Premier League Transfer Shopping List: Every Team’s Needs This Summer

The seemingly endless football season has finally concluded for the most part. This means we can now focus on the real core of the sport: player transfers. While winning the Premier League is the ultimate goal on the pitch, it also serves as the pathway to acquiring even more talented and expensive players in the market. A thrilling climb up the league standings or a deep run in domestic cups often just turns teams into targets for larger clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

Of course, the strategic importance of transfers cannot be overstated. Liverpool`s dominance en route to the title was partly built on their astute signings. And did Brighton`s significant spending last summer truly translate into a noticeable improvement on the pitch? The impact isn`t always linear.

Nevertheless, one undeniable fact is the global fascination with transfer news. Hope is a potent force, and few things generate more excitement than contemplating the potential impact of a new signing, perhaps one plucked from the German second division. So, for those craving transfer content, prepare yourselves for a comprehensive look at all 20 Premier League clubs and their summer requirements. And don`t think about skipping the less prominent teams – I`ll know.

1. Arsenal – Attacking Quality

Arsenal appear largely settled, and adding a player like Martin Zubimendi, potentially arriving soon, to last season`s squad would make them strong title contenders. Mikel Arteta`s defense and game control system function effectively. Now, the focus is on improving their chances of finishing first by securing top-tier attackers – arguably the most challenging acquisitions in the current market.

They likely need reinforcements both at center forward and on the left wing, where current options Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are good but not necessarily world-class. These moves are difficult and expensive, with potential targets like Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko offering no absolute guarantees as a new number nine.

2. Aston Villa – Securing January Signings

Missing out on the Champions League could push Aston Villa closer to the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limits, which is unfortunate given the success of their high-profile January loan signings. Keeping Marcus Rashford on a salary comparable to his Manchester United wages might be beyond Villa`s reach, despite his impressive non-penalty expected goals + expected assists (npxG+xA) per 90 minutes (0.88) after joining the Midlands club. The equally effective Marco Asensio could be a more realistic option, while young player Zepiqueno Redmond from Feyenoord represents a potential long-term addition.

3. Bournemouth – Replacing Key Departures

Bournemouth face a potentially difficult summer. Dean Huijsen already needs replacing, and Milos Kerkez is likely to depart as well. As the transfer window opens, speculation also surrounds the futures of Antoine Semenyo and Ilia Zarbanyi. The Cherries spent around $80 million combined on these four players, much of which was recouped when Huijsen moved to Real Madrid, demonstrating their market ability. However, the challenge lies in having to work hard simply to maintain the talent level they finished last season with.

4. Brentford – Midfield Authority

Last season, Thomas Frank once again effectively adapted his team`s style, leveraging the strengths of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Kevin Schade (one to watch for 2025-26) through long balls and utilizing the flanks. Mikkel Damsgaard showed promise, but the sense remained that this style of play wasn`t just about maximizing attackers but also compensating for a midfield that lacked the control seen in previous years.

5. Brighton – A Calm Transfer Period

Brighton certainly have areas for criticism. Their goal-scoring was too reliant on Danny Welbeck, the defense conceded concerningly poor shots, and it`s not clear Fabian Hurzeler fully optimized the players available to him. However, some degree of instability seems understandable given the recent high turnover of coaching staff and players. While the defense could benefit from younger, fresher legs, perhaps the most impactful outcome for Brighton this summer would simply be a quiet period without coaching changes or protracted transfer sagas.

6. Burnley – Increased Attacking Threat

The three newly promoted teams last season collectively scored only 95 goals in 114 games. While a high-scoring attack doesn`t guarantee Premier League survival, it significantly improves the odds. This is relevant for Burnley, who only had the 10th best expected goals (xG) in the Championship last season, achieving promotion thanks to a strong defense and an exceptional James Trafford. Only one Burnley player averaged over 0.3 non-penalty xG per 90 (Zian Flemming), and none created more than two chances per game. This must change for their Premier League campaign.

7. Chelsea – Experienced Defender

Clearlake Capital`s plan for Chelsea is largely on track. They secured Champions League qualification on the final day and comfortably won the Conference League, a competition they were expected to dominate. Enzo Maresca will hope this victory instills a winning mentality in his squad, as the focus for the next two to three years should be closing the gap with the Premier League`s top three and ensuring this young squad enters their prime having experienced success.

Although their strategy involves nurturing the world`s top young talents, there should be room for exceptions, particularly in defense, where experience is invaluable. Chelsea are seeking a center back to reduce the workload on Wesley Fofana. Why not make that signing a veteran who can also mentor others? Consider the significant impact Thiago Silva had during his four years at the club. Could someone like Mats Hummels or perhaps John Stones fulfill a similar role?

8. Crystal Palace – Squad Reinforcements

Given their impressive form in the latter half of 2024-25, Crystal Palace`s best move might be to keep Oliver Glasner`s starting eleven together. It certainly took time for the team to find its rhythm without Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen earlier in the season. If the Eagles can resist bigger clubs this summer, they have an opportunity to make a significant impact in either the Europa League or the Premier League. To compete effectively in both, they require greater squad depth, particularly as cover for Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell, who will find it challenging to add Thursday night European football to playing over 3,000 domestic minutes at wing back.

(Interestingly, we`ve discussed eight clubs and haven`t reached one starting with the letter D yet – a curious alphabetical anomaly in the Premier League.)

9. Everton – Numerous Players

On a positive note, David Moyes begins his second full season at Everton with a relatively blank slate. Up to 11 players could leave this summer through free transfers or expiring loans. While the new owners, The Friedkin Group, need to address the club`s financial situation, funds should finally be available to strengthen the squad.

Following Moyes` appointment, Everton`s expected goals (xG) trended upwards, ranking 12th in the division at about 1.3 per game. A right winger capable of beating his man and delivering crosses would help increase this xG, after which conversion becomes key. This likely means a departure for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose extensive sample size suggests he will consistently finish below his xG, making way for a new striker capable of challenging and ideally surpassing the slightly raw-for-a-27-year-old Beto.

10. Fulham – A High-Quality Striker

Despite deploying numerous attackers, Marco Silva managed to build a surprisingly solid defense for Fulham last season. Ultimately, what was lacking in a campaign that briefly hinted at European qualification was game-changing talent in the final third. This was a team adept at reaching dangerous areas but struggled to convert opportunities, ranking sixth for touches in the final third but only 12th for touches inside the penalty box. Fulham have relied on Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz in recent years, but to make a leap into the top half of the table, they need a better focal point striker to support the players behind them.

11. Leeds – Goalkeeper Upgrade

Towards the end of last season, what had been evident to many outside Elland Road finally became clear to Daniel Farke: Illan Meslier simply wasn`t providing enough as a shot-stopper, despite his ball-playing abilities. While goalkeeper statistics can be inconsistent over small periods, Opta`s post-shot xG data indicates Meslier has conceded 34.6 goals more than expected during his time at Leeds.

No club can afford to consistently concede six or seven extra goals per year. Caoimhin Kelleher seemed ideal for Leeds, but he also interested Brentford. Aaron Ramsdale had a decent season even as Southampton were relegated, and Nick Pope might be available if Newcastle finds the goalkeeper they`ve been pursuing. Bringing in a reliable goalkeeper would significantly boost Leeds` chances of survival.

12. Liverpool – A Defensive Midfield Anchor

This transfer window is proving dynamic for Liverpool under Michael Edwards` spending. Jeremie Frimpong has arrived, and Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz are likely to follow. Acquiring this level of talent is one step; integrating it is another, especially with two full-backs whose main strengths are attacking. Balancing this could fall to last season`s double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, but both are more effective at ball progression than winning possession back.

They are capable defensively, but if Liverpool need an option for games where they don`t dominate possession, an upgrade on Wataru Endo would be beneficial, providing a player in the mould of a Fabinho-esque anchor.

13. Manchester City – Targeting Florian Wirtz

This is a bit awkward. If you needed to replace Kevin De Bruyne, the Premier League`s premier playmaker of the last decade, the obvious choice would be the player already established as the next decade`s great playmaker. And if your club had the highest revenues in football in 2023-24, perhaps you could justify the expense of that one seemingly unmissable acquisition?

How Wirtz and Cherki Compared Last Season

Instead, it seems likely City will pursue Rayan Cherki, a deal certainly more affordable even if reports of a $25.7 million release clause are believed to be inaccurate. Perhaps the difference in quality between the Lyon player and Wirtz isn`t worth over $100 million extra. After all, they had similar combined expected goals and assists last season, although Ligue 1 might be an easier league to accumulate attacking statistics. But when a club like City has such financial power, is it truly worth shying away from the absolute best player available?

14. Manchester United – Strikers Who Outperform xG

Manchester United have correctly identified the need for more forwards, given they have averaged fewer Premier League goals over the past two seasons. Considering Jim Ratcliffe`s comments about their analytics department, this awareness is a positive step. However, there`s a concern they might focus solely on output rather than underlying numbers.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo would both be improvements, but anyone expecting a repeat of their combined 35 Premier League goals should note their expected goals (xG) were 12.28 (Mbeumo) and 8.65 (Cunha). These two had the second and fourth largest xG overperformances in Europe`s top five leagues last season, and neither is Lionel Messi or prime Heung-min Son. Given United`s recent transfer history, it wouldn`t be surprising to see them target players like Patrik Schick or Chris Wood. Prove me wrong, Manchester United. Try to revive Tammy Abraham`s career. Persuade Nicolas Jackson away from Chelsea. Bring Alvaro Morata back to the top leagues!

15. Newcastle – A Star Right Winger

Apologies to Jacob Murphy, who ranked second for assists in the Premier League last season – that`s impressive. However, the most apparent position for an upgrade in the attacking third is a right winger capable of consistently contributing close to 20 goals and assists combined per year. Bryan Mbeumo seemed a particularly appealing candidate but appears headed for Manchester United. They have also been linked with Francisco Trincao, a potentially effective, though more purely creative, option.

16. Nottingham Forest – A Left Back, Perhaps

Similar to Crystal Palace, there isn`t a strong need for major changes to Nottingham Forest`s starting eleven. A realistic assessment suggests Chris Wood probably won`t challenge for the Golden Boot next season, but between him and Taiwo Awoniyi, they should provide capable center forward play for 90 minutes. The same was broadly true at left back this season, but given that much of the playing time went to Neco Williams, who is naturally a right back, this position appears to be a more pressing priority.

17. Sunderland – Significant Reinforcement

This young Sunderland team may have reached the Premier League slightly ahead of schedule. A side with underlying metrics typical of a Championship playoff contender is unlikely to survive in the top flight without substantial investment. This challenge will be even greater if they lose Jobe Bellingham to the Bundesliga. It has sometimes been discouraging to see clubs use Premier League revenue primarily to fund their next promotion push. However, in Sunderland`s situation, perhaps the best approach is to invest in acquiring the most promising young talent they can find.

18. Tottenham – Improved Midfield Options

This is quite straightforward. Regardless of who is in charge, Tottenham could treat their midfield as a completely blank canvas this summer. Their experienced midfielders offered little last season, while promising players like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray (who performed well enough at center back to warrant chances further up the field) are adaptable enough to fit alongside any new signings.

19. West Ham – Another Striker Addition

Signing a striker at West Ham is always unpredictable, but a safe bet is that it won`t necessarily be successful. Their highest Premier League era goalscorer is out of contract, and Michail Antonio`s form after his injury last year is uncertain. Niclas Fullkrug didn`t work out, nor did Evan Ferguson impress on loan. Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek seemed like the only players who knew how to find the net last season, and given the financial constraints at the London Stadium, 2025-26 might not be much different unless a new striker hits the ground running.

20. Wolves – A New Left Flank

Once again, Wolves enter a season having lost key players. Matheus Cunha is off to Manchester United, and Rayan Ait Nouri is also likely heading up the M6 to join City. This leaves a significant gap on the left side of the pitch that Vitor Pereira will need to fill with reliable Premier League quality. With these two departures bringing in over $100 million, the successor to Matt Hobbs should have funds to spend. Pablo Sarabia also needs replacing, and defensive depth is required. It`s no surprise Wolves are reportedly leaning on Jorge Mendes again. While concerns about close ties with Gestifute exist, the relationship previously brought talents like Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, and Raul Jimenez to Molineux. Wolves need that kind of talent injection once more.