Although the 2014 World Cup continues to take centre stage in the football world, every Premier League team is working hard behind the scenes to begin preparations ahead of the 2014/2015 season. The tournament often provides a wonderful opportunity for scouts to earn their corn and pick out emerging talent that could make a real difference to their club’s chances of winning the title, qualifying for Europe or avoiding the dreaded drop. Despite the impending Financial Fair Play Rules coming into play across Europe, it should not prevent a summer packed with transfer activity as several clubs will look to be active and strengthen their squad.
July 1st signalled the official opening of this summer’s transfer window, but there have already been several deals carried out that have raised a few eyebrows. From Chelsea and Manchester United spending big money to Leicester and Burnley bringing in new faces to bolster their chances of staying in the Premier League, several clubs have chose to conduct their busy early in an attempt to steal a march on their rivals and acquire their main transfer targets. While it may be too early to suggest that every signing will have the required impact at their new club, many excellent deals have been carried out by clubs who have improved their odds of success in the Premier League.
Chelsea
Jose Mourinho promised big changes at Chelsea after falling short last season, and he has duly delivered. It was always inevitable that Chelsea would face the realisation of a future without the old guard, with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole leaving the club for pastures new. Their departures created a considerable void that had to be addressed, but signing players has never been a problem under the ownership of Roman Abramovich who has transformed Chelsea in a multi-million pound spending club that attracts the best players in the world to Stamford Bridge.
Although Mourinho may look to Cesar Azpilicueta to take Cole’s place at left-back, the £35 million acquisition of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona represents an excellent deal. Chelsea took advantage of Arsenal’s refusal to re-sign their former captain as they secured the services of a world class midfielder that provides the same dynamism and goal-scoring ability that Lampard brought to the club. The imminent arrival of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid would provide the goal-scoring target man that Mourinho has sought after, and add an extra dimension to Chelsea’s attack that failed to produce the goals required to win trophies. Both transfers have had a major impact on Chelsea’s odds to win the title, with the Blues shooting straight past Manchester City and installed as 2.85 favourites.
Manchester United
£30 million may appear a considerable outlay for an 18-year-old left-back, but in Luke Shaw they have secured a wonderful talent who could provide Manchester United with anything between 10 and 15 years at the highest level. Louis Van Gaal also managed to conclude a deal that eluded David Moyes during his time at Manchester United manager, with Ander Herrera joining from Athletic Bilbao. They have acquired a highly talented midfielder who not only has a big future ahead of him at international level, but instantly provides Manchester United’s midfield area with a much-needed injection of creativity, inventiveness and energy. 5.25 puts Van Gaal’s men in as third favourites behind Chelsea and Manchester City, with more signings required if Manchester United are to return to the summit.
Liverpool
Finishing second in the Premier League last season could signal the beginning of something special at Anfield. Liverpool have always had the potential to mix it with the big boys, but took everyone by surprise in coming so close to winning the title, and may well have done if they did not let a wonderful lead slip at the final hurdle. Brendan Rodgers has set about continuing his excellent work at Liverpool by targeting a whole host of players who may put them one step closer to the Premier League title. While Emre Can and Rickie Lambert provide more quality options in midfield and upfront respective, the £25 million acquisition of Adam Lallana could prove to be a masterstroke. Lallana enjoyed a wonderful season at Southampton, where his creativity and ability to fashion an opportunity out of nothing could see Liverpool fulfil odds of 10.50 and go one better in the upcoming season.
Also Get the very Latest Football Transfer News, Rumours and Gossip direct to your email.