Premier League: Preseason Plans For The Top Four

The 2020-21 football season ended with Premier League side, Chelsea lifting their second Champions League trophy at the expense of Manchester City who were looking for their first.

The rebuilding of each team is expected to begin in earnest as clubs begin to plan for the next season. Many teams will want to complete their deals even before the Euros. This will give them a sense of direction for preseason planning, which they missed last season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Now that every other team in the English top division know their fate, all that is left to do is to prepare for the season ahead.

Brentford eventually secured a return to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory over Swansea at Wembley. They join Norwich City and Watford in top flight. This is their reward for not giving up after losing the battle to Fulham during extra time last season.

In this article, Oladipupo Mojeed brings us his views on what the Premier League top four teams and others could do to boost their squads before Premier League Season 21/22 kicks off.

Manchester City

After his team’s defeat, Pep Guardiola said the loss shouldn’t affect their successful season where they broke and set many records. Following the departure of Sergio Aguero, City is expected to make securing a striker its priority.

The Premier League champions are currently being linked with Harry Kane. Apart from that, Guardiola may have to sell Benjamin Mendy, Nathan Ake or Aymeric Laporte and bring in the right replacement for them at the back.

In the middle of the pack, the Spaniard will be ruing his mistake for not starting the Champions League final with a recognised defensive midfielder, allowing Ngolo Kante to have a field day with a man of the match display.

Fernandinho is aging, so there is a need to start rebuilding the squad with fresh blood as the Brazilian might not be available to play all the games.

Manchester United

Moving on to their neighbours, the Red Devils seems to be struggling with killer instincts. This was obvious in the match against Villareal. They created all the chances but only one made it into the net.

Although Edison Cavani has proven his mettle as a top-class act, the Uruguayan is in a similar boat to Fernandinho. Anthony Martial is another point man who usually misses chances. It is therefore important that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer gets a reliable striker since the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood can play from the flank. Having Kane and Cavani coming later in game will not be a bad idea.

Another part that needs reinforcement is the defensive midfield. This will allow Pogba and Fernandes to thrive. They seem to have sorted the problems in the goalkeeping department with Dean Henderson. In the event that David De Gea leaves, United will need to get him a backup while getting at least another central back that can pair with Harry Maguire.

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Liverpool

Liverpool’s main issue last season was their central defence. Thankfully, they are doing something about it with the acquisition of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. The return of Virgil Van Dijk is also expected to provide lasting solutions to that department.

In the middle, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to return. There is a need to get a replacement for Giorgio Wijnadulm who will be leaving on free transfer.

United have no concerns with their goalkeeping. And in the striking department, Takumi Minamino is expected to offer more competition.

Chelsea

Luck was on the side of Chelsea on the final day of the Premier League season and they finished fourth. Naturally, the pressure of defending their Champions League title will be immense.

They will need a reliable striker as they are likely to discard Olivier Giroud. Romelu Lukaku, who they are targeting could be the answer to the striking problem at Stamford Bridge.

Apart from defence, all other departments are likely to witness some reshuffling as Thomas Tuchel continues to rebuild the squad.

What others need ahead of next season

The other teams in the League will be hoping to change the norm and fight for the top spot. Some of the more average teams will be content with just avoiding the drop.

For instance, Leeds United are expected to have another fantastic season after returning to the top flight last season. One can’t rule out Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However it all boils down to their level of preparedness and personnel for the new season.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise if the promoted teams get brilliant results and give the established sides a run for their money. It’s a season to look forward to.