It was the weekend that every fan around the country had been waiting for – summer never quite feels the same with the absence of football, though, we were treated to a brilliant Club World Cup.
I have to admit, I was intrigued to see how a number of clubs would fare after what has been an interesting summer transfer window.
With approximately £2.26 billion already spent on players, we could well be heading for a record of £2.5 billion before the window closes and a signficant amount of talent was on show at the weekend.
New Signings May Take Time To Deliver
This season, the top Premier League clubs arguably have some of the attacking players in the world. Liverpool have spent close to £200 million on Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, while Alexander Isak could follow. Arsenal have brought in one of the best number nine’s in the game, in Viktor Gyokeres, while Manchester United have added Benjamin Sesko to join both Byran Mbuemo and Mathues Cunha in a new look attack.
As I expected, there were goals at Anfield and I wasn’t surprised to see Ekitike get on the scoresheet after he netted in the Community Shield. Scoring won’t be a problem for Liverpool this season. Keeping goals out at the other end could be the issue, though at least one new centre-back appears to be a priority before the window closes.
Incredible work rate from @hekitike9 💯😮💨 pic.twitter.com/aMcLDU9rxR
— LFCTV (@LFCTV) August 20, 2025
For all of the hype that surrounded Gyokeres, I was a bit underwhelmed. He is quality and he will score for fun, but it looks like it will take him a little while to settle in. On the other hand, United’s frontline looked impressive. Cunha, in particular stood out, while even Sesko (ironically a target for Arsenal) when he came on showed glimpses of quality.
I am not at all surprised by the conundrum that is Chelsea. Despite the amount that they seem to spend each year, you just never know what Chelsea you are going to get. The surprise Club World Cup winners appeared lacklustre, though Crystal Palace are a tough side to play against. New signing Joao Pedro has already shown his quality and I tihnk, if he gets service, he can become a prolific goalscorer this season.
Some Established Clubs Could Be In Trouble
For the last couple of seasons, I’ve not been convinced by Brentford and I think, after losing a number of key players, they might struggle this term. Their showing against a strong and well-drilled Nottingham Forest side certainly did little to convince me that they will be challenging in the top half.
I earmarked Wolves as a team that could really struggle and they were ripped apart at home by a ruthless Manchester City, who I’m sure feel they have a point to prove with everyone talking about Liverpool this summer.
It also came as no surprise to me that Burnley and West Ham suffered defeats. Both look toothless in attack and I really don’t expect them to pick up many wins. I think the Hammers will be okay though.
There Could Be Some Surprise Packages
I might be being biased here (as a fan), but I honestly expected Leeds to stay up this season, especially after our summer recruitment campaign. Everton simply couldn’t cope with us and we will cause many teams problems this season – especially at fortress Elland Road.
Sunderland might be a club who could survive as well, meaning that two promoted clubs would stay up for the first time since 2022 when not just two, but all three (Bournemouth, Fulham and Nottingham Forest) stayed up.
Indeed, I do think Bournemouth could be a side to watch this season. They were impressive last term and have a talented manager in Andoni Iraola. Their first choice forward line of Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert and Evanilson is, I think, one of the most underrated in the Premier League and I expect them to cause clubs problems. Yes, they have lost a couple of star defenders, but they have reinvested wisely and brought in decent replacements.