With the Premier League season starting in a matter of weeks, which also signals the end of the transfer window, there are a number of teams with a lot of business to be done if they are to remain in the division.
As much as it is exciting to see which teams are challenging for the title, as well as the European places, some of the more recent relegation battles have been fascinating to witness.
Here are some contenders to drop down to the Championship this season:
Sheffield United
Arguably the favourites to finish in the bottom three, Sheffield United have, at least, made inroads into bringing fresh faces into the club that can – in their eyes – improve their squad.
Lys Moussett and Callum Robinson have been signed from Bournemouth and Preston North End respectively to add flavour up front, while Phil Jagielka returns to Bramhall Lane to bring some all-important experience.
Perhaps the most exciting transfer is Ravel Morrison, who is best known for being a talent that Sir Alex Ferguson held in great esteem before the Englishman started to let go of his career.
Chris Wilder has a bank of experience to rely upon this season, but the crux of Sheffield United’s squad looks weak compared to their rivals in the league.
It was a surprise for United to be promoted last season and was done against the odds, but to retain their place in the Premier League come May next year would be an even bigger shock.
Norwich City
The Canaries bossed the Championship last year and have kept faith that they can carry on the success they have had with the current squad.
Norwich will not spend big in the remaining part of the transfer window and have, so far, only spent £2.8 million as their costliest signing – a loan fee for Schalke’s goalkeeper, Ralf Fahrmann.
Josip Drmic and Patrick Roberts will aid matters going forward, while West Ham’s Sam Byram has been brought in to supplement Max Aaron down the right-hand side.
Daniel Farke has been successful as manager so far and with his philosophy at Norwich taking shape, they might just be able to remain in the division with their core principles.
Aston Villa
Earmarked as this year’s Fulham, Dean Smith’s side have already spent over £100 million on transfer fees, recruiting eight players for the upcoming campaign.
While lavish spending did not work for Fulham, Villa might be the ones who benefit from an overhaul in their squad. Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause and Anwar El Ghazi have all been on-loan with the Midlands clubs in the past 12 months, and so need no introduction to life at Villa Park.
A new centre forward was paramount for Smith and Club Brugge’s Wesley appears to be ready for the fight in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to boost their chances of staying in the Premier League by spending wisely, which is what Villa fans will be hoping happens to them this season.
It will not be an easy ride, especially with the introduction of European and South American players, but excitement will be following throughout.
Burnley
Although Burnley have registered their security in England’s top division since 2016, the lack of rejuvenation in their squad is a reason to be concerned for their fans.
Having only brought in Jay Rodriguez and Erik Pieters so far, their squad looks as if it is floundering compared to their immediate rivals.
Not traditionally ones who can spend untold millions, Burnley are attempting to be more niche with their arrivals this summer.
Sean Dyche is a reliable manager that has done immense work for the Clarets, but last season’s run-in with the bottom three was unexpected and a cause for panic.
With others around them spending and improving their squads to a considerable degree, Dyche’s side might just find themselves struggling for air down the bottom of the table.
