With the 2022-23 season now over, here is a guide to 14 top summer transfer targets.
Over the coming weeks, rumours are set to swirl around several Premier League players as the summer transfer window opens with clubs looking to hold onto key players whilst recruiting fresh reinforcement in various positions.
From a fan perspective at every club, there will surely be nerves over whether rumours are true or just wild crazy speculation to fill column space, so here is a guide to 14 top-flight players who are set to be amongst the main targets in this summer’s transfer window.
David Raya (Brentford)
Having established himself as a top-quality goalkeeper this season after an injury-hit first top-flight campaign in 2021-22 season, Brentford’s David Raya has certainly put himself in the shop window for a big-money move this summer.
From stunning saves to excellent goalkeeping distribution and passing ability, Raya has proven key to Brentford’s progress this season in which the outfield have been able to push higher up the pitch and consequently make further progress in performance.
It is therefore little surprise that Raya has attracted attention from Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea, particularly with one year left on his contract and having refused two fresh contract offers which could make clubs more willing to lure his for a cheaper transfer fee.
Brentford though will surely like to keep hold of the Spaniard as they look to continue their progress and at least not sell to a London rival, unless the deal suits all parties.
Keylor Navas (Nottingham Forest – on loan from PSG)
Having adapted superbly to the Premier League during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest after falling down the pecking order at PSG, Keylor Navas surely deserves to have several suitors in England as well as across Europe.
With safety now assured, Forest surely have to be in the hot seat to sign Navas permanently but the Costa Rica international deserves to be playing for a club which will offer UEFA competitions next season – such is his experience and high wages which is a stumbling block for Forest.
His Premier League stats meanwhile make for impressive reading because Navas has managed 13 punches in 17 appearances, which is brilliant when put in context against goalkeepers like David de Gea, Ederson, David Raya and Jose Sa who have played all season but made less punches.
Navas though is 36 years-old and approaching the end of his career but if he continues to play like he has done this season, he would be a valuable asset to a club like Manchester United, Newcastle United or even Brighton at a push.
Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Despite hititng the end of his career at 38 years-old but having agreed a contract extension until end of 2023-24 season, Thiago Silva’s future at Chelsea has been under scrutiny with rumours speculating he could end the deal early to re-join his boyhood club – Fluminense in Brazil.
Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival as manager will only add to the speculation because the Argentinean must trim an oversized squad, with at least ten players expected to be sold which could make Silva vulnerable with just one year left on his contract.
Silva though was Chelsea’s main centre-back this season with consistent performances and 35 appearances – more than any other defender at the club, which makes the idea of selling him look slightly bizarre when others have struggled with injury and form throughout the campaign.
Pochettino eventually will have the final say on the 38 year-old’s future but Silva has more than proved than he is capable of leading Chelsea’s defence with his experience, despite the Argentinean’s perference for young players to build his team around.
Levi Colwill (Brighton – on loan from Chelsea)
Although Levi Colwill was never going to come in and disrupt the established central defensive pairing of Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk at Brighton, the 20 year-old has delivered reliable performances whenever called upon and played a crucial role in Brighton’s run towards European qualification.
Recent weeks saw Brighton’s squad depth exposed with injuries to players like Joel Veltman and Adam Webster, of whom Colwill to his credit have ran close in some defensive aspects in only his first season as a top-flight player.
Admittedly there are parts of Colwill’s defensive play which still needs development like in his blocking and tackling, yet he has more than shown that he is capable of delivering in the Premier League so expect some clubs like Brighton and Liverpool to eye up a move for the 20 year-old.
Chelsea though won’t let him go easily given how how highly-rated he is amongst club staff, so it will be a difficult task but worth a serious attempt if he wants stability away from the Blues’ mess on and off the pitch.
Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Having slid down Arsenal’s defensive pecking order with just 15 starts in his 36 appearances in all competitions this season, Kieran Tierney surely will be looking for a fresh start elsewhere with regular game time.
Tierney though has experienced European football for the majority of his senior career with Celtic then Arsenal, so it wouldn’t be too surprising if he has one eye on moving to a club which can offer guaranteed European football next season.
Current rumours seem to have Newcastle as the sole frontrunner which is understandable because Tierney would add European quality in a left-back role which hasn’t exactly had a consistent starter this season, with Dan Burn, Jamal Lewis and Matt Targett having shared that position.
Eddie Howe and his Magpies on that note would be mad to not try and lure Tierney to St James’ Park, especially with the 25 year-old out of favour at Arsenal and hitting his prime years whilst solving their left-back issue.
Man City also are rumoured to be circling with intention to make a transfer bid but their defence is already strong, so expect Tierney to look for a club this summer where he will be a regular starter.
Declan Rice (West Ham)
It is no secret that Declan Rice is set to exit West Ham this summer with Arsenal considered as serious frontrunners, especially if Granit Xhaka leaves the Gunners because Rice would be a strong replacement for the Switzerland international.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also heavily linked with the 24 year-old, which could be interesting moves for different reasons at both clubs.
At Man Utd, Rice would provide a solid focal point for Erik Ten Hag to build his midfield round in the long-term – especially given that Fred and Casemiro are in the latter stages of their peak years whilst Donny van de Beek has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford.
Bayern Munich defensive midfield meanwhile needs fresh reinforcement with only Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Ryan Gravenberch currently capable of playing in that position, whilst Daley Blind has occasionaly occupied that role hence why Bayern are likely keen on Rice.
A move to Bayern also will look attractive from Rice’s perspective, having has seen fellow young English players like; Jude Bellingham, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Jonjoe Kenny and Lee Buchanan excel following moves to German clubs.
Even Rice’s defensive stats compared to other English midfielders underlines why various clubs want him, having topped blocks, interceptions, tackles and clearances statistics amongst English midfielders – plus he also was the best player at making interceptions in the top flight this season.
West Ham fans therefore should have little doubt about Rice’s plans for next season but if West Ham win the Europa Conference League, it would add slightly extra intrigue as to whether he stays or go but Rice is surely heading for a bigger club this summer.
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Despite Southampton’s disastrous season, James Ward-Prowse still continued to be a consistent star in their midfield with his set-piece speciality amidst his strong midfield ability, which has seen him score 11 goals and create five assists in all competitions.
The 28 year-old also is aggressive in his pressing when off the ball which only made him stand out even more in the Saints’ difficult campaign, yet relegation now means that he must move on if he wants to stay in the top flight and develop his game further with a new challenge.
On the other hand, Ward-Prowse has spent his entire career at Southampton since joining at eight years-old, so this summer is a mini-test of his loyalty because he could stay and try help the Saints claim promotion next season or he can depart assured of his legacy at the club.
Underlining Ward-Prowse’s overall ability in terms of both attack and defensive work, he has topped eight different categories for Southampton this season:
- Goals (9)
- Assists (4)
- Shots on Target (20)
- Passes (1,920)
- Touches (2,564)
- Crosses (241)
- Interceptions (55)
- Tackles (65)
Considering the talent at Southampton, those stats seriously demonstrate that Ward-Prowse surely can’t be playing second-tier football next season, even though Southampton has reportedly put a £40m price tag on the midfielder.
In terms of where he ends up, there are plenty of options with West Ham looking a strong bet if Rice moves on because Ward-Prowse would fill that role perfectly and bring more experience to the Hammers’ defensive midfield plus an extra attacking option tactically.
Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
Having played a crucial role in Brighton’s successful push for European qualification plus Argentina’s World Cup success, it is little wonder that Alexis Mac Allister is high on the radar of many Premier League rivals.
Famed for his midfield creativity plus technical ability in terms of attacking and defensive play, the 24 year-old Argentinean has been involved in 17 goals for club and country this season – 13 goals and four assists, underlining why many teams are eager to sign Mac Allister.
Brighton though are assured of European football next season and playing strong entertaining football under a top-quality young manager, which has to be a huge pull in persuading Mac Allister to stick around for another season at minimum.
Liverpool meanwhile are in need of a young midfielder which suits their high-intensity pressing style with Jude Bellingham looking too expensive, of which Mac Allister would fit the role at a cheaper price so expect serious interest from the Merseyside club plus potentially other top teams this summer.
Moises Caicedo (Brighton)
Whilst Mac Allister has been Brighton’s bright midfield spark, Moises Caicedo in-turn has attracted attention in his own way with a number of impressive performances as the Seagulls’ defensive midfielder.
With his calm composure in touching the ball within possession and excellent ability in creating and completing passes within attacks, Caicedo has proven to be one of this season’s surprise players with more interceptions and tackles than any other Brighton player.
Caicedo has also demonstrated his brilliant defensive pressing ability this season especially when causing disruption to oppositional attacks, during which he has proven with tough tackles and interceptions whilst also posing an aerial threat.
The Ecuador midfielder even found himself tempted by a move to Arsenal late in January’s transfer window, but rebounded following a perioud of personal leave underlining just how strong he is as a player to use that sort of attention to motivate himself to higher performance levels.
It is therefore no surprise that Arsenal are expected to return with a fresh offer amidst competition from Chelsea, although I do wonder if Caicedo might be better off staying if Mikel Arteta’s Gunners sign Declan Rice and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante who both fulfil a similar role.
James Maddison (Leicester)
With Leicester’s confirmation to the Championship confirmed, attacking midfielder – James Maddison is surely set to leave the King Power Stadium following months of interest from Newcastle.
Involved in more goals than any other Leicester player this season with 10 goals and nine assists plus a constant threat in the Foxes’ attack, Maddison should have plenty of suitors especially if he is available at a cut-price value now that Leicester are down.
Newcastle will also be able to offer Champions League football which is something that Maddison is yet to experience, yet he is a player who is capable of shining on the big stage given his talent and he would be a key player for the Magpies.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd are also thought to be interested but Maddison will likely want to go to a club where he will be guaranteed regular game time, so Newcastle will be the club to keep an eye on concerning any move for Maddison.
Harvey Barnes (Leicester)
Harvey Barnes is in a similar situation to Maddison because he too shouldn’t be playing second-tier football given his talent, which saw him finish the season as Leicester’s top goalscorer with 13 goals but contributed only one assist.
Two of Barnes’ best qualities are his raw pace when making runs on the left flank and ability to play quick one-two moves, which suits a high-intensity pressing teams, so Liverpool and Newcastle look likely suitors for the 25 year-old left-winger.
In fact, Newcastle should look to try and do a cut-price transfer deal for Maddison and Barnes if possible, because those two together will add extra energy and firepower to the Magpies alongside Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson and other players.
Either way, there is little chance of Barnes playing his football in the second-tier next season except perhaps in August if there are negotiations issues dragging beyond pre-season.
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Having scored 278/9/80/81 goals in 434/5 appearances in all competitions across the last 12 seasons for Tottenham, Harry Kane’s future is now under serious scrutiny given Tottenham’s lack of title success and his desire to win trophies.
Kane also is now 29 years-old and starting to approach the end of his prime years so if there is a time for him to move on in search of trophies, it has to realistically be now or never otherwise he will be solely remembered as Tottenham’s iconic all-time goalscorer with no titles to his name.
Even if Spurs try to cling onto Kane throughout the summer with a top-quality new manager and squad improvement, there will still be questions surrounding the club’s ability to fight for major honours within the next few years which will give Kane plenty of thinking to do.
Man Utd and Real Madrid therefore are unsurprisingly linked with moves for Kane who has 12 months left on his contract, but if he wants trophies whilst at his peak then he must leave North London this summer even if his future goes the distance to Deadline Day.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Having produced 16 goals and six assists in 40 appearances for Aston Villa this season – of which 13 goals came since Unai Emery arrived in November, it isn’t surprising that Ollie Watkins has attracted attention from various top clubs.
Famed for his versatility up front in both the winger and central striker positions with physicality and ability to play deep to help with link-up play, there is plenty of reasons why clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham are looking at Watkins to boost their depth and quality.
Bayern Munich were even rumoured to be interested but I just can’t see Watkins heading to Bayern, especially when he could join a strong team within England although Tottenham won’t be offering European football next season unlike Villa.
Watkins’ future therefore is one to watch out for across the summer because although it would be great to see him stick with Villa for their Europa Conference League adventures, it remains to be seen if the lure of a bigger-name club is too great.
Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Set to officially leave Liverpool once his contract expires on 30 June, Roberto Firmino surely has to be on the radar of various clubs looking for a top striker as a free signing.
Currently approaching the end of his prime years as a forward at 31 years-old, Firmino is still a reliable player despite often being utilised as a substitute as part of Jurgen Klopp’s transitional evolution of Liverpool’s forward line-up.
The big question now for the Brazilian is whether he wants to go and experience a new challenge in France, Spain or Italy for example, or does he want to remain in the Premier League happily settled in England which could open the door for a move to somewhere like Newcastle or Aston Villa.
There also has to be little doubt that if Firmino stays in Europe, he will certainly want to be part of a club that offers European football – which could open the door for Newcastle given his experience or even Aston Villa if he wants a reunion with ex Liverpool teammate – Philippe Coutinho.
Firmino’s future however lies in his own hands and as a free agent, he certainly is bound to be a hot topic of conversation especially with Real Madrid considering him an easier target than Kane.
Leave a Reply