What do Norwich and Watford need to survive next season?
Both Norwich and Watford have secured Premier League football next season, gaining promotion from the Championship at their first attempt since being relegated last year.
The backroom team at those clubs will already have been planning for the 2021/22 campaign, with the respective managers drawing together a wish list for players who can help them compete in the toughest league in Europe.
Here is a look at how the two teams are placed with their current squads and where they may need to improve in the summer transfer window.
Norwich are better equipped this time around
Norwich fans will have been delighted with the way their side have performed this season in the Championship. They have been the stand-out team from very early in the campaign. The Canaries have 2021 Championship winner odds of 1/100 so they will be expected to get their hands on the Championship trophy at the end of the 46 games.
Daniel Farke’s side has been really strong defensively this season. They have conceded just 33 goals through their 44 matches so far. Tim Krul has proved a safe pair of hands in goal, while in front of him, captain Grant Hanley deserves a lot of credit for the way he has led the backline.
Full backs Xavi Quintilla and Max Aarons have been important in the team’s success defensively and going forward. Both players look to have the quality to shine in the Premier League next season. Quintilla is on loan from Villareal so the club may be looking to make that deal permanent, while the Canaries will need to fight off any interest in Aarons.
One of Norwich’s big problem last season was their lack of goals. Teemu Pukki got off to a good start but beyond the Finish striker, they struggled to find the back of the next. The priority for the East Anglia club this summer is likely to be a proven striker at the highest level. Good strikers don’t come cheap so they will need to spend the majority of their budget on a goal scorer.
Watford will need to invest in squad
The Hornets’ form in the second half of the season has been sensational. They have won 13 of their last 16 matches, a run that helped secure automatic promotion and ensures they do not have to take their chances in the playoffs.
Watford has several players with lots of experience in the Premier League. The likes of Ben Foster, Tom Cleverley, Dan Gosling and Will Hughes know what to expect when they return to the top-flight. A centre-back with Premier League experience may be what head coach Xisco Munoz will be looking for above all else. He is likely to be confident enough that there are enough goals in the team.
Adding some depth to the squad will also be important for Watford. The Hornets may end up being one of the most active teams in the transfer window this summer.
The new Premier League season is set to begin on the 14th of August and both Norwich and Watford will be hoping to get off to a good start.