Premier League Swap Shop!

This year's premier league campaign was destined to be a bizarre one. With that being said, no-one could have anticipated some of the shocking results we have witnessed after just 4 game weeks.

So it seems fitting that my first post since the resumption of the premier league is just as bonkers as the action we’ve witnessed.

Welcome to the Premier League Swap Shop!

In the swap shop each team will pick one player from another premier league side (Goalkeepers not included). A club choses who they bring in but can’t influence who goes out.

You can only do one swap with each club, so if club a is sent a player from club b then club a’s selection cannot come from club b.

Naturally, if one comes in, one has to go out. There is no consideration of finances in the Swap Shop, the swap only looks at deals from a footballing standpoint.

Does everyone understand? No? Me neither.

Arsenal:

In: Kalvin Phillips

Out: Bukayo Saka

Arteta will part with arguably the hottest young prospect at the club in return for the midfield general he so desires. Alongside the introduction of Thomas Partey, this swap would make Arsenal a force to be reckoned with. Having already won 6 out of 7 games this year with a first choice midfield of Elneny and Xhaka. A pairing of Partey and Phillips will allow Arsenal to control the midfield in more games this year and Phillips’ passing range compliments the pace that Arsenal going forward.

Aston Villa:

In: Son Heung-Min

Out: Jack Grealish

An incoming Villa fans would be delighted with, but an outgoing which would quickly make them forget. However, if you offered Lionel Messi in return for Jack Grealish the majority of Aston Villa fans would probably have to sleep on it. If they had to part with Grealish, they’d be hard pushed to find a better replacement than the South Korean.

Brighton & Hove Albion:

In: Luca Digne

Out: Lewis Dunk

Brighton boast an embarrassment of riches in the centre back department therefore parting with one would not be the end of the world. Especially when you consider what Digne brings to the table. He would provide great balance with Lamptey flying down the right hand side, preventing their attack from becoming lopsided.

Burnley:

In: N’golo Kante

Out: James Tarkowski

This is the first head scratcher. First of many. A world cup & Premier league winner trading the glamour of the champions league under the lights at SW16 for Turf Moor. But he might be the only player in the league who can save their season. It had to be a midfielder, the squad at Burnley is thin and lacks quality across the board. Kante might not solve all their problems but he’s the best bet.

Chelsea:

In: Connor Coady

Out: N’golo Kante

Chelsea need a defence to compliment their attacking talent. The Blues are crying out for two things, an organiser and a leader, Coady ticks both boxes. Pairing an excellent range of passing with defensive competence the England international might just have the key to unlock the potential of this immensely talented squad. Although question marks remain over his ability in a back four.

Crystal Palace:

In: James Tarkowski

Out: Wilfried Zaha

Zaha leaves a void in attack, but this is still not Palace’s most pressing issue. Playing Cheikou Kouyate at Centre back was the final straw, Gary Cahill isn’t getting any younger and The Eagles are in desperate need of a stellar Centre Back. James Tarkowski has proven he is that.

Everton:

In: Wilfried Zaha

Out: Lucas Digne

Digne has been one of the best left backs in the premier league since he joined Everton and has contributed massively to Everton’s wonderful start to the year. But this swap would catapult Everton from a team focussed on breaking into the top 8, to one that could be looking at pushing for a Champions league spot if they can strike the right balance.

Fulham:

In: Lewis Dunk

Out: Antonee Robinson

A short stay at Craven Cottage for the promising American Full-back. But, sacrificing the potential of a player A.C Milan had all but signed in January, is one they will have to make. Dunk will give Fulham the fight and spirit which is a necessity when fighting a relegation battle. A quality the current Fulham squad lacks.

Leeds United:

In: Bernardo Silva

Out: Kalvin Phillips

Leeds have begun this season as they ended the last. Ferocious, entertaining football matches that could easily go either way. A delight to watch. Bringing in Bernardo Silva takes Leeds up a notch, introducing a level of quality in the final third which Bielsa so desperately wanted to bring in during the transfer window. Kalvin Phillips was an integral part of Leeds’ promotion campaign and would not be easy to replace, but Silva would be worth it. Quite simply Bielsa’s dream.

Leicester City:

In: Marcus Rashford

Out: Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy leaving would not be taken likely by fans of the foxes. If any current premier league player deserves a statue, it’s this man. Marcus Rashford’s versatility to play out wide or through the middle is something Brendan Rogers would adore. He loves to change how his side sets up tactically. Harvey Barnes and Marcus Rashford on either wing would be a nightmare for defences to set up against with both possessing the ability to go down the line or cut inside and shoot from distance.

Liverpool:

In: Jack Grealish

Out: Virgil Van Dijk

In a scenario such as this, Van Dijk was always going to be poached. However, Jack Grealish and Jurgen Klopp’s “Heavy Metal” football style is a match made in heaven. A game plan based on winning the ball high up the pitch in order to attack against unstructured defences is the Villa talisman’s dream. Their defence may suffer but I can’t think of a team in Europe that would fancy their chances trying to outscore them.

Except maybe...

Manchester City:

In: Bukayo Saka

Out: Bernardo Silva

A high price to pay, however Silva operates in an area where City have extreme quality. Throughout Guardiola’s tenure, the left-back position is one they’ve struggled to get right. Over the years we’ve seen a “wing-back by committee” approach with Mendy, Delph, Zinchenko, Cancelo, Danilo all doing stints at Left back but without any consistency. Saka coming in, paired with the way Pep likes to set up, means City now have a left wing back nailed down for as long as Guardiola decides to stay.

Manchester United:

In: Virgil Van Dijk

Out: Marcus Rashford

Rashford leaves for Leicester but this is an area United have a lot of depth.The obvious problem United have had this season is defensively. Reinforcements at full back means the focus is on bringing in a top class centre back. Who better than Virgil Van Dijk. A classy defender with great pace, paired with Harry Maguire we start to see the quality in the spine of the squad reminiscent of United squads of old.

Newcastle United:

In: Matheus Pereira

Out: Allan Saint Maximin

The Frenchman is one of the only players of the last 5 years that the Toon Army should feel genuinely excited about. So this would be a tough loss. However the Baggies’ brilliant Brazilian is a player who Tynesiders would adore. Hard-working, passionate, nasty and ridiculous technical ability, all things that Steve Bruce is crying out for at Newcastle to take his side to the next level after surviving comfortably last season.

Sheffield United:

In: Jarrod Bowen

Out: Sander Berge

Jarrod Bowen was prolific in the Championship for a Hull side that unravelled without him. He has shown flashes for West Ham now that he is seeing consistent playing time. His quick release when shooting with his favoured left foot means he doesn’t need much space in the box. In a Sheffield United side lacking creativity, not helped by Oliver Norwood dropping out of their starting XI, the Blades are in desperate need of a player who can make something of nothing.

Southampton:

In: Sander Berge

Out: Jannik Vestegaard

Berge has looked equally comfortable as an 8 as he has as a defensive midfielder. His ability to do a number of jobs in midfield will help Hasenhüttl make better use of James Ward-Prowse by allowing him to drift up the pitch a bit more rather than having to sit in and be more disciplined. Not a glamorous swap, but one which creates more chances for Danny Ings.

Tottenham Hotspur:

In: Jannik Vestegaard

Out: Son Heung-Min

The introduction of Gareth Bale and Vincius alongside what they already have going forward, an attacking option would be wasted on Spurs. I also think there is a balance to be struck in midfield with the options they have. What Spurs need is experience and Physicality at the back. At 6”6” and with 230 appearances in the Premier League and Bundesliga, the big Dane is a commanding presence and might offer the answer to suring up Spurs’ defence. Not a glamorous swap, but with the return of Bale, glamour is not what is needed.

West Bromwich Albion:

In: Jamie Vardy

Out: Matheus Pereira

Jamie Vardy loves scoring at the Hawthorns, scoring on all of his 5 visits. Vardy’s ability to run in behind and stretch the pitch offers an outlet for West Brom they have desperately needed. for Huddersfield’s Karlan Grant looks set to join the Albion and might be able to offer this too, however Vardy brings premier league pedigree and goals that baggies fans would hope might secure premier league football for years to come.

West Ham United:

In: Allan Saint Maximin

Out: Jarrod Bowen

Saint Maximin is a swap that will get the West Ham fans back onside following the Grady Diangana transfer fiasco. He is a player that shares a lot of similarities with the West Ham academy graduate. However, he is much more experienced and consistent. West Ham are also linked with Benrahma from Brentford who is a player ready made for the premier league and operates on the left wing. With the Frenchman on the right, West Ham can now look to play a more exciting brand of football which their fanbase craves.

Wolverhampton Wanderers:

In: Antonee Robinson

Out: Connor Coady

Losing their captain is a massive blow, this does not look like a good trade for Wolves. However, they still have the likes of Boly, Moutinho, Traore & Jimenez so it could be worse! Robinson is relatively unknown in Premier League circles. The United States international impressed in his time at Wigan and gained many admirers. The Left wing-back spot at Molineux needs strengthening. Robinson possesses magnificent athletic ability, is a great 1v1 defender, reads the game exceptionally well and his attacking qualities also stood out at Championship level.

So there you have it, Swap Shop Premier League edition. Although your side may have appeared to have downgraded, this hoped to look at squad depth and sacrificing an area of strength for an area of need.

Are you happy with your side’s swap? Who would have been a better option? Comment below your side and desired swap!