With only a few weeks remaining before the English season is in full swing, we will put the magnifying glass on the wheeling and dealing that has taken place in the transfer market so far. From Modric to Pantsil, we cover all the big signings and the not so glamorous ones and analyze each team's performances off the field.Updated on 03/09/08.
ARSENAL
In: Carlos Vela (recalled from loan spell, work permit approved), Aaron Ramsey (£5m from Cardiff City), Samir Nasri (£15.8m from Marseille), Amaury Bischoff (undisc. from Werder Bremen), Mikel Silvestre (undisc. from Manchester United).
Out: Mathieu Flamini (free to AC Milan), Jens Lehmann (free to Stuttgart), Kerrea Gilbert (season-long loan to Leicester City), Alex Hleb (£11.8m to Barcelona), Gilberto Silva (£1m to Panathinaikos), Armand Traore (season loan to Portsmouth), Justin Hoyte (£3m to Middlesbrough), Nacer Barazite (loan to Derby), Phillipe Senderos (season-long loan to AC Milan).
Summary: Arsene Wenger continues to persevere with youth by bolstering his midfield and attack with some quality young players. The Gunners forward line will be further rejuvenated by the return of Eduardo (after that horrific leg break) and one of the form players of Euro '08, Robin Van Persie, who after a stop start season will be looking to make amends. The versatile Flamini is a big loss for the Gunners and with Silva also shown the door, the Gunners may now be missing a midfield enforcer from their armoury.
Football Analysis Rating: 4/5
ASTON VILLA
In: Curtis Davies (£8m from West Brom), Steve Sidwell (£5m from Chelsea), Brad Guzan (undisc. from Chivas USA), Brad Friedel (undisc. from Blackburn), Nicky Shorey (undisc. from Reading), Carlos Cuellar (£7.8m from Rangers), Luke Young (£6 from Middlesbrough), James Milner (£12m from Newcastle).
Out: Luke Moore (£3.5m to West Brom), Thomas Sorensen (released), Olof Mellberg (free to Juventus), Patrick Berger (free to Sparta Prague), Shaun Maloney (£2.5m to Celtic).
Summary: Martin O'Neill has entrusted in young Curtin Davies to fill the rather large boots left by stalwart Olof Mellberg. English manager Capello was similarly impressed with the former West Brom player by naming him in his first provisional England squad. O'Neill obviously felt that his defence needed strengthening by drafting in a further two goalkeepers and a defensive midfielder in Sidwell, who may prove to be his shrewdest of all signings this summer. If Villa can hang onto captain Gareth Barry (reported interest from Liverpool), then they may very well improve on last season's 6th place.
Football Analysis Rating: 4.5/5
BLACKBURN ROVERS
In: Paul Ince (from MK Dons), Paul Robinson (£3.5m from Spurs), Carlos Villanueva (loaned from Audax Italiano), Danny Simpson (season loan from Man Utd), Julio Santa Cruz (undisc. from Cerro Porteno), Vince Grella (undisc. from Torino), Keith Andrews (undisc. from MK Dons), Mark Bunn (nominal from Northampton Town).
Out: Mark Hughes (mutual consent, Manchester City), Peter Enckelman (released), Stephane Henchoz (released), Bruno Berner (released), Raffaele De Vita (free to Livingston), Brad Friedel (undisc. to Aston Villa), David Bentley (£15m to Tottenham), Gunnar Nielsen (loan to Motherwell), Paul Gallagher (loan to Plymouth).
Summary: The 5 year tenure of former Welsh manager and Man Utd great, Mark Hughes, has finally been brought to an end. In comes another Man Utd legend, Paul Ince, for which the Blackburn board think is a worthy replacement after directing the MK Dons to promotion into Coca Cola League 1. Another key member of the club, Brad Friedel, has been surprisingly let go after his consistent performances in goal which have spanned almost a decade! In contrast, one of the most inconsistent goalkeepers' in recent times, Paul Robinson, has been entrusted with the gloves.
Football Analysis Rating: 1/5
BOLTON WANDERERS
In: Fabrice Muamba (£5m from Birmingham), Johan Elmander (£11m from Toulouse), Mustapha Riga (undisc from Levante), Danny Shittu (£2m from Watford), Ebi Smolarek (loan from Racing Santander).
Out: Daniel Braaten (undisc. to Toulouse), El Hadji Diouf (£2.5 to Bolton), Ivan Campo, Stelios, Andranik (all released), Abdoulaye Meite (£2.5m to WBA), Blerim Dzemaili (season-loan to Torino).
Summary: Manager Gary Megson, has signified that he will adopt the long ball game that former manager, Sam Allardyce, used to great effect for a long time before it all went pear-shaped last year (leading to his sacking). In come two strong and powerful players that compliment Bolton's brand of football, tough tackling midfielder and England U21 representative Muamba, and the hard working Swedish striker, Elmander. The average age of the squad has almost been trimmed in half with the backgammon brigade shown the back door, but it seems as though the midfield has not been adequately replenished with question marks still lurking over The Wanderers forward line.
Football Analysis Rating: 2.5/5
CHELSEA
In: Jose Bosingwa (£16.2m from FC Porto), Deco (£7m from Barcelona), Luiz Felipe Scolari, Fabio Paim (season loan from Sporting Lisbon).
Out: Avram Grant (sacked), Ben Sahar (six-month loan to Portsmouth), Jimmy Smith (six-month loan to Sheffield Wednesday), Hernan Crespo (released), Ryan Bertrand (six-month loan to Norwich), Steve Sidwell (£5m to Aston Villa), Claude Makelele (free to PSG), Tal Ben Haim (£5m to Manchester City), Claudio Pizzaro (loan to Werder Bremen), Shaun Wright-Phillips (£9m to Manchester City),
Summary: Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, has flexed his financial muscle once again by spending £16.2m on a right wing-back! But this is no ordinary wing-back - Jose Bosingwa is a fine athletic specimen whose stamina and great turn of foot will give most left sided players in the league a torrid time. Fellow Portuguese team mate and midfield genius, Deco, also joins the Chelsea ranks and will be the main outlet for all things creative when going forward for the London Blues . Last but not least, completing the Portuguese connection is the vastly experienced former manager of the Portuguese national team, 'Big Phil' Scolari. Will a Brazilian in charge of the reigns see Chelsea playing a more expansive brand of football? Watch this space. Maybe another winger and a striker, to complement Drogba, might of been the order of the day.
Football Analysis Rating (4/5)
EVERTON
In: Lars Jacobsen (free from Nurnberg), Segundo Castillo (loan from Red Star Belgrade), Louis Saha (undisc. from Manchester United), Carlo Nash (undisc. from Wigan), Marouane Fellaini (£15m from Standard Liege).
Out: Lee Carsley (free to Birmingham), Darren Dennehy (free to Cardiff), Andy Johnson (£10.5m to Fulham), Thomas Gravesen, Stefan Wessels (all released).
Summary: On the back of two solid seasons in the Premier League, finishing 6th and 5th respectively, it will be natural to think that the Toffeemen would surely invest in new players to try and atleast repeat their feat of season '04/'05, where they outlasted their Merseyside rivals Liverpool to claim the 4th and final Champions' League spot. But no, the threadbare squad has been cut down even more with key anchorman Carsley returning to his hometown club, Birmingham, and Johnson shown the door for an offer that could not be refused. If press reports are to be believed, several signings are imminent with Sporting's Moutinho having agreed terms and others linked in the press. Everton will need to ensure that some of these deals stick, otherwise they could find themselves been left behind come season's start.
Football Analysis Rating: 3/5
FULHAM
In: Mark Schwarzer (free from Middlesbrough), David Stockdale (undisc. from Darlington), Zoltan Gera (free from West Brom), Andranik (free from Bolton), Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil (from West Ham for combined £6.3m), Andy Johnson (£10.5m from Everton), Fredrik Stoor (£2m from Rosenborg), Tony Kallio (undiscl. from Young Boys Bern), Dickson Etuhu (undisc. from Sunderland), Julian Gray (one-year loan from Coventry City).
Out: Tony Warner (free to Hull), Ricardo Batista (nominal fee to Sporting Lisbon), Elliot Omozusi (loan to Norwich), Dejan Stefanovic (undisc. to Norwich), David Healy (undisc. to Sunderland), Gabriel Zakuani (loan to Peterbrough United), Collins John (loan to NEC Nijmegen), Alexei Smertin (released).
Summary: Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson, has done well this summer to pick up both Australian international stopper, Schwarzer, and West Brom's best player, Zoltan Gera on frees. Hodgson has done equally as well in convincing Fulham owner Mohamed Al-Fayed to part with his hard earned to purchase England international, Andy Johnson. Johnson has been somewhat of an enigma in the Premier League so taking him on for £12m represents a gamble for the Cottagers. You can bet your bottom dollar that if the little speedstar fails to perform, Hodgson will be paying with his job. Defence still looks vulnerable and as Roy Keane at Sunderland would contest, a good keeper alone doesn't necessarily keep you clean sheets.
Football Analysis Rating: 3/5
HULL CITY
In: Craig Fagan (£750,000 from Derby), Geovanni (free from Manchester City), Bernard Mendy (free from PSG), Peter Halmosi (£2m from Plymouth), George Boateng (£1.5m from Middlesbrough), Tony Warner (free from Fulham), Anthony Gardner (£2.5m from Tottenham), Mark Oxley (£150,000 from Rotherham), Marlon King (season-long loan from Wigan), Paul McShane (loan from Sunderland), Kamil Zayatte (loan from Young Boys), Daniel Cousin (undisc. from Rangers).
Out: Jay-Jay Okocha, David Livermore (free to Brighton), Michael Bridges (loan to Carlisle), Henrik Pedersen (free to Silkeborg IF).
Summary: What can we say other than that The Tigers will find it very tough to stay in the top flight. With players like Nick Barmby and Dean Windass still in their ranks, it is inevitable that their high status will be short lived. But wait, can George 'The Boat' Boateng carry his men safely around the treacherous ice bergs and obstacles that will surely await his fellow team mates or will they sink and join the infamous Titanic at the bottom of the seabed. Taking a closer look at manager Phil Brown's signings - Mendy failed to make the grade at a struggling Bolton, Halmosi is unproven at this level, Boateng is getting on a bit, and Geovanni fell out of favour at Manchester City. Ummm..is that a Mayday distress signal I hear??
Football Analysis Rating: 1/5
LIVERPOOL
In: Philipp Degen (free from Borussia Dortmund), Andrea Dossena (undisc. from Udinese), Diego Cavalieri (undisc. from Palmeiras), David Ngog (£1.5m from PSG), Robbie Keane (£19m from Tottenham), Emmanuel Mendy (free from Murcia Deportivo), Vito Flora (free from Botafogo), Peter Gulacs (nominal from MTK Hungaria), Albert Riera (undisc. from Espanyol).
Out: Harry Kewell (free to Galatasaray), John-Arne Riise (£4m to Roma), Antony La Tallec (free to Le Mans), Paul Anderson (loan to Nottingham Forest), Peter Crouch (£11m to Portsmouth), Danny Guthrie (£2.5m to Newcastle), Scott Carson (£3.25m to West Brom), Adam Hammill (six-month loan to Blackpool), David Martin (six-month loan to Leicester City), Sebastian Leto (two-year loan to Olympiakos), Jack Hobbs (loan to Leicester City), Craig Lindfield (loan to Bournemouth), Steve Finnan (undisc. to Espanyol), Andriy Voronin (one-year loan to Hertha Berlin)
Summary: It has been a relatively busy summer at Anfield as manager Benitez has rung the changes in the hope that he has found the right personel to challenge on all fronts, most notably the Champions' League and the elusive English Premier League. Old favourites Kewell and Riise have been replaced with some new blood from major leagues across Europe, with the one exception been former Palmeiras goalkeeper, Diego Cavalieri, who will surely play second fiddle to Reina. Liverpool's biggest capture this summer is former Spurs marksman, Robbie Keane. His partnership with Torres should put the frightners on backlines across the country. Peter 'The Robot Man' Crouch has finally been short circuited and will slowly robot walk his way down south to Portsmouth. Gerrard and Torres will again carry the burden of trying to fire the red half of Merseyside to glory. Maybe a midfielder or two short from competing for the Premiership.
Football Analysis Rating: 3.5/5
MANCHESTER CITY
In: Mark Hughes, Jo (£19m from CSKA Moscow), Tal Ben Haim (£5m from Chelsea), Vincent Kompany (£6m from Hamburg), Shaun Wright-Phillips (£9m from Chelsea), Pablo Zabaleta (undisc. from Espanyol), Glauber Berti (undisc. from Nurnberg), Robinho (£32.5m from Real Madrid).
Out: Sven Goran Eriksson (sacked), Andreas Isaksson (undisc. to PSV Eindhoven), Sun Jihai (Sheffield United, free), Geovanni (free to Hull City), Georgios Samaras (£1.5m to Celtic), Paul Dickov and Emile Mpenza (released), Matthew Mills (£300,000 to Doncaster Rovers), Bernardo Corradi (free to Reggina), Rolando Bianchi (undisc to Torino), Vedran Corluka (£8.5m to Tottenham), Javan Vidal (loan to Grimsby).
Summary: One year on after the 'Sky Blues' were adamant that a Swedish master tactician and a Thai billionare will lead them to glory, Manchester City must reload and go again under the direction of former Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes. Despite accusations of wrong doing back in his home land, Man City owner and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has loosened the purse strings once again to capture the services of highly rated Brazilian, Jo. After having come out of the blocks in fine style last season, only for their campaign to peter out during the winter months (finished 9th), it will be interesting to see how Manchester City fair this time round.
Football Analysis Rating: 2.5/5
MANCHESTER UNITED
In: Fabio and Rafael da Silva (Fluminese), Dimitar Berbatov (£30.75m from Spurs).
Out: Gerard Pique (£5m to Barcelona), Chris Eagles (£1.2m to Burnley), Danny Simpson (season loan to Blackburn), Mikel Silvestre (undisc. to Arsenal), Tom Heaton (loan to Cardiff City), Louis Saha (undisc. to Everton), Fraizer Campbell (loan to Spurs).
Summary: The current European and England champions will look to set the standard once again as teams across Europe aim to shoot them down. The Red Devils' will go a long way in repeating last season's exploits by hanging onto their prized possession and current world footballer of the year, Christiano Ronaldo. Making the loan move of one Carlos Tevez permanent will also be of priority. I guess its a case of 'if it ain't broke why change' for the Super Scot, Sir Alex Ferguson. But, maybe just to keep everyone amused in training, Sir Alex has purchased identical twins from Copa Libertadores finalists, Fluminese. 18yr old twins, Fabio and Rafael are both right-footed wing backs and former Brazilian U-17 representatives. Definitely ones for the future at Old Trafford.
Football Analysis Rating: 3/5
MIDDLESBROUGH
In: Marvin Emnes (£3.2m from Sparta Rotterdam), Didier Digard (£4m from PSG), Justin Hoyte (£3m from Arsenal).
Out: Mark Schwarzer (free to Fulham), Fabio Rochemback, Gaizka Mendieta and Dong Gook Lee (released), Jason Kennedy (free to Darlington), Luke Young (£6m to Aston Villa), Jason Kennedy (free to Darlington), Lee Cattermole (£3.5m to Wigan), George Boateng (£1.5m to Hull), Tony McMahon (loan to Sheffield Wednesday), Steve Thompson (free to Port Vale), Jonathan Grounds (loan to Norwich).
Summary: One of the youngest managers in the Premiership at just 37, Gareth Southgate will aim to steer his side into the top 10 after only having managed 12th and 13th placings in the last few seasons. If I were a Borough fan, I would be very concerned as long time stalwart, Mark Schwarzer, decided to jump ship and move to Fulham. Old heads, Rochemback and Mendieta, have had their noggins placed on the chopping block with Lee's following suit. In come midfielder reinforcements from the continent - former sprinter come winger Marvin Emnes from Rotterdam, and heavily touted central midfielder, Didier Digard from PSG. On paper, The Riversiders shouldn't have trouble scoring but it is consistency and defensive lapses that have let them down in the past. Has Southgate done enough in the transfer market to address these issues? We don't think so.
Football Analysis Rating: 1.5/5
NEWCASTLE UNITED
In: Jonas Gutierrez (Real Mallorca), Danny Guthrie (£2.5m from Liverpool), Sebastien Bassong (undisc. from Metz), Fabricio Coloccini ((£10m from Deportivo La Coruna), Ignacio 'Nacho' Gonzalez (loan from Valencia), Xisco (£5m from Deportivo La Coruna).
Out: Peter Ramage (released, QPR), Stephen Carr (released), David Rozehnal (£2.9m to Lazio), Emre (undisc. to Fenerbahce), Abdoulaye Faye (£2.5m to Stoke), James Milner (£12m to Aston Villa).
Summary: The Geordie faithful will be hoping that former England and Newcastle great, Kevin Keegan, will bring the beautiful game back to St James' Park. After a string of calamitous seasons, on and off the field, the Northerners have had little to cheer about and plenty to moan about. With Titus Bramble now just a bad memory, Newcastle can concentrate on finding some sort of consistency and then try and emulate the free flowing football that was displayed when Ginola and Asprilla were in their prime, some 10 years ago! Maybe some South American flair in Argentine, Jonas Gutierrez, is the answer? Possibly. Or maybe Danny Guthrie?...maybe not. One thing is for sure, Newcastle will need to improve defensively (conceded 65 goals last season, third most) if they are to get anywhere near their glory days. A lack of creativity in the centre of the park may be an issue at the other end.
Football Analysis Rating: 2/5
PORTSMOUTH
In: Glen Little (Reading, free transfer), Ben Sahar (six-month loan from Chelsea), Peter Crouch (£11m from Liverpool), Omar Koroma (undisc. from Banjul Hawks), Younes Kaboul (undisc. from Tottenham), Jerome Thomas (loaned from Charlton), Armand Traore (season-long loan from Arsenal), Younes Kaboul (undisclosed from Spurs), Nadir Belhadj (season-long loan from Lens).
Out: Sulley Muntari (£12.7m to Inter Milan), Pedro Mendes (£3m to Rangers), Omar Alieu Koroma (season-long loan to Norwich City), Joel Ward (loan to Bournemouth), Asmir Begovic (Yeovil, loan), Linvoy Primus (loan to Charlton), Martin Cranie (loan to Charlton), Jean-Francois Christophe (loan to Southend).
Summary: Pompey manager, Harry Redknapp, is known for his midas touch in the transfer market. He has been relatively subdued this summer by only bringing in one player of note, until now, towering striker Peter Crouch. Ben Sahar is a talented young forward but would be hard pressed to displace other senior players in the squad. Muntari will prove to be a big loss as his mobility, tigerish tackling and odd screamer is something Portsmouth don't really have in their locker. Diarra will be expected to fill the void left by the Internazionale bound man, in tandem with Diop. The Pompey struggled for goals last season and 'appy Harry has drafted in attack-minded players to address this issue. Portsmouth play attractive football but seem clueless when venturing towards goal. Crouch has the ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play which will allow speedsters like Defoe and Utaka to feed off him. The 6ft7 man and Portsmouth may prove to be a match made in heaven!
Football Analysis Rating: 3.5/5
STOKE CITY
In: Dave Kitson (£5.5m from Reading), Seyi Olofinjana (£3.5m from Wolves), Thomas Sorensen (free from Aston Villa), Abdoulaye Faye (£2.25m from Newcastle), Amdy Faye (undisclosed from Charlton), Haminu Dramani (6-month loan from Lokomotiv Moscow), Andrew Davies (undisc. from Southampton), Ibrahima Sonko (£2.5m from Reading), Danny Higginbotham (£2m from Sunderland), Tom Soares (undiscl. from Crystal Palace), Michael Tonge (£2m from Sheffield United).
Out: Dominic Matteo, Russell Hoult, Marlon Broomes and Adam Garrett (all released), Adam Rooney (£50,000 to Inverness), Anthony Pulis (loan to Southampton), Ryan Shotton (loan to Tranmere), Jon Parkin (undiscl. to Preston).
Summary: The Potters return to the big league after an absence of 23 years. They confirmed their status in the Premier League after securing a 1-1 draw against Leicester City on the final day of the regular season. Stoke manager Tony Pulis, currently serving his second spell with the club, will hope a blend of experience and youth will be enough to consolidate their position among the big boys for years to come. To achieve this, Pulis has made some wise additions to the squad - namely the redhead from Reading, striker Dave Kitson, Nigerian international midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana and experienced Norwegian keeper, Thomas Sorensen. With already some experienced heads such as Andy Griffin (ex Newcastle), Salif Diao (ex Liverpool), and Ricardo Fuller (ex Portsmouth) in the team, they might just have enough about them to stay up.
Football Analysis Rating: 3.5/5
SUNDERLAND
In: Teemu Taino (undisc. from Tottenham), Nick Colgan (free agent), Pascal Chimbonda (undisc. from Tottenham), El Hadji Diouf (£2.5 from Bolton), Steed Malbranque (undisc. fee from Tottenham), David Healy (undisc. fee from Fulham), Djibril Cisse (season loan from Marseille), Anton Ferdinand (£8m from West Ham), George McCartney (£4.5m from West Ham).
Out: Greg Halford (season-long loan to Sheffield United), Andy Cole (free to Nott'm Forest), Ian Harte, Stanislav Varga and Stephen Wright (all released), Dickson Etuhu (undisc. to Fulham), Paul McShane (loan to Hull), Danny Higginbotham (undisc. to Stoke).
Summary: Black Cats manager and former Man United great, Roy Keane, has used his superb man management skills this summer to lure some experienced players to the Stadium of Light. The Irishman's interpersonal skills will be further put to the test as this season develops (and beyond) as he tries to curb the tempers of Diouf and Chimbonda and on the other end of the spectrum, encourage and inspire former Spurs team mates Malbranque and Taino to give their all for the cause. Bad news for Sunderland is that their star striker and main focal point going forward, Kenwyne Jones, will miss atleast the first 2 months of the season with knee ligament damage. Two months is a long time in football and Sunderland may need to think seriously about investing in another striker.
Football Analysis Rating: 4/5
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
In: Luka Modric (£16m from Croatia Zagreb, subject to work permit), Giovani Dos Santos (initial £4.7m from Barcelona), John Bostock (initial £700,000 from Crystal Palace), David Bentley ( £15m from Blackburn), Heurelho Gomes (£7.8m from PSV), Cesar Sanchez (undisc. from Real Zaragoza), Roman Pavlyuchenko (undisc from Spartak Moscow), Vedran Corluka (£8.5m from Man City), Fraizer Campbell (loan from Man U).
Out: Radek Cerny (Released, QPR), Tommy Forecast (undisclosed to Southampton), Teemu Taino (undisc. to Sunderland), Paul Robinson (£3.5million to Blackburn), Pascal Chimbonda (undisc. to Sunderland), Robbie Keane (£19m to Liverpool), Steed Malbranque (undisc. fee to Sunderland), Younes Kaboul (undisc. to Portsmouth), Dimitar Berbatov (£30.75m to Man U), Anthony Gardner (£2.5m to Hull), Younes Kaboul (£5m to Portsmouth), Lee Young-Pyo (undiscl. to Borussia Dortmund).
Summary: Spurs manager, Juande Ramos, seems to be getting White Hart Lane back in order after the tumultuous few seasons which finally led to the unsavoury departure of one Martin Jol. Spurs fans always have high expectations for their team and the Spanish manager is slowly showing signs that he may be ready to deliver. Modric had a stellar tournament at the Euros and will add guile and creativity to the Spurs engine room that has not been witnessed since Ossie Ardiles. Giovani Dos Santos is a quality young attacking player who at age 19, already has been capped 5 times for his native Mexico. One of England's most promising players, David Bentley, also joins the Spurs ranks and he will provide the deadly cross or defence splitting pass that the departed Steed Malbranque so rarely produced. At the other end, Brazilian goalkeeper Gomes will provide the assurance and stability in defence, of that which old keeper Paul Robinson failed so dismally in achieving. If Tottenham can hang onto Berbatov, they can make a serious run for the top 4 this season.
Football Analysis Rating: 5/5
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
In: Luke Moore (£3m from Aston Villa), Do-heon Kim (£550,000 from Seongnam Ilhwa Shunma), Roman Bednar (£2.5m from Hearts), Gianni Zuiverloon (£2.3m from Heerenveen), Graham Dorrans (£100,000 from Livingston), Marek Cech (£1.4m from Porto), Scott Carson (£3.25m from Liverpool), Abdoulaye Meite (£2.5m from Bolton), Borja Valero (£5m from Real Mallorca), Jonas Olsson (£800,000 from NEC Nijmegen), Ryan Donk (loan from AZ Alkmaar).
Out: Zoltan Gera (free to Fulham), Martin Albrechtsen (free to Derby), Curtis Davies (£8m to Aston Villa), Kevin Phillips (free to Birmingham), Luke Daniels (season-long loan to Shrewsbury), Tininho (released), Michal Danek (free to Viktoria Plzen).
Summary: Thanks to the sale of Curtis Davies, Baggies manager Tony Mowbray, has been the most active in the transfer market among the promoted teams. Notable inclusions include striker Luke Moore, Slovak defender Marek Cech, and former Liverpool keeper Scott Carson. Filling the void left by 07/08 player of the season, Zolton Gera, will be a big ask but some of that responsibility may fall on the shoulders of Korean Republic international, Do-heon Kim whose contract was made permanent after playing 4 games on loan last season. The majority of creative invention will come from the feet of captain and former Middlesbrough player, Jonathan Greening. After an impressive 13 goals in 29 league starts (while on loan), 6ft3 striker Roman Bednar will hope to repeat a similar strike rate against higher quality opposition.
Football Analysis Rating: 4/5
WEST HAM UNITED
In:Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (free from HK Kopavogur), Valon Behrami (£5m from Lazio), Jan Lastuvka (one-year loan from Shakhtar Donetsk), Bálint Bajner (undisc. from Liberty Oradea).
Out: Nolberto Solano (released), Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil (to Fulham for combined £6.3m), Richard Wright (undisc. to Ipswich), Freddie Ljungberg (released), Anton Ferdinand (£8m to Sunderland), George McCartney (£4.5m to Sunderland).
Summary: The Hammers finished in mid table last season but were only one of two teams in the top half of the table (other was Manchester City) with a negative goal difference of -8. The team suffered from a plethora of injuries, with key men Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker, and Kieron Dyer forced to sit on the sidelines for lengthy periods. Taking this into consideration, it was a good effort by the London club to finish as high as they did but will look to push on this season with new wing-back, Swiss international Valon Behrami. Behrami is a 6ft3, 23 yr old with experience at all levels of the game, including World Cup '06 and Euro '08. I believe this squad lacks real quality wide players. Boa Morte and Ljunberg are not as quick as they were a few years ago, and Etherington suffers from inconsistency. A player though to look out for is young striker and England U19 representative, Freddie Sears, who looked bright in his 7 appearances for the club in the last campaign. If Bellamy and Ashton can stay fit, West Ham have an outside chance at qualifying for the UEFA Cup and maybe a shot at one of the domestic cups.
Football Analysis Rating: 2/5
WIGAN ATHLETIC
In: Daniel De Ridder (free from Birmingham), Olivier Kapo (£3.5m from Birmingham), Amr Zaki (loan from Zamalek), Lee Cattermole (£3.5m from Middlesbrough).
Out: Josip Skoko and Salomon Olembe (both released), Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor), Andreas Granqvist (free to Groningen), David Cotterill (undisc. to Sheffield United), Marlon King (season-long loan to Hull), Rachid Bouaouzan (season-long loan to NEC Nijmegen), Carlo Nash (undisc. to Everton), Antoine Sibierski (loan to Norwich).
Summary: Ex Birmingham City manager, Steve Bruce, seems to hold grudges against his former employers after stripping them off of some of their better players, namely De Ridder and Kapo. The former failed to settle but has undoubted talent (Ajax academy product) and the latter scored 5 goals from midfield in his debut season in the Premier League...impressive! Wigan struggled to find the back of the net last season (34 goals - 2nd worst record) so Bruce will need to either dig deep in the coffers or Kapo will need to atleast double his tally from last season. With the likes of Heskey, Kamara, King and Sibierski up front, it's not hard to see where Wigan need strengthening.
Football Analysis Rating: 3/5
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