How did your side do in the transfer window? Part two of our analysis

Fulham

New manager Martin Jol can be quite pleased with his summer transfer activity, after succeeding in moving on almost of all of Fulham’s dead weight and ageing contingent, replacing them with an interesting mix of continental footballers. John Arne Riise’s return to the Premier League should be a massive boost to Fulham’s defence, whilst Kasami, who was signed from Palermo, looks an exciting prospect. The signing of Grygera from Juventus also brings vast experience to Fulham’s back four, but it is the deadline day signing of Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente that could be the pick of the lot. He might not be a household name yet, but if he can produce the form he did in Holland, he will be a massive hit in the Premier League.

Score – 7.5

Liverpool

There has been a fresh buzz at Anfield since the return of Kenny Dalglish and that has only increased with the club’s aggressive transfer policy over the summer. Dalglish has been accused of overspending by sections of the media, but if the business over the summer is enough to guarantee them a top four spot, which it very may will be, that will be of little concern to the owners. Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson have all impressed thus far, whilst Enrique is a much needed boost in defence. Liverpool managed to clear most of the dead weight too, although the deadline day business of selling Raul Meireless and bringing in the troublesome Craig Bellamy somewhat taints an otherwise fantastic summer for Liverpool.

­Score – 8.5

Manchester City

Manchester City had a somewhat quieter summer than usual, but still brought in the likes of Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and the immensely impressive Sergio Aguero. They’ve also managed to move on a number of players, if only temporarily, in a summer that was perhaps more about completion than overhaul. The deadline day addition of Owen Hargreaves was a perplexing one, but if they can get the former international fit, they will have a serious player on their hand with a wealth of English and European experience. In many ways, this minimalistic approach is just what City needed, as the squad looks to finally settle, after years of constant chopping and changing.

Score – 8

Manchester United

One of few clubs to get their business done early, United flew out the blocks spending over £50 million before the transfer window was a month old. Of the title chasers, United arguably had the hardest task in the summer, needing to replace the likes of Gary Neville, Edwin Van der Sar and Paul Scholes. In another massive restructuring of United from Sir Alex, the manager felt the time was right to move on the likes of Wes Brown and John O’Shea, who both signed for Sunderland. In came Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David De Gea, but the greater emphasis has been on the promotion of youth from within the squad, with Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley going straight into the first team after impressive loan spells last season. Ferguson may regret not bringing in an extra midfielder however.

Score – 8

Newcastle

Another odd summer for Newcastle as is becoming increasingly frequent under Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club. The loss of Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique will have hurt the club, and leaves the Tyneside club relying on a bunch of fresh imports. The likes of Cabaye, Marveaux and Abeid, all who come with decent records in French football, will have to come up with the goods if Newcastle are to improve this season. The signing of Davide Santon could prove to be a coup and Gabriel Obertan could prove an asset given regular game time and a bit of faith.

Score – 6.5

Norwich

Last season’s Championship runners up have made as good a start to life in the Premier League as they might have hoped. Losing only one of their opening two matches, Norwich’s business over the summer has helped them it would seem, with loan signing Ritchie de Laet impressing. In all honesty though, this is a team that lacks Premier League experience, with the majority of incoming players having come from Championship and League One sides. Kyle Naughton and Daniel Ayala have also come in on loan from Tottenham and Liverpool respectively, but both boast very little Premier League experience. It’s a refreshing approach from the usual policy of buying players from relegated teams, so it will be interesting to see how Norwich fare, although the odds seem stacked against them.

Score – 6.5

Queens Park Rangers

A late shopping spree from London’s newest Premier League club saw the arrival of Joey Barton, Armand Traore, Luke Young and Shaun Wright-Phillips, four players who bring a wealth of Premier League experience to the club. QPR also managed to hold on to Taarabt, the current captain and talisman, and with the earlier additions of Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon and DJ Campbell, QPR look to have a squad capable of beating the drop, though a lot depends on how Warnock can manage a number of volatile personalities.

Score – 7.5