Rob Critchley takes a look at what Manchester City, Manchester United, Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United will bring to the mix next season.
So, as Chelsea did when Roman took over, Manchester City bought themselves a first Premier League title and their first championship in 44 years.
There is the inevitable talk about the first of many, of dynasties and of dominating English and European football for many years to come.
I am not saying it is not possible; it most certainly is but as the last four minutes at the Ethiad proved you can never know what is going to happen in football.
And while the dust settles on the Blue half of Manchester’s astonishing last gasp victory, the money men, management teams and boardroom staff at the countries biggest clubs will already be thinking about how they can wrestle the trophy back from Roberto Mancini’s grasp.
Targets will now be formulated. Players earmarked and sounded out. If any on the radar of the premier leagues biggest clubs will be going to the European championships, they will want to get deals sewn up before prices rise.
There could be some genuine competition for signatures in this close season too.
With the emergence of Tottenham and Newcastle as genuine challengers for the top four, and surely Liverpool can not perform so woefully at home, there is a real potential for seven sides to be fighting for Champions League positions next season.
Arsenal have already made a statement of intent with the signing of Lukas Poldolski. With Jack Wilshere coming back, that will be like a new signing and Arsenal are still being linked with some of the hottest property on the continent.
If Wenger can get his signings made early doors, then I believe they will have a big say in the title race next season.
Chelsea and City will spend big, City to go after big European prize and Chelsea to get back into that top 4, where they believe they belong.
Winning this seasons Champions league will eradicate the conundrum of them not playing in it next season, but they know the squad needs some serious investment and the continued uncertainty surrounding the manager could delay any signings coming in.
Liverpool will have money, but may have to sell before they can buy. They know another season of such disappointment in the league can not be tolerated, and the Carling cup is scant consolation for the outlay.
They will have the Europa League to compete in next season, and that will mean an increased workload for a squad which struggled to recover for games seven days apart, let alone three. It may be that the biggest transfer that Liverpool make this close season will be in the manager’s office, and not the pitch.
Tottenham and Newcastle will again need to strengthen to push on. Newcastle look to be fast sorting out the top and middle of the pitch, but lack any defensive solidity when injuries and suspensions take their toll.
Alan Pardew will see that as a key area to strengthen, especially with their involvement in the Europa League as well. Spurs will be looking to keep their big name players, and also add a name or two.
But with having to wait until Saturday’s Champions League final result to know which competition they will be playing in, may be caught on the back foot in the initial transfer scramble.
The situation at Manchester United is an interesting one. Make no mistake they will be hurting over the loss of their crown to their nearest neighbours.
Even the most casual of viewers can see that this is one of the weakest United squad’s of some time, and getting to the last minute of the season still with a chance of winning the league is testament more to the manager than the players he has at his disposal.
Will the Glazer’s put their hand in their pocket to the extent that is needed to keep up with the Mansour’s? It is hard to say.
There will definitely be players coming in, but whether they will be good enough to match what City can bring in is a whole different question.
Personally, I think this will be it for Manchester United. They will continue their search for good young players which will represent value rather than breaking the bank on superstars. They will be competitive, but they will not be a champion side again.
There are now seven sides to be battling it out for the Champions League places. Competition for the supremacy in 2012/13 will be closer and their will be some spectacular games.
As it stands though, the red side of Manchester is in decline while the blue moon really is rising, and will stay risen for many years to come.
images: © Crystian Cruz, © Ronnie Macdonald
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