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With just over a week left in the January transfer window, it’s time to assess what each Premier League team needs. Some need to splash the cash big time in their quest to make the top four, or stay up, while other may resist the urge to spend.
All this week at ProSoccerTalk, we’re breaking down the transfer needs of every PL team. Here’s the next batch.
Manchester United
Where do we start with the Red Devils? Arguably only four players have done enough to warrant not being replaced this season: David de Gea, Adnan Januzaj, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. The real problem area is midfield as United tried desperately to bring in a whole host of players in the summer window and failed. A move for Juan Mata could work, but David Moyes needs a new central midfield and central defense. A top four spot is dependent on United splashing the cash.
Newcastle United
No massive needs for Newcastle, as they are banging goals in from all over the pitch and look pretty solid at the back. Keeping hold of the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Tim Krul will be crucial in this window, but adding another striker to compliment Loic Remy would be worthwhile. Dutchman Luuk De Jong is close to a loan move, as Alan Pardew’s side have an outside chance of making the top four.
Norwich City
The Canaries still need more firepower, after summer signings Gary Hooper, Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Johan Elmander haven’t delivered more goals. Apart from that Norwich are solid across midfield and in defense, and have impressive strength in-depth. But if Chris Hughton’s men want to stave off relegation, a new striker is a must.
Southampton
Much like Newcastle, Southampton only really need to add one player but focus on keeping their star performers at the club. The likes of Luke Shaw, Jay Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana have all been linked with moves away but Mauricio Pochettino is adamant nobody will leave. A few injuries could see Saints dipping into the loan market, Pochettino knows La Liga well so don’t be surprised if he heads in that direction for a playmaker/defender.
Stoke City
The Potters must shed a few off the wage bill before they can bring players in, and Mark Hughes must do that quickly if he’s going to make his squad stronger. Notoriously Stoke always do plenty of business on deadline day, and it will need to be another big window if they aren’t going to get dragged into the relegation battle. One quality new player up front, in midfield and in defense is needed.
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