it is becoming more apparent that Cissé is never going to be a 20 goal a season player. They had been linked with QPR's Charlie Austin, but that seems to have cooled so barring any late moves another striker seems unlikely.



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