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Pivotal Premier League Summer | 
Does anyone else get the feeling that things have been going too well for too long? The English Premier League has gone from European underachievers to world dominators in only a few years. Foreign investment and an influx of the world’s best talent has made the Premiership the undisputed champion of Europe and of the world. English clubs have been stealing all of the global headlines and have been dominating the latter stages of the Champions League for a few years now, but rumbles of a huge shakeup have continued to echo.
The signs are clearer at Manchester United than anywhere else. The resurgence of the Premier League has culminated with the resurgence of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils, and underneath all of their recent successes lies turmoil and deceit. I hate to say it as a Manchester United fan, but every victory leaves a bitter thought of the future in the back of my mind. Perhaps it’s the childish actions of Cristiano Ronaldo that makes every trophy result not just in happiness, but in fear for tomorrow. Things have been too good to be true at Old Trafford – the best player in the world on the best team in the world under the best manager in the world. Oh yes, all of this in the best league in the world. It all makes too much sense. United have grown accustomed to these successes, prompting players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic (possibly) to yearn for a new challenge.
If the rumors are to be believed, United itself will undergo huge changes. Besides the threat of Ronaldo leaving, Vidic could also head to sunnier shores, Carlos Tevez’s future remains just as cloudy as the smog over Buenos Aires, and rumors about a new United striker run rampant. On top of that, Edwin van der Sar’s position as United number one could come under threat by Ben Foster come August, while a new class of youngsters such as Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda will expect more minutes. Tricky times ahead for the Red Devils.
The story is no different over at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have a lot to figure out this summer as a whole host of players are supposedly ready to use the exit door. Florent Malouda has been consistently linked with a move away from the club, but his form in recent months has been outstanding. Didier Drogba’s neverending tale at Chelsea also looks like it’ll continue into the summer, as there is a long list of suitors interested in the Ivorian. Even if we ignore the laundry list of potential player exits, Chelsea will need to be on the hunt for a new manager. Guus Hiddink is certainly on the way out, and early signs suggest it will be Carlo Ancelotti taking over the reins. Who knows, though?
Across town at Arsenal, the Gunners are facing a similar situation. Just like at Chelsea, Arsenal’s star striker is most likely leaving English shores this summer. Emmanuel Adebayor has had a long feud with Arsenal management, and things finally appear to be coming to an end with Arsene Wenger’s recent statements (the Frenchman has said he would have no problems selling Adebayor). Just like at Chelsea, the problem doesn’t end with players. Arsene Wenger himself could be on the way out, as the once invincible manager was heavily criticized by the board this season after another year without trophies. Wenger has admitted that the Real Madrid job would be “interesting.” Interesting indeed…
Liverpool, meanwhile, are ensuring that they go yet another season without the Premier League crown. Even after faltering over the finish line once again, Rafa Benitez and his squad are insisting that their squad is just fine. Still, there could be massive changes on the horizon for the Reds, with their current owners struggling for cash. A takeover remains a genuine possibility, which would bring a whole host of changes at Anfield. Whatever happens, Fernando Torres is desperate for a strike partner following Robbie Keane’s controversial entrance and exit this season. David Villa in the Premiership? Quite possibly.
While we may have witnessed one of the closest Premier League seasons in recent memory, next season could be entirely different.
What will happen this summer and who will be the team to beat next season? Have your say in the comments section below!
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