Huddersfield Town are just one game away from a return to the Premier League, and a win against Nottingham Forest could have huge effects on the Terriers and who their summer signings include.
Often dubbed ‘the most expensive game in football’, the Championship play-off final is one of the tensest fixtures in the English game, and for Huddersfield, winning this one-off match will be massive for the club’s future.
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Not only would it cap off an incredible season under rookie manager Carlos Corberan, but promotion will allow the Spanish coach to go big in the transfer window if Huddersfield reaches the promised land of the Premier League.
With that in mind, what could Huddersfield’s XI look like next season if the West Yorkshire side are promoted via the Championship play-off final, and who from this campaign should remain in Corberan’s team.
Two Premier League signings feature in new-look Huddersfield defence
With Lee Nicholls winning a place in the Championship Team of the Season, the goalkeeper position is in safe hands should Huddersfield return to the Premier League.
And promotion to the top-flight could be enough to keep Levi Colwill at the club for another year, given Chelsea’s reported plan to loan the talented teenager out to a first division side.
Whilst Tom Lees and Matty Pearson have impressed this season, Huddersfield could do with some genuine Premier League-quality defenders to join Colwill in the back, which is where Jack Stephens and Daniel Amartey come in.
Both are set to leave Southampton and Leicester City respectively at the end of their contracts, and with over 200 Premier League appearances between them, Stephens and Amartey could be solid additions to start for Huddersfield in the defence, with Lees and Pearson on the bench as backup.
John Swift and Yan Valery join the midfield in summer spending spree
Harry Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien have been sensational this season for Huddersfield, and given their incredible numbers for Corberan’s side, the duo remain in the Terriers’ Premier League XI, with Championship star John Swift and Southampton right-back Yan Valery joining the pair.
As with Stephens and Amartey, Swift is set to become a free agent this summer, with the Reading midfielder already attracting plenty of interest from Championship and Premier League sides. Yet a role alongside O’Brien could be perfect for the former Chelsea academy star.
As for the inclusion of Yan Valery, the France youth international is desperate for a new challenge away from St. Mary’s, and Huddersfield and their style of play which encourages wing-backs could be perfect for the 23-year-old, who could thrive under Corberan.
Former West Ham striker leads the line for Huddersfield
Reports suggest that Danel Sinani’s loan deal with Huddersfield has an option to become permanent, a decision that the club should be making this summer even with Norwich City’s relegation back down the Championship.
With Sorba Thomas one of the standout players in the second-tier this season, the 23-year-old Wales international more than deserves a shot in the Premier League in the right-wing position, which just leaves the striker role vacant. Enter former West Ham star Marko Arnautovic.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed an incredible year with Bologna, with the striker bagging 15 goals in all competitions and looking as sharp as he ever has in a top European league, and for Huddersfield, Arnautovic could offer some vital athleticism and finishing in the attack that could be lacking with the likes of Danny Ward and Josh Korma.
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