$Grading Every Premier League Team\'s Summer Transfer Window$

Grading Every Premier League Team's Summer Transfer Window

By Douglas Smith

From the beginning of the summer transfer window, it was clear that Premier League spending would be at an all-time high. Some of the clubs generally in the top-half of the table stayed quiet and a couple clubs that were most active were surprises. The answer of whether or not the over $1 billion was spent wisely will be answered with time, but it is not too early to judge the activity.

Douglas Smith is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

Related: Anthony Martial is Exactly the Type of Player Manchester United Should Sign

$Grading Every Premier League Team\'s Summer Transfer Window$

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Arsenal - F — Arsene Wenger and Arsenal are the only club in Europe to not sign an outfield player this session. Even the Heathrow Airport Twitter account was throwing shade on Arsenal's inability to sign a striker. Wenger remains reluctant to spent thinking that his team is full of players who can bring a title. They continue to battle injury and fail to contend for the Premier League title. Inactivity in the summer could lead to panic buys in January. If nothing else, the team should have added depth.

Norwich City - F — The team needed and out-and-out striker and failed to land one. They made several late bids that were unsuccessful. Now the pressure falls to former Dynamo Kyiv man Dieumerci Mbokani. Meanwhile, Bradley Johnson was allowed to leave the team. The Canaries' chances of staying up look slim.

Tottenham - D — Harry Kane is all alone as striker for Spurs. The team also failed to find a quality defensive midfielder. Tottenham were able to unload some of their expendable players, but they failed to address their needs. Son Heung-min will be forced into a striker role that is not his natural or best position. They failed to secure the services of Saido Berahino, who was their biggest target.

Everton - D+ — Everton were more quiet than expected. They hung onto John Stones, which was their biggest move of the window. Outside of that, there was little ambition from Roberto Martinez and company. Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu were the best acquisitions, but not the biggest ticket.

Sunderland - D+ — Santiago Vergini and Connor Wickham are gone and replaced by questionable signings. The addition of DeAndre Yedlin may be beneficial for his time with the USMNT, but questionable management of the team can even derail a superstar. No one is sure if Yann M'Vila can stay disciplined enough to help the team. It is hard to say if this team actually improved, and they will likely battle relegation all season.

Bournemouth - C- — Hindsight is 20/20 for the Cherries. They showed more initiative than other recently promoted sides, but now two of their biggest signings are dealing with long-term injuries. The were able to land Glenn Murray on deadline day after pursuing him for the entire summer. They have a chance to survive in the league with sensible business, but there is no shortage of uncertainty.

Southampton - C- — Ronald Koeman gets to try to work his magic again this year after seeing Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin leave the club. The last minute buy of Virgil van Dijk will help defensively. Jordy Clasie should be an upgrade once fully fit. They brought in Steven Caulker, who is trying to avoid being on a team that gets relegated for the third year in a row. The team has struggled with a heavy schedule and seeing more big names leave could eventually come back to haunt the Saints.

Manchester United - C — When the window opened it looked like Manchester United were ready to spend on every position. David de Gea's failed last-minute transfer tarnished United's window. Sergio Ramos used United as a bargaining chip to stay in Spain. Add in the panic buy of Anthony Martial and it is clear Louis van Gaal's plan evaporated quickly. The end of the window left United with an unbalanced squad that will rely heavily on Wayne Rooney for goals.

Aston Villa - C — Tim Sherwood did what he could by reinvesting money from the sells of Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph. There is not a big war chest at Villa, but they may have found gems in Jordan Amavi, Adama Traore and Idrissa Gueye. The question becomes if the players brought in can fill the void left by those who exited, but only time will tell.

Chelsea - C — It is clear that Chelsea wanted Stones but could not pry him away. They may have salvaged their window with the additions of Pedro and Kenedy, but otherwise it was a baffling summer from Jose Mourinho. The poor start to the season and lackluster window has created rumors of disagreement between Mourinho and the Chelsea controlling board.

West Brom - C — Berahino did not move, but now he is refusing to play for chairman Jeremy Peace. This is a volatile situation that could be resolved with a pre-window agreement and loan as Premier League teams can still negotiate temporary deals until November. The additions of Jonny Evans, Rickie Lambert and Salomon Rondon are solid, but the Berahino situation could hang over the team.

Watford - C+ — Again, a newly promoted side decided to spend some money. However, the overhaul of the club may be too drastic. Miguel Layun left after signing a five-year deal less than 10 months ago. Reading fans were very excited to take Matej Vydra off their hands. However, Watford have bought more players than any other Premier League team with Valon Behrami and Etienne Capoue giving them a chance to stay up.

Newcastle - C+ — Newcastle spent money, but it did not make up for years of little investment. They could have used another striker and depth at center back. Still, Steve McClaren probably feels like he strengthened the side simply with the addition of Georginio Wijnaldum. Aleksandar Mitrovic was a good add on paper, but he has the worst temper in the Premier League at the moment. Newcastle get the benefit of the doubt with an above average grade.

Stoke City - B- — Xherdan Shaqiri was the biggest get of the summer, but adding Ibrahim Afellay for free was great business. The additions make them a tough team to play against, but they have struggled on the road. Once the team gets more familiar with each other, Stoke should put on a good performance. Steven N'Zonzi will be missed.

West Ham - B — This may have been West Ham's best summer window ever. They were able to work some deals on deadline day to address some areas of weakness to go with an already strong showing during silly season. Dimitri Payet already looks like a great addition. Alex Song, Victor Moses, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio make this a much more balanced team that already has a couple key victories in the Premier League.

Liverpool - B — Liverpool signed players early and stayed within the Premier League. They made four solid additions with Christian Benteke, James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne. Liverpool also benefited from an inflated market on the sell of Raheem Sterling. They were much more decisive this year.

Leicester City - B+ — It has been a great start to the season for Leicester and they did smart business over the summer. Shinji Okazaki and Gokhan Inler are obvious upgrades. Nathan Dyer was added on loan late in the window. It will be tough to see Esteban Cambiasso go, but the team's current form lessens the blow.

Swansea City - A- — The Swans continue to be a model franchise. Andre Ayew arrived without a fee in what was another example of their clever work. Removing Dyer from the team should help in the locker room. Swansea also added depth, which should help them build on their record performance from last season. Garry Monk has been crafty and has his team excelling in the early going.

Crystal Palace - A — Palace did not lose any key players. However, their signing of Bakary Sako may prove to be one of the best of the summer. The additions of Yohan Cabaye, Patrick Bamford and Connor Wickham sent a statement to the competition. Chairman Steve Parrish said he never wants to face a relegation battle again, and his summer dealings show his intentions are true.

Manchester City - A+ — City may already be running away with the trophy and they easily won the transfer window. The addition of Raheem Sterling has proved successful in the early going. Kevin De Bruyne was the player of the year in the Bundesliga last season. Fabian Delph is likely the best bargain signing of any club in the Premier League. City spent over $220 million on transfer fees, but they addressed every need and made the team younger. They are eyeing a trophy.

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