While clubs across Europe have had since the early days in June to start putting plans into action regarding the movement of players, it is widely accepted that a large chunk of business will always be conducted towards the end of August. The purpose of that approach is to drive prices down and assess the market when more players become available, but the downside to that is managers and clubs are taking risks when it comes to trying to compiling their ideal squad for the following months. Numerous Premier League bosses find themselves facing such a scenario, but which top-flight clubs require a strong end to the summer transfer window?
Just like value can be found by taking up a betway sign up offer, Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to be more proactive when it comes to taking opportunities. On a week when they have signed Goncalo Guedes from Valencia, that is perhaps a harsh assessment, but Wolves cannot expect to allow their inspirational captain to leave on loan, make just two additions and expect their supporters to be satisfied. Wolves are one of several clubs who face the prospect of being left behind if they do not sign another experienced central defender, central midfield and perhaps another player for the final third, potentially to counteract the sale of Morgan Gibbs-White. If not, it could be a long first half to the campaign for Bruno Lage's men.
Leicester City's plans this summer have seemingly revolved around intending to keep their best players aside from cashing in on Youri Tielemans. However, with suitable offers having not arrived for the Belgian and limited funds available to Brendan Rodgers, the club need to make a concrete decision over whether to sell Wesley Fofana for in excess of £80m. The Foxes need a refresh and it appears to make more sense to cash in and sign three or four fresh faces over risking keeping an unsettled player. Leicester are fine in the striking department, but a new goalkeeper, central defender, and winger feel required at the King Power Stadium.
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Manchester United appear to have made some smart signings in the form of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen but as their performance against Brighton & Hove Albion showed, this looks like a squad which feels far from complete. A central midfielder is absolutely imperative and supporters have been left naturally baffled as to why moves for Tielemans and Ruben Neves have not been made given the issues that they have encountered with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong. The right-back position also needs to be resolved, as does the central forward role, and Erik ten Hag has plenty of work ahead over the next three weeks.
You would be forgiven for thinking that Brighton do not require new players on the back of their success at Old Trafford, but Graham Potter has a pot of money to spend after the sales of Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella. A left wing-back and central midfielder will take priority, but Potter may want to sign a new striker to possibly replace Neal Maupay, who has less than one year left on his contract. The Seagulls already have several talented youngsters who could gain more experience this campaign, but there is scope for Potter going big if a high-profile name becomes available.
Southampton have already made some shrewd additions this summer, particularly in terms of prospects, but the Saints are contenders for relegation unless they can find a way of keeping clean sheets. Yan Valery - a backup wing-back - lining up on the right-hand side of a back three on Saturday was not ideal, and Ralph Hasenhuttl desperately requires another leader in defence. The same applies for in attack, maybe even in the centre of the park, too, and they could be crucial for the overall progression of the club.
