Premier League 2016-17: Dark Horses in the race for European Football

With the growing competition in and around the world of football, the Premier League (being the most entertaining and popular one) seems to have split wide open in terms of the fight for European Competition places just as the transfer window ends this summer. A record smashing $1.5 billion was spent in the current summer transfer window as players moved to greener pastures in search of game time and higher wages.

With a host of top clubs swooping in the likes of David Luiz and Moussa Sissoko, some were busy wracking brains in forming the right combination for this season. Here is a list of English Clubs that could prove to be the dark horses in contention of European Football next season.

---

Middlesbrough

With a host of signings this summer, The Boro could be looking to aim for European football next season. Although manager Aitor Karanka would just be looking to survive in the league with a stiff competition from the other clubs around, but it certainly does seem that the team has a lot of potential to make it big coming into the season with the signings like Victor Valdes, Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez

The Boro have also added the likes of Antonio Barragan, Fabio Da Silva and Calum Chambers to strengthen their defensive lineup as they gear up to face the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton in their upcoming fixtures. One surprise signing on the deadline day which might play-in as the wildcard this season is the Barcelona academy product Adama Traore.

After a dismal season with Aston Villa, Traore would like to prove his worth in the Premier League and help the Boro fight for a place in the top 10. Do not be shocked if you see Middlesbrough finish above the likes of Crystal Palace and Leicester City.