The promoted clubs face a steep climb

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One of the biggest challenges for any promoted club is in recruitment. For teams about to join the Premier League, this particular issue is felt even more keenly. Any player good enough for English football's top table will already be a target for teams currently in the league. Brighton, Huddersfield Town, and, to a lesser extent, Newcastle all face the same problem.

Brighton

The south coast side have made two good signings so far. The first was goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, signed from Valencia for around £5 million—a move that broke their transfer record and signalled Albion's intent for the new season. It's not the first time this young Australian has been linked with a Premier League team. Brendan Rodgers looked into signing the goalkeeper during his tenure at Liverpool and, although the move never materialised, it shows the kind of quality Brighton have acquired.

The second of Brighton's summer signings looks to be a very astute move. Attacking midfielder Pascal Gross has signed from Bundesliga side Ingolstadt 04. It looks something of a coup—having created more scoring chances than any other Bundesliga player last season, he might have won a transfer to several other teams in England's top tier. Perhaps Chris Hughton has recognised the fundamental need for promoted teams to score goals. It's not enough without a sound defence but teams that don't score enough are invariably relegated.

Huddersfield

The Terriers arguably face the biggest challenge of any of the promoted teams. Traditionally, the 'third team' promoted through the playoff is often relegated after a single season. As for signings, Huddersfield have only consolidated their current team thus far. Veteran Dean Whitehead has been offered a new contract, and Aaron Mooy has turned his loan from Manchester City into a permanent move. Goalkeeper Danny Ward has also signalled his desire to stay, but it remains to be seen if Liverpool will allow him to go out on loan again. Whilst this is important business, it will not excite the fans nor will it improve their chances of staying in the Premier League.

The need for a talented attacker or two is not lost on Huddersfield's management—already the Terriers have been linked with the likes of Frazier Campbell, Chris Wood, Tom Ince and Steve Mounie. The problem is signing any of them will be difficult. The longer the window is open, the harder it will be.

Newcastle

The Magpies are in the healthiest shape of the teams coming up, essentially because they kept much of their original Premier League side together when they were relegated. They have made only one signing so far, securing loanee Christian Atsu on a permanent deal. Rafa Benitez's side look strong in most positions except at striker. Dwight Gayle might have been the team's top scorer but he has never been particularly impressive during his outings in the top tier. Ayoze Perez is still a work in progress and Mitrovic may be moved on by the club. A top striker would go a long way to helping secure Newcastle's future.

These three clubs still have time to improve before the opening day of the Premier League season. They'll need to if they're to stand any chance against the veteran teams of the league.

Photo by James Boyes