Man City, winners of the English Premier League four times in a row (from 2020-2023), had an underwhelming campaign, almost missing out on the Champions League slot for the upcoming season. Pep Guardiola did not waste any time after the season concluded, going on a 113 million pounds shopping spree to bolster the midfield.
Their new signing included the likes of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for 46 million pounds, playmaker Rayan Cherki from Lyon for 36 million pounds and left-back Rayan Ait Nouri from Wolves for 31 million pounds. The Cityzens struggled last year without midfield dynamo Rodri. A lack of goals was also another concern as the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Matteo Kovacic struggled for form as City failed to keep pace with runaway champions Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal.
Guardiola believes the acquisition of the trio, plus additional signings during the transfer window, will enable them to return to the summit of English football.
And despite leaving the Club World Cup early, they look like a force to be reckoned with once the new season kicks off in August.
Champions Liverpool have been the biggest spenders, splashing close to 200 million pounds. The British transfer record was smashed when they signed German star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for 116 million pounds alongside right-back Jeremy Frimpong, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has also brought in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez to Anfield as he looks to shake up the team that won the league last season.
Slot’s moves are aimed at bringing competition to the team as the Reds look to defend the league title and go deep into the Champions League next season.
Chelsea, who finished fourth, have not been left behind as they bolstered their attack by signing the highly-rated Liam Delap from Ipswich for 30 million pounds to bring competition to the forward line alongside the erratic Nicholas Jackson, who has blown hot and cold in his two years at the West London club.
They also signed Brazilian João Pedro from Brighton for 60 million pounds. The attacker, who can play across the forward line, scored twice against his former employers, Fluminense, in the Club World Cup semifinal earlier last week and struck once against PSG in Sunday's final.
The arrival of Pedro and Delap could spell the end of Senegal front man Jackson, as he could be considered surplus to requirements.
The former Villarreal forward has failed to live up to expectations in the last two seasons at the club and has attracted interest from Italian giants AC Milan. The Blues have also signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund alongside Estevao (Fluminese) as the Conference League holders look at putting up a solid title run.
Former Chelsea forward Noni Madueke is set to join Arsenal in a 52million pounds deal as a backup to star forward Bukayo Saka. The signing has split the Arsenal fan base right down the middle, with fans questioning the priorities of the club. The signing of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has stalled, but the Gunners are confident it will be completed by the time they start their pre-season, alongside Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal have, however, signed Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi for 50 million pounds from Real Sociedad.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has made his first major signing by bringing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for 55 million pounds.
The Ghanaian international is expected to bolster the North London club’s options alongside Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and James Madison as Spurs look at bouncing back from a disastrous season where they finished 17th.
Anthony Elanga has joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest as the Magpies look at building depth with twin assaults on the Premier League and Champions League.
