6 Strikers the Newly-Promoted Premier League Clubs Should Target to Ensure Survival
With Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town all preparing to compete against England’s elite, the three promoted clubs will need to make a statement and strengthen in the transfer market if they are to survive in the Premier League, where money and squad depth matters.
In particular a clinical striker, capable of performing on a regular basis, can be the difference between comfortable survival and a harrowing relegation dog fight.
At Newcastle, Dwight Gayle may need the burden to be lifted off his shoulders, with the Magpies relying heavily on the striker for goals last season. While prolific in the Championship, Gayle's best Premier League return is just seven. Brighton and Huddersfield too lack proven quality at the highest level and would benefit from reinforcements.
Here are six forwards who could make all the difference.
1. Fernando Llorente (Swansea)
Fernando Llorente has been linked with a move away this summer.
The Spain international scored an impressive 15 goals in 33 games for Swansea in the Premier League in 2016/17, playing a big part in Swansea’s late survival charge.
He holds the ball up well, is lethal in the air and would be a huge asset for a promoted club.
Swansea won't sell him for cheap, but as this summer has already showed, in more cases than not, you have to spend big to land your top targets.
Would be ideal for: Brighton. He is a clear upgrade on current front man Glenn Murray, and would suit Hughton's more direct style of play.
2. Andre Gray (Burnley)
Andre Gray impressed in his first season in the Premier League, scoring a respectable nine goals for the Clarets last term.
The Wolverhampton-born striker is strong, quick and has proved to be deadly in front of goal. Much Like Llorente, Gray played a big part in helping Burnley maintain their top flight status. However, unlike the Swans, the Clarets' were rarely looking over their shoulder.
He has already been linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer, with West Ham and Everton also rumoured to be interested.
Would be ideal for: Newcastle. The Magpies' fans thrive off exciting, dynamic players, who fight for every ball.
3. Loic Remy (Chelsea)
Remy has been given permission to leave Chelsea this transfer window and would be a good addition for the majority of clubs in the top flight.
He has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, although was a fan favourite at Newcastle in the 2013/14 campaign - scoring 14 league goals in 26 games.
Even though he helped Newcastle comfortably stay up that season, his parent club at the time, QPR, were relegated from the Premier League.
A player who poses a real threat to defenders, the Frenchman is quick, works hard and doesn't need a second invitation in front of goal.
Would be ideal for: Huddersfield. All three newly-promoted sides could do with a player like Remy, but the Terriers don't have much in the way of top flight experience, and even fewer with such a clinical touch.
4. Danny Ings (Liverpool)
Danny Ings has suffered plenty of injury setbacks over the last couple of seasons and could be viewed as a risk for a club to rely on him.
However, Ings’ potential and composure in front of goal is what attracted Liverpool to him in the first place.
His ability in front of goal and non-stop work ethic couldn't stop Burnley being relegated in the 2014/15 season, but he did score an impressive 11 goals in 35 games.
The former Burnley man has only played six Premier League games times for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield in 2015, scoring twice.
Would be ideal for: Newcastle. Similar to Gray, with excellent work rate and has pace to burn when fit. He could capture the imagination of the St James' Park faithful.
5. Chris Wood (Leeds)
Chris Wood has been lethal for Leeds ever since he signed in 2015. The New Zealand international has scored 40 league goals in 80 appearances for the club, albeit mostly outside of the top tier.
Wood has experienced life in the Premier League before, with West Brom and Leicester, although he could never nail down a regular starting spot at either club. The New Zealand international has been on loan at several Championship clubs and his impressive record last season could suggest he is ready to finally make the step up.
The 25-year-old brings his teammates into the game with good hold up play and scores a lot of goals with his head.
Would be ideal for: Brighton. Wood has a goal poacher's instincts, but with better hold up play, and is always in the right place at the right time.
6. Florin Andone (Deportivo La Coruña)
Romania international Florin Andone has scored 12 league goals for Deportivo in 37 appearances, since signing for La Liga side in August 2016.
He's spent his entire career in Spain and impressed while at Cordoba scoring 26 goals in 56 league games. Andone is a proven scorer who offers plenty of energy and has the ability to get away from defenders with his close control and skill.
Would be ideal for: Huddersfield. The Premier League is very different to La Liga so a loan move would be the most shrewd option. David Wagner used the loan market a lot last season, with all his signings making a good impression.