The 2020/21 Premier League season is already underway, but there are still one and a half weeks to go until the transfer window closes.
So now is a great time to take a look at the teams we expect to battle it out at the top and see how they’ve faired in the deals market so far.
Gareth Bale has made the Premier League 2020 news headlines this week with his return to Spurs and that has elevated Jose Mourinho’s team to genuine top four contenders.
But who are the big winners and losers?
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s league champions have been fairly quiet in the market, and having won the league by 18 points that may not be a problem. But the Reds can expect a tougher challenge from Manchester City this season.
The signing of midfield ace Thiago from FC Bayern might prove to be a masterstroke, though that could see the departure of Gini Wijnaldum to Barcelona.
In attack, Klopp has signed Diogo Jota from the Wolves to keep the pressure on his superb front three.
SBOTOP verdict: Klopp doesn’t want to unsettle his champions too much, but whether he’s done enough in the market remains to be seen.
Manchester City
The Sky Blues looked like they mean business in their opening 1-3 victory at Wolves.
But in the second half, their defence looked shaky and I think they still need to strengthen there.
New signing Nathan Ake did okay, but Pep Guardiola still hasn’t replaced Vincent Kompany with a world class defender to partner Aymeric Laporte.
Elsewhere on the pitch, the Sky Blues are ready to challenge.
The signing of young Valencia winger Ferran Torres is a long-term replacement for Leroy Sane, while the departure of David Silva has opened the door for Phil Foden – who has already showed that he can dictate play and score goals like the Spaniard.
The latest Premier League 2020 betting odds back the Sky Blues to win back the title and if they sign a star centre-back then I think they will.
City have turned their attention to Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez, but he could cost £80-M.
SBOTOP verdict: City need to sign a world-class centre-back and they will be the team to beat.
Chelsea
Blues boss Frank Lampard was the quickest to get his business done, diving into the market early with the signings of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz.
Now he has a stellar front line. And with Christian Pulisic outstanding in the second half, of the season these are exciting times for Blues fans.
Lampard has been looking for a goalkeeper and looks set to land Rennes stopper Edouard Mendy.
SBOTOP verdict: It was a great window for Chelsea but the new stars will take time to bed in.
Manchester United
The signing of Donny van de Beek is the only bright news the Red Devils have had in terms of incomings.
The Netherlands midfielder is a fine addition but head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows he need more to close the gap on the top two.
Having spent the summer chasing BVB’s Jadon Sancho, he might need to lower his expectations after admitting his transfer plans may have changed.
“We’re working with the ones we have and we’ll give you updates if there is something,” he said to the press after United’s Carabao Cup win over Luton last night.
SBOTOP verdict: Manchester United fans are frustrated and rightly so.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs fans reckon the signing of Gareth Bale on a year-long loan, which will cost the club around £15-M, is the best signing in the league.
The arrival of Bale could, however, signal the end of Dele Alli’s career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and PSG are said to be interested for his services.
Jose Mourinho has also signed Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguillon in a £32-M move right under the noses of his former employers at Old Trafford.
SBOTOP verdict: Bale will make a huge difference if he can stay fit.
Arsenal
The Gunners’ renaissance under Mikel Arteta has continued with the signing of centre-back Gabriel from Lille, who scored on his debut against Fulham and the capture of Chelsea winger Willian.
Both went straight into the starting 11 and that’s a sign of smart spending. But arguably the best deal Arteta has done is to persuade his skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the club.
SBOTOP verdict: Subtle improvements could make Arsenal a top four side.
Leicester City
The Foxes have started with two wins from two and were impressive in attack in their recent 4-2 victory over Burnley.
But they were undone in defence rather too easily by the Clarets and the loss of Chilwell might prove a problem.
The signing of Timothy Castagne from Atalanta looks like a good addition, while Brendan Rodgers has been back to Italy to sign striker Cengiz Under on loan from Roma.
SBOTOP verdict: Foxes need to rely on old stager Jamie Vardy for them to stay in touch with the top four.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
With a Europa League campaign to juggle along with domestic responsibilities, the Wolves have moved to strengthen.
They did so today by signing Barcelona wing-back Nelson Semedo in a deal worth up to £37-M.
Nuno has already brought in Fabio Silva from Porto for £35-M to try and replace Diogo Jota, who is heading through the exit door to Liverpool.
SBOTOP verdict: Nuno has done enough to fight for a top seven place again.
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