The logic behind Premier League clubs spending nearly 2 billion in the transfer market

Merely collecting players or changing tactics would not work, but how the new recruits alter and bolster the tactics and ethos of the club would be as intriguing as absorbing. The loosest purse strings have been Liverpool’s. The coffers are cash-awash after finishing top last season. The financial regulations watchdogs are aware of the meagre spendings in the last season. But the title winners needed renewal, forced by departures, a cruel death, an ageing maestro and a quest to assert their supremacy in the coming years.

The most exciting is the arrival of Florian Wirtz, the winger from Bayer Leverkusen, for 116 million pounds.
Imaginative, inventive and nippy, he could be deployed as a left-sided No.10, pulling the strings. Last year, Dominik Szoboszlai fulfilled the role, but his profile was different. He was more of an enforcer than creator, leading the press, making the runs behind the opposition and was incredibly diligent off the ball. But he was not a natural goal-scorer or a creator, as his combined goal/assist tally of 17 in 49 games suggest.

Wirtz could do all these, but Slot would expect him to be in the final third more often than Szoboszlai. This would leave space in the midfield, putting more pressure on Ryan Gravenberch especially in defensive transitions. Potentially, Slot would slot Szoboszlai into the No.8 role, meaning Curtis Jones would contend warming the benches. He could be installed as No., a role familiarised by his former manager Xabi Alonso.

Alexander Isak, German wizard

If Liverpool signs striker Alexander Isak, he would be employed as No.10, the lead man of a highly fluid and technical midfield box. If not false nine temptation looms. Big feats are expected from the German wizard. Some believe he would have a Kevin de Bruyne like impact, a reason Manchester City too were keen on him.
But Guardiola would have to make do with what he has. There is no shortage of offensive options, which is amplified by the arrival of Rayan Cherki, who fizzed as the No.10 in City’s 4-2-3-1 in the lone warm-up against Palermo. As well as showing his creativity in the build-up, he dropped back to supplement the double pivot of Nico Gonzalez and Nico O’Reilly.

Tijjani Reijnders’ influence

They have a bigger hole to fill, at least in the initial weeks. The heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield Rodri will miss the start of the season, and it might need a collective effort to fill his void. It’s where the Tijjani Reijnders could wield his influence. A versatile midfielder, Guardiola has installed him on the base of the field, even though he is capable of advanced roles. In the few games thus far, he has shown his passing range, explosive speed and imposing physicality. When Rodri returns, the pair would form a formidable pair, but his profile could vary from the pairings. Then crystal-balling Guardiola’s permutations are merely speculative, as he comes up with improvisations every season.

His Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta doesn’t hold cards of mystery to his heart. Arsenal’s additions have been straightforward. A centre forward to offer them cutting edge, even though in the pre-season friendlies Viktor Gyokeres was poorly serviced. He would take time to adjust to the pass patterns of his teammates and their movements, but he promises the ruthlessness that could propel the Gunners to the title that keeps eluding them. Likewise, Martin Zubimendi would not only breathe style and spine to the midfield but also liberate Declan Rice into a more attacking presence. The midfield trio of Rice, Zubimendi and Mikel Merino would be enthralling to watch when in full flow.

The other trio hoping to tango is Manchester United’s 200 million-pound worth axis of Matheus Cunha-Benjamin Sesko-Bryan Mbuemo. Sesko would roam as the centre forward in front of the two No.10s, both near replicas in their functions, cutting in from the wings and exceptional ball carriers. Strong, fast and creative, they inject elements that United lacked last season, scrambling an all-time low of 44 goals. Sesko would offer them more aerial prowess, sharper movements and strength than Rasmus Hojlund. Hypothetically, the trifecta would tessellate imperceptibly.
As could Chelsea’s front-line, which could look different if they acquire Dutch winger Xavi Simmons. But even without him, they promise entertainment with Joao Pedro leading the line, Cole Palmer play-making, with Jamie Gittens and the 18-year-old Brazilian wunderkind Estêvão buzzing behind Pedro. Apart from Palmer, the forward-line has been wholesomely revamped. The squad depth is incredible, but without the experience to launch a full-throttle title challenge. There is the allure of the unknown too, which could be said about the latest Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Thomas Frank is more pragmatic and less dynamic than his predecessor Ange Postecoglou. Frank would demand control and possession, apart from a flexibility in tactics and formations. “I always wanted to play offensive football, (but) it’s a combination of what is best for the players we got,” Frank told the BBC. “We have this style, but what kind of players, because I can’t pick all the best players in the world.”

In the last three seasons, Spurs have lost their two players that were the club’s identity. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Mohammed Kudus could be the talisman. He is an excellent dribbler with immense control and trickery, even though his finishing is a study in progress. Frank has in recent times revelled in low-blocks and looked to pounce on counterattacks. Until he fully rebuilds the squad he had inherited, he could resort to similar tactics and use the pacy Kudus as his trump card.

The splurge, thus, does not resemble wanton spending. But that is no guarantee for success, which makes the season both bewitching and intriguing.