Skip to main content
FourFourTwo FourFourTwo FOOTBALL NEWS, FEATURES, QUIZZES
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of 대한민국
대한민국
flag of Türkiye
Türkiye
  • Soccer Cleat Buying Guides
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Video
  • Features
  • Quizzes
  • Clubs
  • More
    • Interviews
    • The Magazine Archive
    • Subscribe
    • Lists
    • How to watch
    • About
FourFourTwo Magazine
FourFourTwo Magazine
Why subscribe?
  • Fascinating feature articles, covering everything from grass-roots football to the international scene
  • 'ACCESS ALL AREAS' pass to exclusive interviews with the biggest and best names in the game!
From$29.99
View
Trending
  • WATCH the UCL
  • Transfers
  • Interviews
  • Messi
  • Ronaldo
  • EPL
Recommended reading
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on 16 March, 2025.
Premier League One position each Premier League club needs to strengthen in the summer transfer window
Arne Slot new first team manager of Liverpool Football Club at AXA Training Centre on June 19, 2024 in Kirkby, England. (
Transfers Liverpool Premier League title retention hopes BOOSTED by summer plans: report
Arne Slot gives the thumbs up to Liverpool fans after a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield secured the Premier League title in April 2025.
Transfers Liverpool told to cough up £80m for young Premier League midfielder
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot looks on during the Premier League match against West Ham at Anfield, April 2025.
Transfers Liverpool offer for Premier League star 'leaked', as Reds close in: report
Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, celebrates the teams victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Transfers Liverpool 'all in' for £84m 'next Thierry Henry': report
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on December 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Transfers Manchester City report: Outstanding Brazilian star close to becoming first summer signing
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear he wants a smaller squad
Transfers Manchester City in swoop for €75m goalkeeper to fix problem position: report
  1. Features

Where EVERY Premier League club needs to strengthen in the summer transfer window

By Greg Lea published 13 July 2018

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Where should Premier League clubs strengthen?

Where should Premier League clubs strengthen?

With the transfer window set to close before the start of next season, Premier League clubs cannot afford to waste time in the market this summer. In this slideshow, we’ve identified one area where every top-flight outfit needs to strengthen before the 2018/19 campaign gets under way…

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
Arsenal: Winger/wide forward

Arsenal: Winger/wide forward

New Arsenal manager Unai Emery has moved swiftly and decisively to bring in players to solve Arsenal's defensive issues since his arrival. The arrival of Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund to sure up the back line was swiftly followed by Uruguayan international Lucas Torreira to add some beef in the middle. With Swiss international Stephan Lichtsteiner and German goalkeeper Bernd Leno also coming through the door at the Emirates, Arsenal have had a very good summer transfer window so far. A wide forward to complement a quality attacking cadre would allow Emery the freedom to play a number of different systems and would allow Mesut Ozil the freedom to play exclusively through the middle.

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
Bournemouth: Centre-back

Bournemouth: Centre-back

Last season was another successful one for Bournemouth, who secured a fourth consecutive campaign of Premier League football. That was a tremendous achievement, even if it went a little under the radar.

Eddie Howe has remained loyal to several of the players who helped the Cherries reach the top tier in the first place, but the time has come to find an upgrade on 33-year-old defender Simon Francis. Nathan Ake was superb last term, and a commanding, mobile centre-back partner would help him shine even more.

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
Brighton: Striker

Brighton: Striker

Brighton’s failure to sign a striker last summer was widely considered a mistake likely to cost them their Premier League status, but Glenn Murray stepped up admirably with 12 goals.Jurgen Locadia was added to the ranks in January but started just three league games, two of which saw him deployed out wide. Romanian international Florin Andone has been brought in by Chris Hughton already this summer and while a fine player, isn't the man to solve their goalscoring issues. The Seagulls are determined to avoid second-season syndrome after their 15th-place finish in their debut campaign in the Premier League and the addition of an out-and-out goalscorer would go a long way to ensuring another season in the top flight.

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Burnley: Centre-back

Burnley: Centre-back

This is an important summer for Burnley, who will need to significantly bolster their squad depth in all areas ahead of a European campaign while also retaining the team spirit that played such a big part in their seventh-place finish last season. That is a difficult balancing act, but Sean Dyche’s recruitment has generally been excellent since he took charge at Turf Moor in 2012.

Another centre-half would be useful, with the long-serving Kevin Long not the greatest first reserve behind Ben Mee and James Tarkowski. The Clarets’ defensive record was superb in 2017/18 but they may need greater depth at the back next term.

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
Cardiff: Striker

Cardiff: Striker

Neil Warnock will be desperate to disprove the notion that he isn’t cut out for life at the top table following Cardiff’s against-the-odds promotion in 2017/18.

Multiple additions will be required if the Welsh outfit are to stay up, but the area most in need of strengthening is up front. Five teams found the net more often than the Bluebirds in the Championship, with Kenneth Zohore their top-scoring striker with nine. It’s hard to see any of their forwards making the step up the top flight.

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
Chelsea: Midfielder

Chelsea: Midfielder

Chelsea have taken their time in dealing with the manager situation at the Bridge, with Mauricio Sarri set to be named the Blues' new boss after months of speculation that Antonio Conte was on his way out. It’s far from an ideal situation for a club who will need to strengthen if they’re to land a top-four spot.Given that Cesc Fabregas’ powers are waning, a string-pulling playmaker should be at the top of the new boss’ wish list, with the jury still out on Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley –midfielders who were all bought last season. Reports suggest that Sarri will be bringing Italian international Jorginho with him who would solve the issue perfectly.

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
Crystal Palace: Wide forward

Crystal Palace: Wide forward

The signing of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita from Getafe will provide some much-needed competition for Wayne Hennessey between the sticks, so Palace should look higher up the pitch when it comes to picking out their primary targets.

Christian Benteke endured a nightmare season last time out, netting just three times in 30 appearances in all competitions, but the Belgian is worth persevering with given his proven track record of scoring goals. Rather than an out-and-out central striker, then, Roy Hodgson should seek a mobile wide forward as back-up for Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend.

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
Everton: Centre-back

Everton: Centre-back

Everton’s recruitment was so poor last summer that they have overhauled that department in recent weeks, with Marcel Brands replacing Steve Walsh as director of football. Marco Silva has also been appointed as Sam Allardyce’s replacement in the dugout.

Another central midfielder wouldn’t go amiss, but a new centre-back is more crucial: Phil Jagielka is now 35, Ashley Williams has been in decline for at least two years, Michael Keane struggled for much of last season and Ramiro Funes Mori has only recently returned from a serious knee injury.

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
Fulham: Striker

Fulham: Striker

Fulham were arguably the best team in the Championship in the second half of last season, but there’s plenty of work to do if they’re to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.The double signing of Ivorian midfielder Jean-Michael Seri and French centre-back Maxime Le Marchand is quite the coup for Slavisa Jokanovic - particularly Seri who has been linked with the likes of PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea and more over the last 12 months. Seri is the perfect addition to play alongside probing passer Tom Cairney. Stefan Johansen and holder Kevin McDonald both performed well in the Championship, but whether they are of the required top-flight quality remains to be seen.Another striker wouldn't go amiss at Craven Cottage, with Aleksandar Mitrovic having returned to his parent club Newcastle United following a successful loan spell in west London last season.

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
Huddersfield: Wide forward

Huddersfield: Wide forward

Huddersfield will be hoping second-season syndrome doesn’t bite next term, but it’s hard to see anything other than another year of struggle for the Terriers.

Scoring goals was a problem last time out – no top-tier team found the net less often – and David Wagner will be keen to bolster his attacking options, particularly in wide areas. Town lacked a cutting edge in the final third and will hope for more spark and creativity either side of lone striker Steve Mounie or Laurent Depoitre.

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
Leicester: Winger

Leicester: Winger

Wes Morgan has been a key part of the greatest period in Leicester’s history, but the 34-year-old is now past his best and can no longer be relied upon as a regular starter. With Robert Huth having already departed the King Power Stadium, a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire was snapped up before the window even opened - and a very good deal it appears to be, too. Jonny Evans has joined a Foxes defence that shipped 60 goals in 38 league matches last term, and will bring experience and leadership. Claude Puel's issues now lie at the other end of the pitch, and specifically how best to spend the £60m brought in from the sale of Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City. A creative wide player is a must.

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
Liverpool: Centre-back

Liverpool: Centre-back

The signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho will strengthen Liverpool’s midfield next time out, while the attempted acquisition of Nabil Fekir shows Jurgen Klopp is keen to bolster his attacking ranks.

Perhaps, though, his next move should be at the other end of the field; the mid-season arrival of Virgil van Dijk led to a dramatic upturn in Liverpool’s defensive solidity in 2017/18, and another top-class centre-back could turn a top-four battle into a title challenge next season. Dejan Lovren, while better than many give him credit for, remains prone to occasional error-strewn displays and will be fortunate to begin 2018/19 as first choice.

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
Manchester City: Holding midfielder

Manchester City: Holding midfielder

Having set a new Premier League record by amassing 100 points, it’s hard to see how Manchester City can improve next season.

Pep Guardiola seems keen to land another wide forward, though, and signing a younger version of Fernandinho would also be sensible. As brilliant as the Brazilian was in 2017/18, his 33-year-old legs may struggle with another 48-game season after the World Cup. Napoli’s midfield metronome Jorginho appears to be Guardiola’s first choice in that role.

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
Manchester United: Left-back

Manchester United: Left-back

Another cash-splashing summer is to be expected at Old Trafford following Manchester United’s failure to mount a sustained title tilt last term, with Fred and Diogo Dalat having already signed up.

Dalat has been earmarked as the long-term successor to Antonio Valencia at right-back, but United also need an upgrade on the other side of the defensive line. With Daley Blind out of favour, Luke Shaw still unfancied by Jose Mourinho and Ashley Young a short-term fix at best, left-back is the position United should set about strengthening next.

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
Newcastle: Striker

Newcastle: Striker

Dwight Gayle, Joselu, Islam Slimani and Aleksandar Mitrovic all led the line for Newcastle at times last season, but a combined Premier League haul of 11 goals shows why Rafael Benitez will be keen to source an upgrade at the top of the pitch.

Ayoze Perez was the Magpies’ top scorer with eight but the Spaniard does his best work in a withdrawn role, making a new out-and-out centre-forward desirable. Benitez will hope Mike Ashley is willing to supply the funds needed to land a quality practitioner.

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
Southampton: Centre-back

Southampton: Centre-back

In hindsight, Southampton probably wished they had sold Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool last summer rather than letting an unhappy player hang around until January. That uncertainty contributed to Saints’ poor start, and it took until the final week of the season for the south-coast side to secure their Premier League status.

Wesley Hoedt was inconsistent in 2017/18, Jack Stephens is still young and Maya Yoshida remains unconvincing, so Mark Hughes will probably look to add another central defender to the ranks in the coming weeks.

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
Tottenham: Centre-back

Tottenham: Centre-back

With Toby Alderweireld's contract talks at a standstill and reports of a release clause well below his market value, it seems like a new centre-half will be a priority for Mauricio Pochettino in the coming weeks.

Colombian youngster Davinson Sanchez was excellent in his debut campaign in the Premier League and Jan Vertonghen is the best player in his position in the division, but another option is necessary if Spurs are to successfully balance domestic and European competition.

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
Watford: Striker

Watford: Striker

Troy Deeney remains hugely popular with Watford supporters, but he wasn’t as effective last season compared to previous years.

Andre Gray, signed in summer 2017 from Burnley, scored just five goals in 32 appearances in all competitions, while Stefano Okaka could return to Italy before the start of next term. A new striker is therefore a must for the Hornets, who will be keen to reverse a trend which has seen them start strongly before fading away in each season since their return to the Premier League.

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
West Ham: Striker

West Ham: Striker

Manuel Pellegrini revealed that he was looking to sign “four or five players” following his appointment as West Ham manager, and the Premier League winning boss has wasted little time in overhauling the squad at the London Stadium.The Hammers lacked creativity from deep under both Slaven Bilic and David Moyes last term, something that has been addressed with the free transfer signing of Jack Wilshere following his departure from Arsenal. With Andriy Yarmolenko arriving from Borussia Dortmund and the reported signing of Felipe Anderson from Lazio close, West Ham will be particularly disappointed that Andy Carroll has had to have surgery on an ankle injury and will miss the first three months of the season. Winston Reid will miss a similar amount of time but with the wide players at their disposal, signing a finisher is most pressing for the Hammers.

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
Wolves: Right wing-back

Wolves: Right wing-back

A 99-point Championship haul and free access to Jorge Mendes’ clientele is a combination which suggests Wolves will have little trouble avoiding the drop next season – the bookmakers believe 11 teams are more likely to be relegated.

Nuno’s three-man defence worked well in the second tier and he’s likely to keep faith with the system in the top flight, but a new right wing-back would be welcome despite Matt Doherty’s commendable showings in 2017/18.

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
TOPICS
Premier League Transfer news Wolverhampton Wanderers Cardiff City Arsenal Fulham Tottenham Hotspur Everton Burnley Huddersfield Town Chelsea Crystal Palace Newcastle United Brighton and Hove Albion Southampton Leicester City Manchester City Manchester United Watford West Ham United
Greg Lea
Greg Lea
Social Links Navigation

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).

Read more
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on 16 March, 2025.
One position each Premier League club needs to strengthen in the summer transfer window
Arne Slot new first team manager of Liverpool Football Club at AXA Training Centre on June 19, 2024 in Kirkby, England. (
Liverpool Premier League title retention hopes BOOSTED by summer plans: report
Arne Slot gives the thumbs up to Liverpool fans after a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield secured the Premier League title in April 2025.
Liverpool told to cough up £80m for young Premier League midfielder
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot looks on during the Premier League match against West Ham at Anfield, April 2025.
Liverpool offer for Premier League star 'leaked', as Reds close in: report
Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, celebrates the teams victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool 'all in' for £84m 'next Thierry Henry': report
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on December 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Manchester City report: Outstanding Brazilian star close to becoming first summer signing
Latest in Lists
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Laura Woods, TNT Sports presenter before the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground on January 30, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Women's Euro 2025: Who are the ITV presenters, pundits and commentators?
BBC Sport Presenter, Alex Scott, reacts prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton and Manchester City at Walton Hall Park on December 15, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Women's Euro 2025: Who are the BBC presenters, pundits and commentators?
The 100 most expensive football transfers of all time: Florian Wirtz is unveiled as a Liverpool player after his signing at AXA Training Centre on June 20, 2025 in Kirkby, England.
The 100 most expensive football transfers of all time
2026 World Cup stadium guide: General view during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 semifinal match between Canada and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
2026 World Cup stadium guide: The full list of venues
The 100 most expensive football transfers of all time: Florian Wirtz is unveiled as a Liverpool player after his signing at AXA Training Centre on June 20, 2025 in Kirkby, England.
The 100 most expensive football transfers of all time
Ranked! The 10 best strikers in the world
Ranked! The 10 best strikers in the world
Latest in Features
Brad Friedel in action for Blackburn
Quiz! Name the 25 Americans with the most Premier League appearances
Tim Howard in action for Everton in 2012
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League player with between 80 and 100 goals?
Women's Euro 2025 predictor
Women's Euro 2025 predictor: Play with our interactive prediction game
Esther Gonzalez plays against Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood during the UEFA Women's Nations League 2024/25 Group A3 match between Spain and England at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on June 3, 2025.
Women's Euro 2025 fixtures: The full schedule
Newcastle United 2025/26 third kit
The Newcastle United 2025/26 third kit is out - and this is one of the Magpies' greatest-ever efforts
Paul Gascoigne in action for England at the 1990 World Cup.
Quiz! Can you name every nation to have reached a World Cup semi-final?
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim arrives back at Carrington ahead of pre-season
    1
    Manchester United report: Five first-team stars set to leave following Carrington demand
  2. 2
    Tottenham given go-ahead to complete Conor Gallagher swoop: report
  3. 3
    Manchester City 'lurking' for surprise superstar forward, amid talk of '€75m agreement': report
  4. 4
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape
  5. 5
    Manchester United closing in on Andre Onana replacement from Brazil: report

FourFourTwo is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About FourFourTwo
  • Advertise with us
  • Worldwide
  • How to pitch to FourFourTwo

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...