Forward lineup changes for two premier league clubs this season.
It's been quite a summer so far with the number of transfers of forwards for premier league clubs. Chelsea and Manchester United have both revamped their forward lineup with many signings, although both now probably need to sell unwanted players. How will these major changes affect their title chances this season? Chelsea have just won the Club World Cup and seem to be playing more consistently than last season. Where as Manchester Utd had a season to forget last year, finishing 15th in the league. Chelsea currently sit as 4th favourites to win the league, and Man Utd are 5th favourites, although at odds of 28/1. Top three Premier league betting odds are, Liverpool favourite at 15/8, followed by Arsenal 2/1 then Manchester City at 11/4. Lets now take a look at those major moves at Chelsea and Manchester United.
Chelsea
Joao Pedro signed from Brighton on an eight year deal for £60 million. The deal was made early enough in the transfer window so he was eligible for the Club World Cup quarter final. Joao Pedro hit the ground running and scored three goals in his first three games, helping Chelsea win the Club World Cup in the United States. A promising start for the versatile forward. Another forward signed before this summers club world cup was Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich for £30 million. Like Pedro, Delap had a good start to his Chelsea career, with a goal and an assist in his first three matches for the club in the US. Two more forwards have arrived in the form of Jamie Gittens and Estêvão, from Borussia Dortmund and Palmeiras respectively. Both also featured in the club world cub, but for their previous clubs as deals weren't completed in time to feature for Chelsea.
Chelsea's premier league campaign started off with a goalless draw with Crystal Palace, but against West Ham in their second game they looked much more convincingly, ending the game with a 5-1 win. Joao Pedro scored one with two assists, Estevao also with an assist and Delap and Bittens getting minutes play. Chelsea played much better than in their first game, with their new look attack giving plenty of positives.
Having a host of new forwards also means no room for previous attacking players in the Chelsea squad. Players set to not feature this season and looking for a transfer away, include Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling. All on large wages, with Chelsea hoping to recoup some of the transfer fees paid when they were brought in. The question is what teams have money to spend on these players with the transfer fees Chelsea are looking for.
Manchester United
Another team with a new forward lineup change is Manchester United. After a dismal season last year, United had to strengthen their forward lineup. Manchester United scored just 44 goals, setting a new club low for goals scored in the Premier League. Forwards Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcus Rashford all went on loan, leaving Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho as forward options and all struggled.
Manchester Utd started their forward rebuild early in the window, signing Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million from Wolves. Bryan Mbeumo followed shortly after from Brentford for £65 million, and Benjamin Sesko the latest signing completed just before the first game of the season. United played well in their season opener, even if the result was against them, with Mbeumo and Cunha creating chances and Sesko getting some minutes late in the game. Manchester Utd will be hoping for their performances to continue into their next game against Fulham and result in some goals.
Like Chelsea the number of new signings at United means transfers out for those replaced positions. Rashford has already departed to Barcelona on loan, with an option to sign permanently. Antony and Sancho also look likely to depart again (either on loan or permanently). United also have Rasmus Hojlund available for purchase at around £30 million this summer. Hojlund is believed to want to stay, but profitability and sustainability rules mean United would prefer for him to move on, after the transfer fees paid for Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko.