A team that did nothing at all was a winner, but a side that reinvigorated a midfield and swapped out a keeper ended up a loser – Vieri Capretta explains all 

WINNERS

Liverpool

The kings of the English transfer window, without a doubt. Did some crucial business nice and early, and completed the cake with the best goalkeeper in Europe from last season. It all came at a cost, of course, but Jurgen Klopp bought the players needed in the various positions. After reaching the Champions League final, it was clear the attack wasn’t a problem. More was needed in the middle, and obviously in goal. In come Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alisson.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola already had plenty of options, plenty of young players and so much quality. Keeping the same group together is fundamental, as well as adding Riyad Mahrez, who has proven to be a worthwhile man in the Premier League. By the looks of it, the champions don’t seem to have a true rival for the domestic trophy, and can keep on chasing the title of “Best Premier League side ever” without too much pressure.

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Tottenham

For the first time in history a Premier League side has done zero transfer business, both inwards and outwards. As per Man City, it is vital for Tottenham to not have sold any of the key players. Mauricio Pochettino has developed a system and a style around this group of youngsters that have developed and grown under him, and to keep the group united is the first step to try and snatch some silverware. Sure, more could have been done in bringing players to Tottenham, but already starting another season with the likes of Harry Kane is huge.

Fulham

Exactly what is needed to kill off the relegation battle quickly, after getting promoted. Reinforcements in every sector, $120 million spent and a total of 12 signings.

Everton

Bernard is the icing on the cake of a transfer session that has seen the Toffees also land Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina and many others. After the flop of last season, despite the big summer spending, this time there seems to be the right squad to do well.

LOSERS

Manchester United

Pretty much the same squad that came second last season. No improvement whatsoever: the same alternatives for the same positions, bar Fred as added value in midfield. Yes, keeping the same squad and structure for City and Spurs is a positive factor, but for this Manchester United side it is the opposite. José Mourinho needed to change something from the dullness of the 2017/18 season, and the transfer window should have been the key.

Chelsea

A new manager – Maurizio Sarri – with a new style of play. A new goalkeeper, as well as a new midfield, with Jorginho and Kovacic bringing quality. Is this enough to get a Champions League spot? Probably not, to be honest. The strikers are the same, as well as the defenders. Of course, Sarri is known to work hard and improve his players, but it doesn’t seem enough to properly challenge for a top four finish. A centre forward was a priority.

Arsenal

The post-Arsene Wenger era begins, but it doesn’t seem like it will be any different to the latter part of the Frenchman’s reign. The only real addition is Lucas Torreira, who is a quality midfielder, but nothing was done to add more character to the midfield and strength to the defence.

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Sokratis Papastathopoulos is just not enough to improve Arsenal’s back line. Confirming the current Mesut Ozil seems a foolish move, considering the cost as well, and unless Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang steps up, Arsenal will continue to have the same old issues.

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