Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Northern giants will fire back
THE Premier League trophy is surely heading back to the North West next May for the first time since 2014.
After studying the latest transfer window spending data, I am convinced the winds of change are once again blowing strongly in a northerly direction.
There’s compelling evidence to suggest the Mancunian duo of City and United are moving ahead of champions Chelsea, both in a financial and footballing sense.
The gap over Arsenal and Spurs is widening, too.
The threat to London’s elite comes not only from Manchester. Both Everton and Liverpool have largely traded wisely and will be top four contenders. Here’s my verdict on a fascinating window for northern clubs. Best Buying: Man United by a short head from City. Pep Guardiola’s net spend was slightly higher. But Jose Mourinho (top) got good key signings settled in early and a muchimproved, confident team top the table. Worst Buying: Newcastle’s measly net spend of £11.5m poses questions about Rafa Benitez’s future and United’s ability to survive. He’s the bookie’s favourite to be the first northern boss to go this season.
Too Expensive: Man City fullback buys Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy are sound additions, but way overpriced at around £50m each. Real Deal: Even at £30m, new Everton keeper Jordan Pickford is a snip. The next England keeper. North-South Rivalry: North West dominant – providing four of the five biggest net spenders.
1. City (£131m)
2. United (£127m)
3. Chelsea (£79.5)
4. Everton (£54.6)
5. Liverpool (£44m). Good call: Astute, unusual move by Jurgen Klopp to pay RB Leipzig a record £48m + an undisclosed premium to secure Naby Keita, even though he cannot play for Liverpool until next season.
Bad Call: Bizarre Klopp didn’t sign a centre-back to bolster Liverpool’s suspect defence.
Unhappy Endings: Man City’s overlycomplex pursuit of Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool’s clumsy attempts to lure Virgil van Dijk.
Red-faced: Everton after messy bid to offload crocked Ross Barkley to Chelsea for £35m.
Biggest Fee: £75m Man United paid Everton for Romelu Lukaku. Second highest fee in English football history, behind Paul Pogba’s £89m. But he’s brought goals.
Top loan fee: £6m Liverpool made from Divock Origi’s seasonlong switch to Wolfsburg.
Excellent business.
Title Tip: Close call between City and United. Mourinho’s greater experience of the Premier League may just tilt it the Reds’ way.