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The transfer merry-go-round is over and clubs have begun the settlement process. Like every window, major clubs have made some major signings that have increased the bar of expectations from the fans.Almost every big club in Europe have made at least one major signing, coupled with a relatively big expenditure. In England, the transfer activity could almost be labelled as berserk. Both Manchester clubs, especially, have made a big statement with their transfer window activities and it seems like we are in for another competitive season of Premier League.In Spain, despite a transfer ban and a treble-winning season, Barca have also improved their squad, and so have Real Madrid. The big two are considerably stronger than the others and this will be another season of Real Madrid versus Barcelona.The rest of the heavyweights—PSG, Bayern and Juventus—have also made some decent moves over the course of the summer and here is a rundown of how the heavyweights have fared this year.
#1 Barcelona - B
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IN: Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal.
OUT: Pedro, Adama Traore, Gerard Deulofeu, Denis Suarez and Xavi.
One wouldn’t expect many signings after a treble-winning season, coupled with the fact that they have a transfer ban imposed on them, and Barca haven’t broken the expectation as they have signed just 2 players during the transfer window.
Even the 2 signings raised some eyebrows as they found it baffling that a club facing a transfer ban could sign players of their liking during the period of the ban.
Keeping all that aside, though, Barca have done a good job at addressing the issues that needed attention. Pedro has gone out to be replaced by Arda Turan, who is also a brilliant asset when played through the middle. Rakitic had already taken up Xavi’s mantle, so that was an already-resolved issue.
Aleix Vidal gives genuine pace on the wings and could be used as an alternate option, meant for diversity, higher up the pitch at right wing. He is also an apt replacement for Dani Alves as the Brazilian reaches the Twilight phase of his career.
But still, with just one international level central defender in Pique, one could get an eerie vibe of the squad being a bit thin—especially at the back. However, Barca did extremely well last season with just one natural center-back of international caliber, but luck favoured them in terms of injuries. And they can’t always be so lucky.
#2 Real Madrid - B+
IN: Mateo Kovacic, Lucas Vasquez, Kiko Casilla and Danilo
OUT: Iker Casillas, Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira
There can’t be a window where this club won’t make one flamboyant signing to cheer the fans up. After the soap opera of David De Gea- a deal that fell because of inscrutable and childish lethargy on the part of both clubs, Real Madrid went on to sign Inter’s Mateo Kovacic in an otherwise quiet summer.
Last season, the injury of Luka Modric ultimately cost Los Blancos multiple titles. They learned from this mistake as the creativity that is lost with the absence of the Croat will now be filled up by another Croat. It was this dearth of creativity from deep that suffocated the Real Madrid attack.
Real are not really known to make many defensive acquisitions, so the signing of Danilo is like a breath of fresh air. The Brazilian’s positional awareness and tackling skill is the perfect complementary contemporary to Dani Carvajal’s burst of pace and attacking prowess. Against pacy wingers, the Spaniard was caught out of position many a times, so the signing of the former Santos starlet is one that makes sense.
However, the loan departures of Lucas Silva and Coentrao on loan and Sami Khedira and Asier Illarramendi creates a hole in two spots; lack of bite in midfield and a proper cover at left-back for Marcelo.
It is of little argument that Alvaro Arbeloa isn’t Real Madrid caliber and having him as the sole replacement for Marcelo could become the undoing of Real’s attack if the Brazilian is unavailable. In midfield, against physical teams, the sturdy presence of Casemiro would help, but there’s no adequate back-up to him—not someone who can hassle players with brute physicality.
Casilla seems like a good replacement for Casillas, even if the similarity of names is kept aside. Keylor Navas was world class with Levante and there is no reason why he can’t be the same again when given a run of games to settle.
And finally, the return of Lucas Vasquez and Denis Cheryshev gives Real Madrid something they haven’t had in a long time: genuine classic pacy wingers who can cross the ball with accuracy. Real and Barcelona are, obviously, the outright favourites to win the title.
#3 Atletico Madrid - A
IN: Jackson Martinez, Felipe Luis, Luciano Vietto, Stevan Savic and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco
OUT: Arda Turan, Mario Mandzukic, Mario Suarez, Raul Garcia, Raul Jimenez and Toby Alderweireld
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid will always be regarded as the breath of fresh air that La Liga so desperately needed. After dismantling both Madrid and Barca for the league title in 2013-14, and also reaching the finals of the Champions League that season, they stamped their authority as one of the elite-level clubs in Europe.
The last season, however, was a jump back to the familiar hollows of mediocrity as they finished third, way off behind second-placed Real Madrid.
The summer hasn’t been too kind as they have lost some very key players in the form of Miranda (on loan to Inter), Arda Turan, Mario Mandzukic, Raul Garcia et al. They have, however, also done some fantastic business by signing the likes of Jackson Martinez, Luciano Vietto and Stevan Savic.
Both Luciano Vietto and Jackson Martinez will form a devastating pair up front that will cause defenses a lot of trouble. Similarly, the calm and composed head of Stevan Stavic will make the Rojiblancos fans forget about Miranda. And they will certainly welcome their hero, Felipe Luis, back and will count on him for assured performances.
Finally, Carrasco might yet not possess the ability (and beard) of Arda Turan, but the Belgian is one of the most talented young players in the world and will certainly entertain both La Liga and Atleti fans.
The weaknesses are also there, though, as the steely midfield that made them so feared seems to have diluted with age and departures. The current squad of Atletico signals to a change—something more fluid and pleasing to the eye, but whether they can successfully transform themselves to that from a robust one can only be revealed by time.
Their current squad, impressive as it may be, lack what it takes to overcome the hurdles of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Considering that they are undergoing a transformation, a third-place finish looks like the realistic target.
#4 Manchester United - B+
IN: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Sergio Romero
OUT: Angel di Maria, Javier Hernandez, Jonny Evans, Robin van Persie, Nani and Rafael
The term ‘splashing the cash’ was never attributed much to Manchester United, not until now. For two summers in a row, the English club have spent big and would be hoping for a good return on invest come June next year.
In the mould of Bastian Schweinsteiger, van Gaal has someone with abundance of experience and ability. Along with him, Morgan Schneiderlin will provide strong protection of the back four and a fine array of passing skills.
Moreover, both Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial are extremely talented and will wreak havoc among Premier League’s defenses when they reach the peak of their powers.
However, United’s best signing is a relatively unknown right-back from Italy, Matteo Darmian. Manchester United fans, after watching him in the handful of games he has played for them, are really expecting big things from and they should—he is someone who will perhaps better even club legend Gary Neville.
The midfield acquisitions really make United’s midfield most diverse in the Premier League and the Dutchman can play a lot of different varieties of combination if he wants to.
The not-so-good part, though, that could probably undo all the good work of this window is that they lack genuinely world class defenders at the back. Daley Blind might have to play at centre-back for the entire season, but he—or any United centre-half, for that matter—can’t be labeled as world-class, at least not now.
During the crunch part of the season, the lack of quality defenders could come back to haunt them and it is quite perplexing as to why the former Bayern boss didn’t pursue harder for a quality centre-back. And this is the reason why fans should be content with a top 3 finish, but they have what it takes to challenge for the title.
#5 Manchester City - A+
IN: Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Fabian Delph, Patrick Roberts and Nicolas Otamendi
OUT: Alvaro Negredo, Matija Nastasic and Scott Sinclair
Manchester City have done the best business among all the clubs in Europe. Manuel Pellegrini should be praised for his all-guns-blazing approach in this year’s market as has amended all the cracks that prevented them from winning the title last season.
In defense, Nicolas Otamendi comes in to strengthen the area even further along with Vincent Kompany and Eliquam Mangala. The Argentine had a tremendous season with Valencia and, given his history of performances with Porto, looks set to have a good time with the Citizens.
Further forward, the Arab-rich club have signed two of the best players in world football to make their attack the most potent in the league. While Raheem Sterling adds blistering pace and directness from the wings, the Belgian is an assist-machine and will provide the forwards with an insane amount of scoring chances with his wizard-like creativity.
Fabian Delph adds cover in midfield and is a good squad player to have.
The only weakness City have is in their full-back areas. Both Zabaleta and Clichy do a commendable job whenever called upon, but the lack of sufficient quality cover could cause some hiccups in their surge for titles.
What is assured is that the Manchester club finish the window as the most favourites to win the Premier League title this season.
#6 Chelsea - B
IN: Pedro, Baba Rahman, Asmir Begovic, Kenedy, Papi Djilobodji and Radamel Falcao
OUT: Felipe Luis, Petr Cech and Thorgan Hazard
The reigning Premier League champions have got off to a poor start this term as their defense has become leakier than water taps in third world countries. They have made some good signings, but none of them include a world class center half.
Pedro replaces Juan Cuadrado, who has left on loan to Juventus, and is an assured marksman from the wings. His directness and cunning movements will give the other Chelsea forwards a lot space to exploit and himself with some scoring chances.
In Begovic, they have signed a good cover for Thibaut Courtois. Baba Rahman will finally provide Chelsea with a left-footed left-back and his inclusion would reshape the defense for the better. Kenedy has surprised Chelsea fans with his ability and it seems like he will get a lot of chances to show his worth—and he, according to many, could be better than even Neymar.
And then there is Radamel Falcao. The Colombian endured a torrid time at United, but that doesn’t mean that he will face the same predicament here. He already looks a rejuvenated soul and will certainly prove to be a good backup for Diego Costa.
Papi Djilobodji was a desperate signing and it is unlikely that he will be Jose Mourinho’s preferred first choice centre-half.
So that leaves the London club with a ragged and over aged defense that could split any moment like milk at the face of acidity. And it already is. Unless Chelsea sign a savior in the winter window, it is hard to see them overcome the barrier that Manchester City have become.
#7 Arsenal - C
IN: Petr Cech.
OUT: Lukas Podolski, Abou Diaby, Ryo Miyaichi.
What. The. Never mind. The winners of last year’s league title were Chelsea. The Champions League was grabbed by Barcelona and the FA Cup was won by Arsenal, retaining the trophy.
And it is for this reason that Arsene Wenger found it unnecessary to strengthen the squad to the measure it needed to be. After all, if he could win the FA Cup with the squad he had, he could win it again with the same, but more experienced, squad.
They only signed Petr Cech, which would suffice if their target was to finish fourth once again. But if they are targetting to challenge for the title, this just doesn’t do enough.
Arsenal remained the only club in Europe to not sign an outfield player. And why should they? Borussia Dortmund were once labelled as the most hipster club in the world and Arsenal now want that tag—and what could be more hipster than not signing a single outfield player to improve the squad and instead just keep its strength stagnant?
Keeping the sarcasm aside and going on a serious note, the Gunners have a good squad; that was never in doubt. But the question mark that hovered over them was whether they had a squad that could challenge for major trophies. They do not. They come close, but they do not.
A couple of signings here and there could have made them genuine contenders, but Arsene Wenger opted, instead, to let go of the chance. The French manager is like that stubborn kid who wants his broken old toy repaired instead of buying a new one—even though he has the money to do so.
#8 Juventus - A
IN: Simon Zaza, Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira, Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado
OUT: Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Kingsley Coman and Angelo Ogbonna.
Juventus are just gaining momentum towards becoming the superpowers of club football. The Champions League runners-up have been consistently winning the Serie A and their performances in Europe’s most prestigious club competition last term gave Calcio fans a sigh of relief.
And they did well in the transfer market this year, securing some fine players’ signatures in the process. They might have lost their opening 2 games in Serie A, but they remain the strongest team in Italy and their signings reflect why.
They have lost some key players in the form of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but have retained their most valuable asset, Paul Pogba. The departed players have also been replaced conveniently as the very talented Paulo Dybala, the experienced and reputed goalscorer Mario Mandzukic and another young starlet Simone Zaza have arrived to make Juve’s attack even stronger than last season.
Meanwhile, Sami Khedira was snapped up on a free transfer and given the Turin club use their midfielders, he will thrive as his preferred box-to-box role awaits him after he makes a comeback from injury.
Further behind the pitch, the left side of Old Lady has seen a drastic improvement with the signing of Alex Sandro from Porto. The Brazilian is one among the plethora of talented Brazilian left-backs and will be a sure starter for the club. It will only be a matter of time when he stamps his name as the best left-back of the league.
Finally, Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian was among the best players in Serie A during his time in Italy and he will almost certainly get the ground running with fabulous and flair-filled displays week after week as he will get a proper fair chance to express himself, unlike at Chelsea.
Overall, the only thing that prevented this from being a perfect window is the failure of signing a right-back. Stephan Lichtsteiner remains the weak link of the team and they should have looked for alternative after failing to sign their preferred choice, Matteo Darmian.
#9 Bayern Munich - A+
IN: Douglas Costa, Arturo Vidal, Joshua Kimmich and Kingsley Coman
OUT: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Xherdan Shaqiri and Dante
Regardless of their transfer activity, they are going to win the Bundesliga. In their last league game, Pep Guardiola played Phillip Lahm, David Alaba and Juan Bernat as the central defenders in a 3-man defense before dropping Xabi Alonso in defense to change it to a 4-man one.
And yet, they won the game 3-0 against Bayer Leverkusen. This is just ridiculous, in the good sense, especially considering that they had four pure center-backs waiting on the bench.
What makes their transfer window fabulous is that they have used it perfectly to strengthen the areas that were just beginning to develop a spot of bother. Franck Ribery’s constant flirtation with injuries meant that someone needed to step and take over. In came Douglas Costa—and he has taken the league by storm with his other-worldly performances.
Bastian Schweinsteiger might have left the club, leaving an irreplaceable gap in midfield, but Arturo Vidal has been signed and he will make his own name. The Chilean is arguably the best box-to-box midfielder in the world and is the perfect replacement for the German in the tactical sense.
Joshua Kimmich another highly talented player signed by the German giants. His outstanding ability to dictate play from in front of the defense makes him a key asset for the Bavarians. In fact, he is the player the Spanish manager would look to when Xabi Alonso isn’t available.
As Arjen Robben reaches the wrong part of 30s, he will also be needing a successor and Kingsley Coman could be just that man. The Juventus starlet was let go by the Old Lady—a confusing move on the latter’s part—and could very well become an essential cog in the season’s run-in.
The German giants have added the perfect amount of spices to their broth. They have addressed issues before they became pressing concerns and have the most balanced squad in all of Europe.
#10 Paris Saint German - B+
IN: Angel di Maria, Lavyin Kurzawa, Kevin Trapp and Benjamin Stambouli
OUT: Yohan Cabaye
The French giants looks set to enjoy a long period of domination in the French Ligue 1. With one of the strongest squads in Europe and the best roster in France, they have gone from strength to strength since being bought by Sheikh owner.
This summer, they did quite well in the market, but failed to add the necessary cover in defense. The star signing of Angel di Maria has inflicted a current of excitement among the fans and he will certainly take them to the next level.
As Lucas Digne departed the club for Roma on a temporary, they moved in quickly to sign the talented Lavyin Kurzawa. The new left-back is certainly an improvement on Digne, though the latter could still have a future at the club if he plays to his potential in Italy.
In Kevin Trapp, Salvatore Sirigu now has a real competitor as the German makes PSG one of the many clubs in Europe to have 2 genuinely good goalkeepers.
Finally, the sale of Yohan Cabaye was quickly covered with the signing of Benjamin Stambouli from Tottenham. The Frenchman had a better time than many people claim at Spurs and his experience in the Ligue 1 means that he won’t need any time to adjust to it.
Overall, it was a decent window for the French champions, but they lack cover in defense as an injury to either one of the center-backs or Kurzawa could spell trouble for the Parisians, especially in the Champions League.
