European Football Summer Transfer Window

[IthacaMatt]

I am somewhat unique in that my first taste of soccer was when I moved to Italy back in the late 70s so I have been following Serie A for almost 50 years.

If I were in your shoes, ie. an American who discovered soccer a decade or two ago I would likely also be a Prem fan.

The Prem is a much better league than Serie A and is much more enjoyable to watch. The game is much faster, free-flowing and the players are, in general, more skilled and more athletic.

I watch Serie A because I am a Fiorentina fan.

I totally get it, Forza. That's why I was one of only about 200 people in all of America who cared about the Club World Cup!

 

[IthacaMatt]

WHO HAVE TEAMS ADDED SO FAR - including near-finals
(As of 7-18-25):

Arsenal:

• Martin Zubimendi (MF)
• Christian Norgaard (MF)
• Kepa (GK)
• Noni Madueke (RW)
• Viktor Gyorkes (CF)
• Reiss Nelson (RW)
• Nuno Tavares (LW)

Aston Villa:

• Sam Iling-Junior (LW)
• Emi Buendia (MF)
• Alex Moreno (LB)
• Leander Dorndocker (MF)
• Enzo Barrenechia (MF)
• Yasin Orzcan (CB)

Chelsea:

• Joao Pedro (CF / AM)
• Jamie Gittens (LW)
• Liam DeLap (CF)
• Estavao (RW)
• Andre Santos (MF)
• Dario Essugo (MF)

Liverpool:

• Florian Wirtz (AM)
• Jeremie Frimpong (RB)
• Milos Kerkez (LB)
• Hugo Ekiteke (CF)
• Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK)
• Ben Doak (RW)
• Stefan Bajcetic (RB)
• Nat Phillips (CB)

Man City:

• Tijjani Reinders (MF)
• Rayan Ait-Nouri (LB)
• Rayan Cherki (RW)
• Marcus Bettinelli (GK)

Man United:

• Matheus Cunha (AM)

Newcastle:

• Anthony Elanga (RW)

Tottenham:

• Mohammed Kudus (RW)
• Mathys Tel (CF)
• Kevin Danso (CB)

United get Mbeumo.

Forest are chasing Jadon Sancho to replace Elanga.

Saudi club Al Alhi about to make a move for Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid. Vini has been upset by racism for the last 2 seasons. Maybe he'd like playing for guys who do this:




Max Allegri might want Rasmus Hojland from United at CF for his new club, AC Milan.

Inter have agreed to personal terms with winger Ademola Lookman, but no agreement yet on fee with his club, Atalanta.

West Ham kicking the tires on City's Jack Grealish. West Ham also asking about Harvey Elliot of Liverpool.

Madueke completes move to Arsenal.

Parma have offered Dortmund 6M for Gio Reyna.

AC Milan looking at Pervis Estupinian of Brighton to replace Theo Hernandez at LB. Hernandez just went to Saudi, I believe.

Viktor Osimhen is all about the dollah bills, as he signs for Galatasary in Turkiye for a caravan of money.

Newcastle apparently has cooties. They would like Yoane Wissa, but he would prefer a move to Spurs, to be reunited with his former Brentford coach, Thomas Frank.

Brighton talking to Roma about a loan move for Evan Ferguson, their one-time phenom striker.

Sean Longstaff officially joins Leeds from Newcastle.

Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga makes a 21M bid for Josh Sergeant of Norwich. Josh was only a part-timer these past 2 years in the Championship, but his return can't be ignored - 44 goals in 55 games over 2 seasons.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

Big fan of Harvey Elliott. Liverpool is just too stacked for him to get consistent minutes.

Love to put him in Cunha’s 10 on the Wolves and put Fer Lopez on the wing. But Fosun are too cheap and he’s not Portuguese /represented by Mendes.

I can’t wait to root for complete implosion by United. I do think Chelsea is going to be a lot better this year.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Big fan of Harvey Elliott. Liverpool is just too stacked for him to get consistent minutes.

Love to put him in Cunha’s 10 on the Wolves and put Fer Lopez on the wing. But Fosun are too cheap and he’s not Portuguese /represented by Mendes.

I can’t wait to root for complete implosion by United. I do think Chelsea is going to be a lot better this year.

You must have been enjoying the last several years, then, Guy. United has been terrible and only looks to be getting worse. I believe that Barca somehow found the money to sign Marcus Rashford. Hojland maybe going to Italy, Sancho to Nottingham Forest. They've got like 1 good player in Bruno Fernandez.

 

[ImperialOrange]

I am somewhat unique in that my first taste of soccer was when I moved to Italy back in the late 70s so I have been following Serie A for almost 50 years.

If I were in your shoes, ie. an American who discovered soccer a decade or two ago I would likely also be a Prem fan.

The Prem is a much better league than Serie A and is much more enjoyable to watch. The game is much faster, free-flowing and the players are, in general, more skilled and more athletic.

I watch Serie A because I am a Fiorentina fan.

Your purple kits are always elite.

IMHO Serie A is a mix of La Liga and Bundesliga... but not necessarily the parts of them folks enjoy. Lots of whining and flopping players ala Spain and slow, physical and plodding at times Ala Germany. It's a fun dichotomy though as all the spritly attacking players fall over in a stiff breeze meanwhile Italian defensive players are brick walls that will try and end you if you get near them.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Big fan of Harvey Elliott. Liverpool is just too stacked for him to get consistent minutes.

Love to put him in Cunha’s 10 on the Wolves and put Fer Lopez on the wing. But Fosun are too cheap and he’s not Portuguese /represented by Mendes.

I can’t wait to root for complete implosion by United. I do think Chelsea is going to be a lot better this year.

I'm a big Elliott fan as well. Sadly, due to Jota's passing, there will be more playing time available on the Liverpool wings.

I think with Ekitike coming in we allow Diaz to go and, unless Isak comes in, we roll this year with the rejuvenated buzzcut Nunez as our only true 9.

With that said Harvey is effectively a great backup option for all attacking positions 8, 9, 10, and 11

 

[ImperialOrange]

United get Mbeumo.

Forest are chasing Jadon Sancho to replace Elanga.

Saudi club Al Alhi about to make a move for Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid. Vini has been upset by racism for the last 2 seasons. Maybe he'd like playing for guys who do this:




Max Allegri might want Rasmus Hojland from United at CF for his new club, AC Milan.

Inter have agreed to personal terms with winger Ademola Lookman, but no agreement yet on fee with his club, Atalanta.

West Ham kicking the tires on City's Jack Grealish. West Ham also asking about Harvey Elliot of Liverpool.

Madueke completes move to Arsenal.

Parma have offered Dortmund 6M for Gio Reyna.

AC Milan looking at Pervis Estupinian of Brighton to replace Theo Hernandez at LB. Hernandez just went to Saudi, I believe.

Viktor Osimhen is all about the dollah bills, as he signs for Galatasary in Turkiye for a caravan of money.

Newcastle apparently has cooties. They would like Yoane Wissa, but he would prefer a move to Spurs, to be reunited with his former Brentford coach, Thomas Frank.

Brighton talking to Roma about a loan move for Evan Ferguson, their one-time phenom striker.

Sean Longstaff officially joins Leeds from Newcastle.

Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga makes a 21M bid for Josh Sergeant of Norwich. Josh was only a part-timer these past 2 years in the Championship, but his return can't be ignored - 44 goals in 55 games over 2 seasons.

Matt, thank you for taking the time to post all of the transfer deals and adding your considerable knowledge along with it.

Man Utd take over at top of five-year Premier League net spend table

Forget the league table, it's all about the Premier League net spend table. And Chelsea have been unseated at last...

www.football365.com

Liverpool are shooting fish in a barrel re: signings in the EPL as the only Champions League side in England that haven't spent themselves up against ffp prior.

As to Newcastle, yes they have oil money BUT rules are now in place to stop clubs buying trophies ala Sheikh Mansour at City or Abromovic at Chelsea prior. Geordies are immense fans but revenue opportunities from match day and ad revenues are pretty limited in what is a cold, hard, working class city. Also might not be tons of elite players willing to relocate to far North East England. It's not exactly resort weather or full of amenities there.

 

[JDubbin]

I love that Liverpool is strengthening the squad after winning the Premier League, it feels so un-Liverpool like to splash the cash the way they have in the transfer market! I don't think they were proactive enough after winning in '20.

The Isak transfer news is so interesting... I'm getting the sense he's really trying to frustrate & unsettle relationship with Newcastle to force a move to Liverpool. It's not my favorite tactic by any stretch, but man if he's added to LFC as well...

 

[ImperialOrange]

I love that Liverpool is strengthening the squad after winning the Premier League, it feels so un-Liverpool like to splash the cash the way they have in the transfer market! I don't think they were proactive enough after winning in '20.

The Isak transfer news is so interesting... I'm getting the sense he's really trying to frustrate & unsettle relationship with New Castle to force a move to Liverpool. It's not my favorite tactic by any stretch, but man if he's added to LFC as well...

Rumour has it Isak was promised an improved contract from Newcastle BUT the Magpies head office has since reneged on that thus his interest in now transferring.

 

[ImperialOrange]

I love that Liverpool is strengthening the squad after winning the Premier League, it feels so un-Liverpool like to splash the cash the way they have in the transfer market! I don't think they were proactive enough after winning in '20.

The Isak transfer news is so interesting... I'm getting the sense he's really trying to frustrate & unsettle relationship with New Castle to force a move to Liverpool. It's not my favorite tactic by any stretch, but man if he's added to LFC as well...

We won last year with Klopps team. Slot is now building something a bit different. Lost due to attacking additions are Frimpong and Kerkez who change the entire dynamic of the team. Both are speedsters and tireless workers on the wings in place of Trent who was never fast and Robbo who's legs have slowed with age and mileage.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I love that Liverpool is strengthening the squad after winning the Premier League, it feels so un-Liverpool like to splash the cash the way they have in the transfer market! I don't think they were proactive enough after winning in '20.

The Isak transfer news is so interesting... I'm getting the sense he's really trying to frustrate & unsettle relationship with Newcastle to force a move to Liverpool. It's not my favorite tactic by any stretch, but man if he's added to LFC as well...

If Liverpool can go get Marc Guehi now that Quansah has been sold, it will be just about a perfect summer for them. New fullbacks, a terrific #10, a terrific #9. And they kept Virgil and Salah.

I really think Isak owes it to Newcastle to stay since they secured Champions League. But Newcastle also owes it to Isak to honestly add 3 or 4 good players to freshen up the squad. It's a 3 year rolling average for FFP, after all. You can afford to lose money for 1 year.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Rumour has it Isak was promised an improved contract from Newcastle BUT the Magpies head office has since reneged on that thus his interest in now transferring.

That sucks. I thought they just extended him, though?

 

[ImperialOrange]

That sucks. I thought they just extended him, though?

He signed his current deal in 2022 and runs until 2028

 

[ImperialOrange]

If Liverpool can go get Marc Guehi now that Quansah has been sold, it will be just about a perfect summer for them. New fullbacks, a terrific #10, a terrific #9. And they kept Virgil and Salah.

I really think Isak owes it to Newcastle to stay since they secured Champions League. But Newcastle also owes it to Isak to honestly add 3 or 4 good players to freshen up the squad. It's a 3 year rolling average for FFP, after all. You can afford to lose money for 1 year.

Outlay cannot be over 70% of revenue for a given year and rolling 3 year total cannot be over £105. They spent a lot to get to Champions League, they currently have to sell to buy. Bit like Barca who can't currently register new players. They've swung and missed on some signings. Gordon, Botman, Tonali, Barnes, Livramento, Hall, Vlachodimos... That's well over 200 mil in the past 3 years I believe and none of them would start for other EPL CL clubs.

Quansah served us well but was always a step slow. I wouldn't want him starting without VVD next to him in the EPL but he could well be good in Bundesliga. I don't know much about Guehi but fair few LFC supporters aren't interested and say he is a bit of a hot head and lazy. That said, we fo need "homegrown" players

 

[IthacaMatt]

Outlay cannot be over 70% of revenue for a given year and rolling 3 year total cannot be over £105. They spent a lot to get to Champions League, they currently have to sell to buy. Bit like Barca who can't currently register new players. They've swung and missed on some signings. Gordon, Botman, Tonali, Barnes, Livramento, Hall, Vlachodimos... That's well over 200 mil in the past 3 years I believe and none of them would start for other EPL CL clubs.

I disagree with your assessment of Newcastle's recruitment. Tonali lost a season to the gambing issue, but is a fine player and would not be out of place in Liverpool's midfield.

Livramento is a fine young fullback and a regular for them. Anthony Gordon, a legit talent; Harvey Barnes, ditto. Sven Botman has been solid in the back. These are solid Premier League players; but they are not stars. They are soldiers.

They've had some injury problems from not having a deep enough squad. But they have gotten stale. Tottenham has recruited far better than Newcastle so far this summer.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Quansah served us well but was always a step slow. I wouldn't want him starting without VVD next to him in the EPL but he could well be good in Bundesliga. I don't know much about Guehi but fair few LFC supporters aren't interested and say he is a bit of a hot head and lazy. That said, we fo need "homegrown" players

I don't know that Guehi is a hot head. I think it's more that he asked for a guarantee that he would be the starter. Now that Quansah's gone, that's kind of a moot point.

Crystal Palace was pretty good the last couple years and Guehi had a lot to do with that. He has also made the England team. I think most teams would be happy with him. He can play the ball out of the back, and he has the requisite physicality.

Chelsea have been considering trying to get him back. But with the way Chalobah played at the Club World Cup, I don't think it's so essential to get another center back to go with Colwill, Fofana, Chalobah, Badiashile and Tosin. That's a pretty solid group.

Chelsea do need a back up for Cucurella. I hated to see Veiga go, but he saw himself purely as a center back and didn't like playing at left back or in holding midfield. I think he's a big loss who they haven't replaced yet.

Chelsea will also sign a left wing before the summer is over. Gittens won't be their first choice guy on that side, and Neto has won starting on the right, and was why they moved Madueke on. Noni didn't seem like the greatest teammate, to me. Same with Nico Jackson. Estavao, the young talent from Brazil will back up Neto on the right. (Did you see that goal he scored against Chelsea?)

Gittens will deputize on the left, behind whoever Chelsea can sign. Could be Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, who happen to like Nico Jackson, who was coached by Emery in Spain. Could be one of Bayern's wingers who seem on the way out.

Rodrygo would be a home run, huge statement of intent.

The next person on the list is Xavi Simons, but he prefers to play the number 10, much like Christopher Nkunku. Similar players, except Nkunku is an efficient poacher / finisher in the box. Simons operates more on the wing. Not a perfect fit, since they already have guys like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Andre Santos (another talented young Brazilian) in attacking MF.

 

[IthacaMatt]

If Arsenal can close on Gyorkes at the 9, they are going to be very good going into the new season.

Zubimendi and Norgaard give them real depth and solidity in the midfield. They signed a couple young fullbacks for depth.

They got Kepa as a very solid back up keeper; they kept their centerbacks.

Madueke gives them depth behind Saka, but they are still in need of Martinelli to either get back to his best from 2 seasons ago, or get an upgrade. But they are out on Rodrygo, and have spent all the money they can until sales are made.

More to be done, another guy or two, but they look improved over last year.

City got solid, quality guys, and look to have fresher, younger legs in the middle of the park. But I don't think they're done yet, either.

They still need a back up to Haaland when they never replaced the guy who went to Athletico Madrid, Julian Avarez.

They need another fullback or two. Have to have young legs on defense.

 

[IthacaMatt]

One team I haven't been talking about is Tottenham. Spurs got a very good manager in Thomas Frank. He is very good at developing young talent, and Spurs finally have some money to spend; more than Brentford, certainly

They got Mohammed Kudus, who I think is a terrific talent, and are trying to get Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham, but word is that Gibbs-White leaked the existence of a confidential release clause in his contract, which happened to be precisely the amount Spurs bid. So Forest are crying foul.

Mathys Tel, a youngster who wasn't getting much time at Bayern, will deputize for Dominic Solanke. Richarlison seems on the way out. Son might be allowed to leave, and was far off his best last year.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to leave Everton, and Spurs might like somebody like him (or West Ham, or Crystal Palace may compete, maybe even Newcastle, who need a back up to Isak after releasing Callum Wilson).

Spurs seem like they were able to keep their defensive leader, Christian Romero, from leaving for Spain. That was big. Mickey Van De Ven is also back at Center Back, one of the fastest men in the Prem.

They added Kevin Danso from Lens in Ligue Un. He's 26 years old, and should be a rotation player, or insurance if someone like Real Madrid come back again for Romero.

They also added two more young center backs in Luka Vuskovic from Croatia, and Kota Takai from Japan.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I'm a big Elliott fan as well. Sadly, due to Jota's passing, there will be more playing time available on the Liverpool wings.

I think with Ekitike coming in we allow Diaz to go and, unless Isak comes in, we roll this year with the rejuvenated buzzcut Nunez as our only true 9.

With that said Harvey is effectively a great backup option for all attacking positions 8, 9, 10, and 11

I think you have Ekitike and Nunez at the 9. Gakpo can play the 9, too. I think one of Nunez or Diaz will go. Nunez still has unfulfilled potential, but he seems too emotional and is a bit selfish, has poor judgment in finishing.

I like Diaz as a more mature player, who has talent, works hard and usually makes the right play. But we've seen the top-end of what he can do. Jota was better than Diaz; similar players, to me, but Jota missed a fair amount of time to injury.

I don't think they see Harvey Elliot as an attacking option on the wings, but rather as more of a midfielder. And their midfield is looking pretty deep, with Florian Wirtz set to take over the number 10 spot. Elliot will be pure profit for FFP. I think he'll be sold to some midtable team, or borderline European team.

 

[ImperialOrange]

I disagree with your assessment of Newcastle's recruitment. Tonali lost a season to the gambing issue, but is a fine player and would not be out of place in Liverpool's midfield.

Livramento is a fine young fullback and a regular for them. Anthony Gordon, a legit talent; Harvey Barnes, ditto. Sven Botman has been solid in the back. These are solid Premier League players; but they are not stars. They are soldiers.

They've had some injury problems from not having a deep enough squad. But they have gotten stale. Tottenham has recruited far better than Newcastle so far this summer.

"Solid Premier League Players" is right. Most would make the bench for Liverpool or Chelsea but which of the aforementioned would start for either over what already is in the team for either?

 

[ImperialOrange]

I don't know that Guehi is a hot head. I think it's more that he asked for a guarantee that he would be the starter. Now that Quansah's gone, that's kind of a moot point.

Crystal Palace was pretty good the last couple years and Guehi had a lot to do with that. He has also made the England team. I think most teams would be happy with him. He can play the ball out of the back, and he has the requisite physicality.

Chelsea have been considering trying to get him back. But with the way Chalobah played at the Club World Cup, I don't think it's so essential to get another center back to go with Colwill, Fofana, Chalobah, Badiashile and Tosin. That's a pretty solid group.

Chelsea do need a back up for Cucurella. I hated to see Veiga go, but he saw himself purely as a center back and didn't like playing at left back or in holding midfield. I think he's a big loss who they haven't replaced yet.

Chelsea will also sign a left wing before the summer is over. Gittens won't be their first choice guy on that side, and Neto has won starting on the right, and was why they moved Madueke on. Noni didn't seem like the greatest teammate, to me. Same with Nico Jackson. Estavao, the young talent from Brazil will back up Neto on the right. (Did you see that goal he scored against Chelsea?)

Gittens will deputize on the left, behind whoever Chelsea can sign. Could be Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, who happen to like Nico Jackson, who was coached by Emery in Spain. Could be one of Bayern's wingers who seem on the way out.

Rodrygo would be a home run, huge statement of intent.

The next person on the list is Xavi Simons, but he prefers to play the number 10, much like Christopher Nkunku. Similar players, except Nkunku is an efficient poacher / finisher in the box. Simons operates more on the wing. Not a perfect fit, since they already have guys like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Andre Santos (another talented young Brazilian) in attacking MF.

Morgan Rogers is a stud, I don't get the Rodrygo hype especially for the requisite money. Nico Jackson has all the tools needed to be a super star and Cole Palmer is a real problem for opponents. Enzo hasn't impressed me for the money and Santos I admit to knowing nothing about

 

[ImperialOrange]

If Arsenal can close on Gyorkes at the 9, they are going to be very good going into the new season.

Zubimendi and Norgaard give them real depth and solidity in the midfield. They signed a couple young fullbacks for depth.

They got Kepa as a very solid back up keeper; they kept their centerbacks.

Madueke gives them depth behind Saka, but they are still in need of Martinelli to either get back to his best from 2 seasons ago, or get an upgrade. But they are out on Rodrygo, and have spent all the money they can until sales are made.

More to be done, another guy or two, but they look improved over last year.

City got solid, quality guys, and look to have fresher, younger legs in the middle of the park. But I don't think they're done yet, either.

They still need a back up to Haaland when they never replaced the guy who went to Athletico Madrid, Julian Avarez.

They need another fullback or two. Have to have young legs on defense.

I don't think Gyorkes' game translates to the Prem. He's a bit like Mitrovic was at Fulham... big physical poacher but will struggle to find chances.

Kepa? A Chelsea fan naming him as a positive? They want Karius as well?

Saka is a stud like Salah... behind him doesn't matter sans injury. Marinelli is scary when he's on form. He, Son and Rashford are all world beaters on their day and Martinelli specifically gives me nightmares as opposition and equally would love him in Liverpools side.

City need to replace KDB... problem is he's a generational talent and my reds just signed the closest thing. That said, I thought City would struggle to replace Spanish Dave and they got KDB so who knows. I don't think Pepsi is long for that job now that it got somewhat difficult though. If he doesn't have a clear talent advantage he all the sudden becomes pretty ordinary.

 

[ImperialOrange]

One team I haven't been talking about is Tottenham. Spurs got a very good manager in Thomas Frank. He is very good at developing young talent, and Spurs finally have some money to spend; more than Brentford, certainly

They got Mohammed Kudus, who I think is a terrific talent, and are trying to get Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham, but word is that Gibbs-White leaked the existence of a confidential release clause in his contract, which happened to be precisely the amount Spurs bid. So Forest are crying foul.

Mathys Tel, a youngster who wasn't getting much time at Bayern, will deputize for Dominic Solanke. Richarlison seems on the way out. Son might be allowed to leave, and was far off his best last year.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to leave Everton, and Spurs might like somebody like him (or West Ham, or Crystal Palace may compete, maybe even Newcastle, who need a back up to Isak after releasing Callum Wilson).

Spurs seem like they were able to keep their defensive leader, Christian Romero, from leaving for Spain. That was big. Mickey Van De Ven is also back at Center Back, one of the fastest men in the Prem.

They added Kevin Danso from Lens in Ligue Un. He's 26 years old, and should be a rotation player, or insurance if someone like Real Madrid come back again for Romero.

They also added two more young center backs in Luka Vuskovic from Croatia, and Kota Takai from Japan.

Spurs are, and forever will, be Spursy. Unless Chelsea or Arsenal fold they will always be 3rd best, at best, team in London. West Ham could pass them if they figure out finances and hold onto talent

 

[ImperialOrange]

I think you have Ekitike and Nunez at the 9. Gakpo can play the 9, too. I think one of Nunez or Diaz will go. Nunez still has unfulfilled potential, but he seems too emotional and is a bit selfish, has poor judgment in finishing.

I like Diaz as a more mature player, who has talent, works hard and usually makes the right play. But we've seen the top-end of what he can do. Jota was better than Diaz; similar players, to me, but Jota missed a fair amount of time to injury.

I don't think they see Harvey Elliot as an attacking option on the wings, but rather as more of a midfielder. And their midfield is looking pretty deep, with Florian Wirtz set to take over the number 10 spot. Elliot will be pure profit for FFP. I think he'll be sold to some midtable team, or borderline European team.

Jota was the most lethal finisher in our team and it wasn't even close. The echelon of players being "in the right place always" starts and stops with him for us. I'm not certain if Ekitike is that or not and certainly Nunez needs to become exponentially more clinical if he hopes to play anything more than a sub role for us.

I love Diaz but he's 28. Ekitike is 22 so if you can get similar money and get a 6 year younger player you have to do it. Most of what I see of Ekitike's strength is cutting in from the wing vs an outright 9 like Gakpo. There is the option now to play 6'3 Ekitike, 6'2 Nunez, and 6'4 Gakpo across the front vs low block teams. Add VVD coming up and that is a serious problem to man mark.

Elliott is always Mo's first sub and lethal from edge of the box as well as tireless worker for us. Bit like pre injury Ox but also can spell Wirtz. Personally I'd hate to see him go

 

[IthacaMatt]

"Solid Premier League Players" is right. Most would make the bench for Liverpool or Chelsea but which of the aforementioned would start for either over what already is in the team for either?

Remember, too, that they didn't pay 80-100M for any of these guys. They have a good squad in need of 2 or 3 star players.