Summer Transfer Window

West Brom’s stunning £43m squad value after increase compared to Leeds United, Sunderland, Sheffield United and rivals

16/06/2024 Raymond 0

The summer transfer window has officially opened, leading to a significant rise in squad values across the Championship. Despite the departures of top players from Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United to the Premier League, the Championship remains packed with talent. This transfer window is expected to see several inter-division deals and the arrival of lesser-known international stars.

However, many clubs are constrained by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, which might limit activity. Nevertheless, clubs will still seek to strengthen their squads to meet their objectives. For example, West Bromwich Albion finished in the top six last season but were outperformed by Southampton in the play-offs, leading to another year in the Championship. Despite this, West Brom’s squad has increased significantly in transfer value compared to other teams in the division.

Stoke City transfer state of play as transfer window opens

14/06/2024 Raymond 0

The summer transfer window officially opens today, and Stoke City has already secured two new signings. Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and free agent center-back Ben Gibson, formerly of Norwich, have joined the club. Additionally, contracts for backup goalkeeper Frank Fielding and left-back Enda Stevens have been extended.

This summer’s transfer activity is expected to differ significantly from last year’s, with fewer deals and more familiar names being brought in. Sporting director Jon Walters has been actively scouting games, while manager Steven Schumacher has clearly defined his requirements. A notable change in the transfer department saw Jared Dublin replaced by Lee Darnbrough as head of recruitment, bringing in valuable experience from his time at Hull City, West Brom, Burnley, and Norwich.

Key player movements include the departure of Tyrese Campbell after eight years with Stoke, while Jordan Thompson’s contract option was exercised, and Enda Stevens re-signed for another year. Stoke’s focus now shifts to finding a main striker to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Sunderland should look to beat Norwich City to bargain QPR deal: View

06/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland’s potential as serious promotion contenders next season hinges significantly on their performance in the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite enduring a challenging season marked by managerial changes and inconsistency, there remains undeniable potential within their squad. The team flirted with play-off contention for a while but ultimately fell to a disappointing 16th-place finish. Now, the club is in search of a new manager, a process that has taken time but is crucial for their future success. The incoming manager will need to navigate their first transfer window astutely to bolster the squad’s chances. Retaining key talents like Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke, who are attracting considerable interest, would be a significant boost.

The squad’s youthful nature suggests that adding experienced players could be vital for their campaign next season. One player Sunderland should closely monitor is Chris Willock, a standout performer in the Championship. Willock, who has been instrumental for QPR, contributing 20 goals and 22 assists over 144 games, appears to be on the move as his contract with the club expires this summer. His skills, versatility, and creativity have been invaluable to QPR, but with his departure seemingly imminent, Sunderland could seize the opportunity for a bargain acquisition.