Premier League Big Six summer transfer window review

Tottenham

Spurs got their deals done fast and while I don’t think they necessarily signed world-class players, they were very astute in the market. They filled key roles and improved in several positions. Ivan Perisic, for instance, is a good player who aligns with Antonio Conte’s ‘win-now’ mentality. I think Richarlison is a bit expensive but he’s a quality player that takes some of the burden off Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. They’ve definitely improved this summer, but I don’t think it was as needle-moving as some other clubs in the top six.

I spoke to Ben Wylie, writer for Hotspur HQ, about how they did this summer:

1. What are your overall thoughts on Spurs’ window?

"“In a word: mixed. We’ve brought in some great players in Yves Bissouma and Perisic, and finally given Kane a solid backup in Richarlison, but I can’t help but feel we didn’t improve where we really needed to. “Pre-window, a left centre-back and wing-backs on either flank were the obvious targets, so to go into the season with Ben Davies and Emerson Royal still as first choice is disappointing. “A creative midfielder and potentially another winger would have been welcomed additions, but it’s also hard to complain when we’ve signed seven players. Everything considered I’d give the window a 7/10.”"

2. What club do you think won the window and why?

"“For me, you can’t look beyond Manchester City. “The additions of Kalvin Philips, Manuel Akanji, and Sergio Gomez add cover in the areas that were perhaps a little light. Thenm of course, there’s Erling Haaland. Without doubt, he’s the hottest prospect in football at the moment, so for Pep Guardiola to lure him to City is massive. He’s already started the season immensely with nine goals in five league games, so really whoever signed him was going to win the window, in my opinion. “If this wasn’t already impressive, through the sales of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, and a few others, they’ve actually managed to turn a profit. Mind-blowing stuff!”"

3. What do you think of Arsenal’s window?

"“I think Arsenal have had a decent window, but perhaps not as good as many are thinking. “Jesus is an excellent signing for sure and is exactly what they needed, but that’s the only signing that really makes sense to me. “Zinchenko, as good as he is, seems a tad unnecessary as I’ve always rated Kieran Tierney and I really don’t understand the purchase Fabio Vieria with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard already at the club and ahead of the Portuguese in the pecking order. “If a deadline day deal for Douglas Luiz would have gone through then I’d be inclined to say differently but for me, it’s a 6.5/10.”"

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