Of course, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City have got in some of the best players this summer, but they shouldn’t be counted as a good business given the enormous money of the owners they were able to splurge on the desired targets.
The main challenge and thrill were for the lower and mid table clubs, who had limited resources and little planning to hunt their targets as they had to wait for the perfect time and money to get suitable players. Here are the three clubs that have done some extraordinary business in the recent transfer window:
West Bromwich Albion-
The Baggies started the transfer season horribly with two experienced players Darren Fletcher, their former skipper, and Jonas Olsson leaving the side with their spine crippled. Tony Pulis couldn’t afford to extend Fletcher’s contract so it was understandable that getting a replacement for an important player would be very difficult.
However, West Brom did brilliantly well to get in Gareth Barry from Everton. In Ahmed Hegazi, the Welshman has a thrilling prospect in hand who has already scored on his debut. Getting Jay Rodriguez from Southampton was always a gamble but we all knew that the English forward has potential when he is not injured.
The last few transfers, however, have been the best for West Brom. In Kieran Gibbs and Grzegorz Krychowiak, Pulis has two experienced players who can maintain calm and composure against the toughest sides and young Oliver Burke will bring the much needed from their rare counter attacks.
Stoke City-
After finishing terribly last season, Stoke City manager Mark Hughes had a tough task on his hands to get things back on track. And the fans were severely discouraged when the club sold Marko Arnautovic to West Ham United.
Getting Darren Fletcher was in intelligent buy as he could be thrown into the middle right from the first game, but an unknown Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting didn’t quite give confidence to them. However, having Kurt Zouma from Chelsea (loan) was a great move as they were still unsure of Bruno Martins Indi’s arrival. Jese Rodriguez from PSG really killed it and his opening game impact against Arsenal has everyone jumping with anticipation. And the late arrival of the Dutch enforcer was the cherry on the cake.
Tottenham Hotspur-
Despite not being a mid-table side, the Lilywhites have brought in some really impactful players that might take them all the way in the league now. In Davinson Sanchez and Serge Aurier, Mauricio Pochettino has two very versatile and young options who are not only established but are world class talents.
While Fernando Llorente could be the buy of the season given his brilliant technique and finesse from quality deliveries.
