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 final batch.
SUNDERLAND
Sunderland needed to strengthen a leaky defense and got down to business early in January, acquiring full-back Marcos Alonso (from Fiorentina) and center-back Santiago Vergini (from Estudiantes). As loanees both players are mere stop-gaps, meaning the Black Cats will reassess the back line come this summer. On the offensive side of the ball Gus Poyet’s side has quality in Steven Fletcher and a talented group of wingers (Fabio Borini, Emanuel Giaccherini, Seb Larsson, Adam Johnson) but could use a more dependable holding midfielder to provide an alternative to Lee Cattermole.
SWANSEA CITY
The Swans are in a free-fall and need to add depth if they plan on continuing their Europa League run while avoiding relegation. Wilfried Bony has improved of late but with Michu’s injury, the Swans should look to bring in another option up top. On the wings, Pablo Hernandez and Nathan Dyer’s health issues could demand a new player be brought in while the center of the park has been solid with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Jonathan De Guzman and Jose Canas. Michael Laudrup can’t afford to lose anyone from his defense, especially Ashley Williams, and could use some added strength at right-back where Angel Rangel and Dwight Tiendalli have been average at best.
TOTTENHAM
Spurs arguably have more depth than any club in the Premier League so purchases are unlikely although we may see Tim Sherwood bring in a young striker to replace the loss of Jermain Defoe (to Toronto FC) and add cover to Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado.
WEST HAM UNITED
If West Ham are to avoid relegation they must purchase a new striker. Andy Carroll recently returned from injury but the Hammers must provide cover in case the injury-prone Geordie goes down again. In the midfield, holding on to Ravel Morrison is an absolute must while bringing in another creative force to operate behind the strikers could be a good move considering Kevin Nolan’s underwhelming season and Mo Diame’s new knee injury. At the back, Roger Johnson was brought in earlier this month but has struggled meaning Sam Allardyce would do well to bring in a center-back of proven quality.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Albion made the unpopular decision to sell Shane Long but have cover up top in Saido Berahino, Nicholas Anelka and Victor Anichebe. Pepe Mel’s side could use some strengthening at right-back where Billy Jones has been average at best but money issues will constrict their ability to buy.
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