Well, it’s the 11th of August and the Premier League is back!
Let’s start off by congratulating Spurs on becoming the first Premier League club in history to make no incoming signings in a summer transfer window since it was introduced in 2003.
It was a day that really belonged to Everton. They have had another window to remember, filling their supporters with optimism over breaking into the top four.
Deadline Day saw Marco Silva’s charm sway talented Brazilian attacker Bernard to Goodison Park. While they again raided feeder club Barcelona for Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes. Centre half Mina joined Everton for £27.1m, while Andre Gomes will hope to revitalise his career after joining Mina at Everton on loan.
I love Paul Merson. While his knowledge on all the sides outside the top four has always been terrible, he does make up for it by putting a smile on all our faces. While giving a ringing endorsement to Nordin Amrabat. He said that ‘He was one of Watford’s best players last season, I thought he played well a lot of the time.’
Pretty incredible really, considering he made just 4 appearances for Watford last season, before going out on loan for the rest of the campaign at CD Leganes. Classic Merse.
To say Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was backed by the club’s owner, Shad Khan, would be a massive understatement. The Cottagers became the first promoted side to spend over £100m in the transfer window, bringing in 12 players this summer. Is it really worth praising the club for this?
It will always be a bit of a test to transpose a Championship team to the Premier League. However I’d argue Fulham’s squad were already more equipped to step up to the top flight than both Wolves and Cardiff combined.
Prior to Thursday evening, Cardiff’s midfield was quite frankly, embarrassing. I’m being facetious here, but I’m a Cardiff fan, therefore it’s allowed.
The Bluebirds resolved that midfield issue somewhat by bringing in two midfielders. Firstly, they brought in Victor Camaresa from Real Betis. Who as a Spaniard, you’d automatically assume he’s an incredible passer of the ball based on this fact alone.
And in what could be an inspired addition, they also sealed the loan signing of Bournemouth’s long serving Harry Arter. He was no longer assured of a starting berth, following the club record signing of £25m for Colombian Jefferson Lerma.
It was quite the busy day at Stamford Bridge. As soon as Thibaut Courtois was confirmed as a Real Madrid player, Chelsea announced they had replaced the Belgian with Athletic Bilbao’s young keeper Kepa (Not going to even attempt to spell his second name) for £71m.
This is a player whose club rejected an €20m bid less than 6 months ago. Chelsea also brought in Matteo Kovacic on a season long loan as part of the Courtois deal. Great business.
Fresh from letting striker Danny Ings leave to sign for Southampton on an initial loan with an obligation to buy, Liverpool are already preparing a £60 million bid for the boyhood Saints supporter.
Despite the Reds spending more than anybody else in the English top flight, Jurgen Klopp was adamant they are still not title favourites, and compared Liverpool to Rocky Balbao and Ivan Drago to Manchester City.
Now I understand that Ed Woodward is pretty rubbish at his job. And we all know United boss Jose Mourinho is not one to moan in public, given he is cool, calm and collected at all times. But considering Jose has spent nigh on £80m on Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof to try and solve the centre half issue, it is difficult to deflect all the blame onto Woodward.
Besides, whatever you think of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, they were part of a defence that only conceded 28 in the league last season. Was a new centre half more necessary than another full back or winger?
And finally, the best news I have stumbled upon this week was learning of the circumstances which led to Bristol City left back Joe Bryan signing for Fulham. Having been set for a move to Aston Villa, Joe Bryan passed a medical in Birmingham, posed for pictures in his Aston Villa shirt, he then heard a move to Fulham was possible, then proceeded to sign for the Premier League club instead.
Outstanding.
Good luck to all 20 clubs this season.
Have a great weekend everyone.
