Premier League Transfer Window 2026: What Each Club Still Needs With One Week Left

The first weekend of the Premier League season is behind us, but clubs still have seven days to finalize squad changes before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST. The opening matches gave managers and directors fresh insights into which areas need strengthening, who might leave, and where gaps remain.

Arsenal

Arsenal have reinforced midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, added wing options via Christos Tzolis, and bolstered defence by signing Ezri Konsa. Yet the club remains keen on adding a forward, maintaining a long-term interest in Julian Alvarez. Though negotiations are complicated, the Gunners stand ready to act if an opportunity arises.

"If you want someone Premier League proven, with World Cup and Champions League success, Julian Alvarez could be the player to finally push Arsenal over the line in Europe," says fan Watson.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa face challenges following several departures this summer. Striker Ollie Watkins is targeted by Al-Hilal, pushing Villa to pursue replacements such as Nicolas Jackson. Defensive reinforcements are also sought after Ezri Konsa left for Arsenal; talks are underway for Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, while Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis bids were rejected.

Fan Amy Finley feels a striker is the club's top priority but adds, "Another centre-back would ease worries after Brighton’s performance." She expects midfield to be stable once Johan Manzambi returns and Leon Goretzka settles in.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth are bracing for interest in key players Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott but insist they are not for sale. Incoming signings are nearly complete, with Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio close to joining.

Brentford

Brentford have strengthened well and can afford to be selective. While linked with West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf for left-back, there is no pressing urgency thanks to options like Keane Lewis-Potter, Rico Henry, and Aaron Hickey. The team has good striking cover from Callum Wilson and overall depth that was missing last season.

Brentford fan Michael Johnston suggests, "A forward on the left, like Mykhailo Mudryk, would perfect this transfer window for us."

Brighton

Brighton expect winger Yankuba Minteh to move to Liverpool, potentially freeing space for another attacker. Midfielder Carlos Baleba's probable exit to Manchester United may trigger midfield reinforcements. Chairman Tony Bloom emphasizes continuing their data-driven recruitment approach despite possible other departures.

Fan Maz Mirzadeh calls for "a physical defensive midfielder and a proven top-level winger" to handle a busy season with European competition.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s manager Xabi Alonso considers the squad mostly complete but faces the task of trimming a bloated roster of 39 players down to about 25 in just over a week. Fans debate whether another forward or goalkeeper should arrive, but reducing numbers is the main focus.

Chelsea supporter Savage Dan insists, "The priority should be on offloading players rather than bringing new ones in, especially with no European football this season."

Coventry City

Coventry are pursuing winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who seeks to revive his career after a suspension. Defensive cover is also needed under Frank Lampard, and some players like Luke Woolfenden may go out on loan.

Fan Conna Chahal believes, "We've done enough to build a team capable of staying up."

Crystal Palace

After significant changes including Maxence Lacroix's departure and Pierre Sage’s arrival as manager, Crystal Palace are building depth for Europa League but still need players. A senior centre-back is a clear priority, made more urgent by Chadi Riad’s injury in the opening game.

Ollie Thomas, a fan, stresses the need for "another first-team ready centre-back and a central midfielder" to stabilize the squad.

Everton

Everton urgently require a recognised right-back, a problem persisting for over a year. Current options like Merlin Rohl and James Garner filled in recently, but the club must decide quickly. There may also be additions upfront due to doubts over Beto and Thierno Barry, with Chelsea’s Liam Delap linked frequently.

Fulham

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa is content with Fulham’s business but admits the squad could be more balanced. Attempts to sign Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal suggest defensive needs remain. Fans also call for a right winger and additional right-sided centre-back to fit the system better.

Hull City

Hull City’s recruitment has been active, yet the club aims to add two forwards (Mohamed Ali-Cho and Ilyas Ansah), a goalkeeper, midfielder, and right-back. Interest lingers in Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia and Stoke City’s Sorba Thomas.

Hull fan Ryan Frankish hopes for "a left winger, one more striker, central and attacking midfielders, and a right-back to compete with Lewie Coyle."

Ipswich Town

Ipswich have invested over £150m on 12 players since promotion. Manager Gary O'Neil expects further signings, likely a striker and midfielder, while fringe players like Anis Memeti may leave.

Leeds United

Leeds, after signing James Trafford, are unlikely to splash big again but remain interested in loan deals such as Mykhailo Mudryk. They also consider backup forwards and linked with goalkeeper Michael Zetterer if Lucas Perri departs.

Fan Lewis Deighton highlights the need for "a left-footed left-back and possibly another forward or creative midfielder."

Liverpool

Liverpool’s main focus is reinforcing wide attacking positions, expecting to bring in one or two wingers soon. Defensive midfield remains a concern after conceding twice against Newcastle, suggesting the need for a Fabinho replacement.

Supporter Nahyan Chowdhury notes Liverpool's search for wingers like Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Yankuba Minteh, plus a defensive midfielder to connect defence and midfield better.

Manchester City

Manchester City may be busy before the deadline due to several departures like Savinho, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez. Deals for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Palmeiras’ winger Allan are progressing. Interest in Pedro Neto and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez continues.

Fan Steven McInerney insists City need "three or four new players, with two midfielders among them," to fill the gaps.

Manchester United

Manchester United are completing midfield recruitment with Carlos Baleba’s imminent arrival. Attention turns to signing a left-back to support Luke Shaw, considering targets like Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde. Another forward could join if one leaves, with Joshua Zirkzee most likely to depart.

Fan Jay Motty stresses, "A left-back is essential; we can't rely on Luke Shaw every game."

Newcastle United

Newcastle’s young signings showed promise against Liverpool, but the club may seek a midfielder with Premier League experience following sales of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Also, a versatile forward would help reduce pressure on William Osula and Yoane Wissa.

Nottingham Forest

Forest have signed three players so far and continue negotiations, ideally aiming for a striker and full-back. Chelsea’s Liam Delap and Fiorentina’s right-back Dodo are linked, though manager Oliver Glasner has downplayed midfield needs despite Elliot Anderson leaving.

Sunderland

Sunderland completed signings of Dayann Methalie and Jules Ahoka but still require a right winger, with Sporting’s Geny Catamo heavily linked despite his club’s reluctance. Following Eliezer Mayenda’s exit, another central striker is also needed alongside Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham spent heavily this summer, but if Dominic Solanke won’t be used regularly as main striker, attention must shift there. Richarlison started in Spurs’ opening loss. A deal for Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush is progressing, but doubts remain if this is the best role for him.

Fan Kish Patel says, "Spurs need forwards who turn quick attacks into goals; a winger and striker upgrade is vital."