With just over a week and a half until the start of the new Premier League season, it seems an apt time to examine how some of the big guns are gearing up.
Well, no fewer than half of the 20 top-flight clubs have embarked on tours to America to prepare, no doubt lucrative for all concerned.
They can come at a cost, however.
For example, lengthy travel is not always welcome. Despite some world class stadia, a few playing surfaces have been deemed below standard.
And if you’re Manchester United, eight injuries in three outings have been less than ideal.
What have we learned in recent weeks?
We know it’s only this week that the majority of clubs are welcoming back their players involved in the latter stages of Euro 2024 and Copa America.
On the red side of Merseyside, for example, Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Diaz, Alisson Becker, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk have all yet to meet their new manager Arne Slot.
It’s the same at a number of clubs, including the champions Manchester City whose manager Pep Guardiola admitted last week that some of his squad may well be ‘undercooked’ by the time the real action begins.
On saying that, Erling Haaland netted five times in four pre-season friendlies and, if he maintains that level of form over a Premier League season, which he undoubtedly will, then the Norwegian will finish up with 47 goals by the end of the campaign.
Of last season’s top eight, only Aston Villa and Chelsea have been particularly busy in the transfer market which makes me think there may well be some big deals still to come this summer.
Upon reflection though, perhaps many squads only need a tweak to strengthen already talented groups which have real depth.
West Ham are a side who I think could make strides. Under new manager Julen Lopetegui, they have been slowly strengthening the ranks and now have been joined, from Borussia Dortmund, by German striker Niclas Füllkrug.
Granted, the 3-year-old Germany international may well only have a few years left at the top of his game, but he is a player who can have a real impact at the London Stadium.
Füllkrug scored 12 goals in 29 Bundesliga games last season and represented his country at Euro 2024.
West Ham have also completed the signing of Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville for a reported £25 million initial fee that could rise to £34m with add-ons.
The 22-year-old winger, who was last season’s Championship player of the year, has agreed a five-year deal, with an option to extend by a further year.
Even before recent days, Lopetegui had already added £40 million-rated defender Max Kilman from Wolves, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, and the young Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme.
West Ham are also close to completing the free transfer signing of the Argentina midfielder Guido Rodríguez.
By contrast, Crystal Palace – who finished the season so strongly – may well be finding it difficult to keep onto their top talents.
Michael Olise, a player with a knack for Premier League 2024 highlights, has moved to the Bundesliga as Bayern Munich try and reclaim the German title.
They are also struggling to stave off Newcastle United, who have reportedly agreed to pay for more than £60 million.
The signing would be a huge coup for the Toon Army given how high Guehi’s stock rose during Euro 2024.
Indeed, he could well cement his place as one of England’s two first-choice centre-backs building up to the World Cup in 2026.
The 24-year-old had already proven himself to be one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but his game was elevated to another level during the Euros when he was arguably England’s most consistent player.
Should the move happen, expect the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds to fluctuate for both clubs.
Talking of which, don’t forget to check out the odds between now and the start of the new campaign.
Travels, travails, and transfers are surely around the corner, and there will be a few changes between now and the big kick-off.
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