Premier League
Premier League: 2018-19 Season Preview
With the World Cup fever having come to an end, the countdown has begun for the new Premier League season, which is just under three weeks away until the roller-coaster starts once more. Furthermore, the top footballing tier in England gets underway on the 11th August where another exciting season beckons, and the constant flurry of football continues.
What We Can Look Forward To:
There are tasty fixtures for the fans to get their taste buds around on the opening day, as Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defense away at Arsenal. Additionally, with less than three weeks to go until the season kicks-off, there has already been a wash of transfer activity, rumors and speculation as pre-season dawns, all 20 Premier League managers have been looking long and hard to their respected scouting setups to try and get their business done before the transfer window closes on the Thursday before the start of the season, which will be 9th August.
So let’s have a look at all 20 Premier League sides for the 2018/19 season and preview their respected upcoming season:
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Eddie Howe is now the longest-serving manager in the Premier League and it is continuity rather than change that Bournemouth offer right now. Excitement, as well as excellence, will be their target this season as The Cherries look to salvage a top 10 finish this season. Also, Howe is expected to bring in more firepower as Bournemouth cry out for a 25 goal-a-season striker. Additionally, with Jermain Defoe now aged 35, he can no longer be expected to pull the Cherries out of the rough stuff when required.
Transfers in :
David Brooks – Sheffield United – £9.4million
Transfers Out:
Mikael Ndjoli – Kilmarnock – Season long loan
Adam Federici – Stoke City – Undisclosed
Max Gradel – Toulouse – £5.8million
Ryan Allsop – Wycombe Wanderers – Free
Benik Afobe – Wolverhampton Wanderers – £12.1million
Lewis Grabban – Nottingham Forrest – Undisclosed
ARSENAL
With Arsene Wenger gone, the new era begins with a bang – at home to Manchester City and away to Chelsea. It will be a new-look Arsenal this season and there is optimism that Unai Emery’s work on the training ground will reap rewards. In addition, Emery has brought in some experienced faces which will help bolster their defensive lines and most certainly will encourage the Arsenal faithful as it has been their downfall for the last couple of seasons. However, with strikers such as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal have the attacking assets to do the business this season, but will the defence have the same effect? Only time will tell.
Transfers In:
Sokratis Papastathopoulos – Borussia Dortmund – Undisclosed
Bernd Leno – Bayer Leverkusen – £20.9million
Stephan Lichtsteiner – Juventus – Free
Lucas Torreira – Sampdoria – Undisclosed
Transfers Out:
Santiago Cazorla – Villareal – Free
Jack Wilshere – West Ham – Free
Per Mertesacker – Retired
Takuma Asano – Hannover 96 – Season-long loan
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
The novelty of Premier League football hasn’t worn off just yet and with new signings from Mainz, Deportivo and RB Leipzig already on board, these are exciting times to be a Brighton fan. In addition, the Seagulls surprised many last season, with their consistent performances and considerably higher league finish than originally predicted, it could be more of the same from the same that was playing in League One just eight years ago. Nevertheless, Chris Hughton will be looking to bolster his side with plenty of depth in the coming weeks.
Transfers In:
Leon Balogun – Mainz – Free
Florin Andone – Deportivo – Undisclosed
Jason Steele – Sunderland – Undisclosed
Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior – RB Leipzig – Undisclosed
David Button – Fulham – Undisclosed
Transfers Out:
Steve Sidwell – Released
Jamie Murphy – Rangers – Undisclosed
BURNLEY
The Clarets secured European football for the first time in 51 years. However, nothing much going on at Turf Moor as Sean Dyche looks to keep his squad chemistry intact. Nevertheless, Burnley are building something special and there will be high hopes of another fine season.
Transfers In:
N/A
Transfers Out:
Scott Arfield – Rangers – Undisclosed
Dean Marney – Released
Chris Long – Released
CARDIFF CITY
Neil Warnock is back in the Premier League after a four-year absence and will be raring to get started. In addition, Cardiff City will be excited by the addition of Bobby Reid from Bristol City who had a helping hand in knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup last season. Also, they will be looking to ruffle a few feathers in the Premier League with his unique brand of football.
Transfers In:
Bobby Reid – Bristol City – £9.5million
Greg Cunningham – Preston – Undisclosed
Josh Murphy – Norwich City – Undisclosed
Alex Smithies – QPR – £3.3million
Transfers Out:
N/A
CHELSEA
Chelsea will be hoping for a drastic improvement from last season, as they look for a change of fortune under newly appointed manager Maurizio Sarri. Also, the addition of Napoli midfielder Jorginho sparked a frenzy among fans, although doubts persist over the futures of Belgium duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, with both players being linked with Real Madrid. CSKA midfielder Aleksandr Golovin has been linked with the Blues and could complete his move very soon.
Transfers In:
Jorginho – Napoli – £57.4million
Transfers Out:
Trevor Chalobah – Ipswich – Loan
Lewis Baker – Leeds – Loan
Jamal Blackman – Loan
Kennedy – Newcastle – Loan
Jake Clarke-Salter – Vitesse Arnhem – Loan
CRYSTAL PALACE
With Palace avoiding relegation last season by the skin of their teeth, Roy Hodgson will be looking to close the drip and drabs of their defense up with solid and consistent performers. Additionally, with Wilfried Zaha in the form of his life, Palace fans would welcome the opportunity to have parity once more.
Transfers In:
Vicente Guaita – Getafe – Free
Transfers Out:
Yohan Cabaye – Al Nasr – Free
Bakary Sako – Released
Lee Chung-yong – Released
Damian Delaney – Cork City – Free
Diego Cavalieri – Released
EVERTON
Marco Silva made good starts at both Hull and Watford but will have a huge task to change the dejected mentality of the Goodison faithful. Additionally, new faces are yet to appear through the door as the Merseysiders have been linked with the likes of Yerry Mina and Malcom. Also, with Wayne Rooney gone, Everton look to rebuild the damages caused by their previous gaffers.
Transfers In:
N/A
Transfers Out:
Ramiro Funes Mori – Villarreal – Undisclosed
Wayne Rooney – DC United – Free
Joel Robles – Real Betis – Free
Henry Onyekuru – Galatasaray – Loan
FULHAM
The Premier League newbies have already showed their dominance in the transfer window as they signed Jean Michael Seri. Also, the Cottagers have also been heavily linked with Alexander Mitrovic and Matt Target, as they look to conclude their transfer business well before the end of July.
Transfers In:
Jean Michael Seri – OGC Nice – Undisclosed
Maxime Le Merchand – OGC Nice – Undisclosed
Transfers Out:
David Button – Brighton – Undisclosed
Ryan Fredericks – West Ham – Free
HUDDERSFIELD
The Terriers have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer window, undergoing a complete transformation in both their squad and crest. Also, manager David Wagner wants to make the John Smith’s Stadium a fortress, with the record signing in Terence Kongolo from Monaco. However, can Wagner and co make it work once again?
Transfers In:
Ben Hamer – Leicester – Free
Ramadan Sobhi – Stoke – Undisclosed
Terence Kongolo – Monaco – £17.5million
Juninho Bacuna – Groningen – Undisclosed
Erik Durm – Dortmund – Undisclosed
Jonas Lossl – Mainz 05 – Undisclosed
Florent Hadergjonai – Ingolstadt – Undisclosed
Transfers Out:
Dean Whitehead – Retired
Robert Green – Released
LEICESTER CITY
The 2015-16 Premier League champions have been pretty sound in the transfer window, notably having brought in James Maddison, the best player in the EFL Championship last season. Also, Riyad Mahrez will take some replacing but The Foxes aren’t done with their transfer business yet. Nevertheless, a long season awaits as the Foxes look to better their 9th place finish last term.
Transfers In:
James Maddison – Norwich – £22million
Ricardo Pereira – Porto – Undisclosed
Jonny Evans – West Brom – £3.3million
Transfers Out:
Robert Huth – Released
Ben Hamer – Huddersfield – Free
Riyad Mahrez – Machester City – £60million
LIVERPOOL
The Anfield faithful will be excited for the new season as plenty of new faces arrived. The signing of Alisson from Roma couldn’t have come at a better time, as The Reds look to put their goalkeeping misery behind them. In addition, the signings of Naby Keita, Fabinho and Shaqiri have definitely bolstered their midfield, with Oxlade-Chamberlain set to miss majority of next season after undergoing a knee surgery. Nevertheless, Liverpool may let forwards Danny Ings and Divock Origi leave before the start of the new season.
Transfers In:
Naby Keita – RB Leipzig – £52.75million
Fabinho – AS Monaco – £43.7million
Xherdan Shaqiri – Stoke – £13.5million
Alisson Becker – Roma – £67million
Transfers Out:
Emre Can – Juventus – Free
Ovie Ejaria – Rangers – Loan
Jon Flanagan – Rangers – Free
MANCHESTER CITY
It’s hard to think how Manchester City can be any better than they were last season. Quite frankly, it can’t be visioned, but manager Pep Guardiola will give it a try. However, with Mahrez on board and Leroy Sane well rested there are enough exciting players at Manchester City to believe this could be the start of a dynasty. In addition, this side looks ready for a serious tilt at the Champions League. Also, having missed out on Jorginho, the Citizens have now turned their attention to Mateo Kovacic and Mario Lemina. Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to leave the club within the next few days.
Transfers In:
Riyad Mahrez – Leicester – £60million
Transfers Out:
Pablo Maffeo – Stuttgart – £8.3million
Yaya Toure – Released
Angus Gunn – Southampton – Undisclosed
MANCHESTER UNITED
If Manchester United want to get anywhere near their city rivals next season, big changes have to be made at Old Trafford in order to achieve this. The news of Marouane Fellaini extending signing a two year contract extension didn’t go down well with the fans. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge of the transfer window would be keeping ahold Anthony Martial, with the forward having highlighted his current displeasures with a lack of first-team football. However, it is a ‘make or break’ season for Mourinho.
Transfers In:
Fred – Shakhtar Donestsk – £49.3million
Diogo Dalot – Porto – £18.4million
Lee Grant – Stoke – £1.5million
Transfers Out:
Michael Carrick – Retired
Daley Blind – Ajax – £14million
Sam Johnstone – West Brom – £5million
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Rafael Benitez has admitted he must “wheel and deal” in this summer’s transfer market after bringing in Martin Dubravka, Ki Sung-yueng and Kenedy. Also, he has worked miracles at Tyneside with the reported lack of support from owner Mike Ashley to make it to the point that they find themselves in. While there is Rafa Benitez, there is hope. If the proposed takeover does finally go through, then the chance to build on last season’s top-half finish remains.
Transfers In:
Martin Dubravka – Sparta Prague – Undisclosed
Ki Sung-yueng – Free
Kenedy – Chelsea – Loan
Transfers Out:
Mikel Merino – Real Sociedad – Undisclosed
Massadio Haidara – Lens – Free
SOUTHAMPTON
After a disastrous campaign for the Saints last season, manager Mark Hughes keeps his position after avoiding relegation by the narrowest of margins and will be hoping to shoot back up the table where they belong. Also, the goalkeeper problem has been addressed with the signing of Angus Gunn and with more arrivals promised, improvement is expected. The Saints will also listen to offers for Fraser Forster.
Transfers In:
Stuart Armstrong – Celtic – £7million
Mohamed Elyounoussi – Basel – £16million
Angus Gunn – Manchester City – Undisclosed
Jannik Vestergaard – Borussia Monchengladbach – £18million
Transfers Out:
Guido Carrillo – Leganes – Loan
Dusan Tadic – Ajax – Undisclosed
Stuart Taylor – Released
TOTTENHAM
With Spurs about to move into their new stadium in September, it will be a campaign of adaptation and patience for fans as Mauricio Pochettino continues with his ongoing project. Spurs fans are looking forward to a third successive season of Champions League football and aspirations remain that they can challenge domestically too. They’re currently keeping tabs on Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, for whom Spurs are expected to lodge in a formal offer. The Spurs faithful are left frustrated by their club’s transfer business, with no new faces having arrived. However, their main concern relies over Toby Alderweireld’s future, with the defender failing to commit his long term future at the London side.
Transfers In:
N/A
Transfers Out:
Keanan Bennetts – Monchengladbach – Undisclosed
WATFORD
Manager Javi Garcia will be looking to instill a bit of calm at the Vicarage Road. They have been extremely busy and are willing to get all of their business finished nice and early before their first game at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Brazilian forward Richarlison looks set to complete a big money move to Everton in the next couple of days, which will open up funds for Javi Garcia to invest on more players. Their biggest coup of the summer is Gerard Deulofeu, whose loan move was made permanent.
Transfers In:
Ben Wilmot – Stevenage – Undisclosed
Marc Navarro – Espanyol – Undisclosed
Gerard Deulofeu – Barcelona – £11.5million
Ben Foster – West Brom – Undisclosed
Ken Sema – Ostersunds – Undisclosed
Adam Masina – Bolonga – £3.5million
Transfers Out:
Costel Pantilimon – Nottingham Forest – Undisclosed
Mauro Zarate – Boca Juniors – Undisclosed
Nordin Amrabat – Al-Nassr – Undisclosed
WEST HAM UNITED
Moods were lifted when former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini took the hot seat and immediately got to work with bringing new faces in. However, the big money signings of Issa Diop, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko, along with the addition of Lukasz Fabianski and Jack Wilshere, have definitely got fans excited. Plenty to look forward to as the Hammers have aspirations of a top-8 finish.
Transfers In:
Felipe Anderson – Lazio – £35million
Andriy Yarmolenko – Dortmund – £17.5million
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal – Free
Ryan Fredericks – Fulham – Free
Lukasz Fabianski – Swansea- £7million
Fabian Balbuena – Corinthians – Undisclosed
Transfers Out:
Reece Burke – Hull City – Undisclosed
James Collins – Released
Patrice Evra – Released
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
The West Midlands outfit return to the top flight with a huge reputation having dominated the second-tier last season. In addition, their wide scouting range which is well known to be of manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s access and has made several early signings as a result. Also, it has also been reported that a £5million fee has been agreed with AS Monaco over the transfer of Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho, who is expected to sign for the Wolves in the next couple of days. Their ambition has to be admired as they look to become a force in the Premier League.
Transfers In:
Rui Patricio – Sporting Lisbon – Undisclosed
Benik Afobe – Bournemouth – £12.5million
Willy Boly – Porto – £10million
Raul Jimenez – Benfica – Loan
Diogo Jota – Atletico Madrid – £12.6million
Leo Bonatini – Al Hilal – Undisclosed
Ruben Vinagre – Monaco – Undisclosed
Transfers Out:
Benik Afobe – Stoke – Loan
Ben Marshall – Norwich – Undisclosed
Roderick Miranda – Olympiacos – Loan
Prince Oniangue – Monaco – Undisclosed
