Eight days into the new transfer window is hardly enough time to analyse the ins-and-outs at Norwich City. Yet in comparison with the other recently promoted clubs, Bournemouth and Watford, respectively, there’s enough business to stack the sides up against one another and compare. Here’s a breakdown of the new Premier League clubs entering the 2015-16 season.
Bournemouth
The Cherries have never been in the Premier League and hardly have the infrastructure to support their new home. That’s not a knock on the club—it stands as a testament to their climb up the footballing ladder. Once at the top, they’ve invested in seasoned Premier League talent, as well as young hopefuls and an overpaid former Ipswich left-back.
Bournemouth have gone with the cost efficient way to add Premier League appearances to their virgin roster. They signed Sylvain Distin, the 37-year-old from Everton, on a free deal. They’ve also picked up two goalkeepers—Artur Boruc from Southampton and Adam Federici from Reading. Both signing were also free. Forward Josh King signed at no cost after his Blackburn contract expired. See a trend? The only money the Cherries have forked up is Tyrone Mings for £8m. While Mings had promising moments last season, his price tag might have some inflation.
Watford
The Hornets have been the busiest of the three clubs to bring in players. More importantly, they signed Quique Sanchez Flores to be the new manager—their fifth in a year.
Etienne Capoue was a club record signing from Tottenham at £6m. Matej Vydra inked a permanent deal after loan spells at Vicarage Road. Giedrius Arlauskis and Sebastian Prodl were all free transfers, coming from Steaua Bucharest and Werder Bremen, respectively. Alfie Young, an academy player, also signed a professional contract.
But the most interesting signing—or lack thereof—comes from Roma’s Jose Holebras. Apparently Watford and the Serie A side agreed on a deal to send the Greek international to northwest London. Yet Holebras had no idea about it, nor had he agreed to sign any contract…
Norwich City
And then there’s City. It’s no secret the Canaries entered the window with the most Premier League appearances in their side. Last season was filled with constant praise of the roster, proudly stating City have the best squad in the Football League. But now they’re back in the Premier League and haven’t made many signings. After a successful loan spell, Graham Dorrans permanently joined Alex Neil’s men from West Bromwich. Youssouf Mulumbu quickly followed suit from The Hawthorns for free. But that’s all, barring Norwich’s rejected bids at Hull’s Robbie Brady. Reports say the club are due to sign six new players. Presumably a left-back, forward and outside mid will link up in the coming weeks. After all, it’s 8 July.
