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<p>Opinion</p>
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title="Granit Xhaka, Hugo Ekitiké, Jack Grealish & Co. - TM's signing of the summer for each Premier League club"
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We are now ten games into the Premier League season—enough time for early impressions to solidify and for the table to start taking shape. The frenzied transfer window has calmed, the last-minute rush has settled, and the significant moves from the summer are beginning to reveal themselves as either brilliant successes or foolish errors. Whether through star players meeting expectations or unnoticed bargains becoming crucial, we can now evaluate each club's summer dealings—and it's time to make some judgments.
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It's a mix of data and intuition, but after ten games, the landscape is clear enough to select my signing of the summer for each of the 20 Premier League clubs. I've considered the transfer fees, the players' impact on their teams, and their future potential. The teams are listed according to their current standing in the Premier League table.
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<h2>Signing of the Summer for Each Premier League Club</h2>
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<h2><strong>Arsenal - Martín Zubimendi</strong></h2>
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Striker Viktor Gyökeres hasn't made a dazzling start, and Eberechi Eze is still finding his footing. For Arsenal, it came down to a choice between two players: young defender Christhian Mosquera, signed from Valencia for €15 million, or midfielder Martín Zubimendi, acquired for €70 million from Real Sociedad. I leaned toward Zubimendi. The Gunners' midfield has needed a refresh for some time, and there was considerable pressure to get it right. So far, the Spaniard has displayed remarkable quality, proving why many elite clubs coveted him—his footballing intellect is outstanding, and he will be crucial for Arsenal's trophy ambitions this season.
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<h2><strong>Manchester City - Gianluigi Donnarumma</strong></h2>
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Early in the season, it seemed Tijjani Reijnders would be Manchester City's standout signing—he had a strong start, but his influence has waned recently. While Erling Haaland is vital at one end, another key player for the team appears to be new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Acquired for just €30 million after playing a pivotal role in PSG's Champions League victory last season, the Italian seems like a bargain and remains one of the top shot-stoppers in the game today.
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<h2><strong>Liverpool - Hugo Ekitiké</strong></h2>
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The slow starts of high-profile signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have drawn attention, but the Frenchman Hugo Ekitiké has quickly settled in and emerged as one of the few bright spots in Liverpool's disappointing start this season. The 23-year-old was signed from Frankfurt for €95 million and has already netted five goals for his new club, showcasing an elegant playing style that excites fans. The challenge for Arne Slot is fitting Ekitiké and Isak into the same lineup.
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<h2><strong>Sunderland - Granit Xhaka</strong></h2>
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Sunderland had a remarkably active summer transfer window, splashing more cash than any other team promoted to the Premier League. It's been a fairytale start for the Black Cats in the top-flight, and while many new stars have shone, Granit Xhaka has been the glue holding this new side together. Acquired for €15 million from Bayer Leverkusen and appointed as club captain, the Swiss international has brought steel, quality, and leadership to midfield, making his signing look increasingly like a masterstroke.
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<h2><strong>Bournemouth - Adrien Truffert</strong></h2>
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Bournemouth has been another surprising team this season. After losing four of their starting back five over the summer, many expected the Cherries would struggle. However, under Andoni Iraola's management, they have impressed. I believe the €14 million acquisition of left-back Adrien Truffert from Stade Rennes is their best signing thus far; he has seamlessly stepped in for Milos Kerkez on the South Coast.
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<h2><strong>Tottenham - Mohammed Kudus</strong></h2>
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Tottenham's season has been inconsistent. They're currently sixth, just two points behind second place, yet were booed off the pitch after a disappointing match against Chelsea. At times, they have lacked creativity, but Mohammed Kudus has provided a significant spark in the attack. Brought in from West Ham for €64 million, he has already amassed five assists in 10 Premier League appearances.
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<h2><strong>Chelsea - Estêvão</strong></h2>
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While forward João Pedro has been a key asset to Chelsea, the standout has to be the teenage talent Estêvão. The €45 million paid to Palmeiras already looks like a steal, as he holds a market value of €60 million, making him the third most valuable U18 player globally. He has netted his first goals in the Premier League and Champions League, suggesting a bright future for the 18-year-old.
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<h2><strong>Manchester United - Bryan Mbeumo</strong></h2>
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At Manchester United, it was a close call between goalkeeper Senne Lammens and winger Bryan Mbeumo. Matheus Cunha might have also been in contention had he been fit. However, I chose Mbeumo. Although the €75 million transfer fee was steep, the Cameroonian has significantly contributed to the Red Devils' attack, scoring five goals in 11 matches and demonstrating the ability to change a game.
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<h2><strong>Crystal Palace - Yéremy Pino</strong></h2>
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Crystal Palace continues to defy expectations under manager Oliver Glasner, having recently defeated the reigning champions Liverpool multiple times and taken points off Chelsea. Losing Eze was a significant setback, but replacing him with promising young winger Yéremy Pino could prove to be a wise move. The 23-year-old has shown significant talent, illustrated by his impressive goal against the Reds in the EFL Cup. The €30 million fee paid to Villarreal could turn out to be a fantastic investment.
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<h2><strong>Brighton - Maxim De Cuyper</strong></h2>
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It's a tough choice as none of Brighton's summer signings have settled in as first-team regulars yet, which is typical of the Seagulls' recruitment strategy. I've chosen left-back Maxim De Cuyper, who was signed from Club Brugge for €20 million; the Belgian has started in half of Brighton's Premier League matches and could well be another astute long-term signing for the club.
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<h2><strong>Aston Villa - Marco Bizot</strong></h2>
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Aston Villa was likely the most challenging selection of all. They had a low-key summer, and none of their new signings have made a substantial impact. Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott have seen little playing time since their loan arrivals, and forward Evan Guessand is still finding his rhythm. Given this context, I've picked goalkeeper Marco Bizot, who was brought in for only €500,000 from a French club and has proven to be a solid backup for Emiliano Martínez. Though not thrilling, it was a necessary choice.
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<h2><strong>Brentford - Jordan Henderson</strong></h2>
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Some fans mocked Brentford for signing 35-year-old Jordan Henderson this summer after the former Liverpool captain spent time in Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. However, his free transfer has turned out to be an inspired decision, with Henderson's experience proving invaluable in the Bees' early season success. His standout performance against Liverpool in their 3-2 victory was particularly noteworthy.
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<h2><strong>Newcastle - Malick Thiaw</strong></h2>
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While the obvious choice might have been Nick Woltemade, given his excellent start in a Newcastle shirt, I opted for defender Malick Thiaw due to his €75 million fee. The commanding player has been impressive in defense for Newcastle, missing only the West Ham defeat where the whole team struggled. Thiaw has adapted well to the Premier League, and the €35 million paid to AC Milan might prove to be a savvy investment.
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<h2><strong>Everton - Jack Grealish</strong></h2>
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Jack Grealish has to be Everton’s standout signing. Since completing his loan move this summer, he has already contributed more than double the number of Premier League goals (5) in just nine games compared to his entire last season at Manchester City (2). He’s enjoying his football again, and when he’s on form, few players are as captivating to watch. Together with Iliman Ndiaye, he’s one of the standout performers for Everton right now.
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<h2><strong>Fulham - Kevin</strong></h2>
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Fulham had a quiet summer, making it a challenge to find a standout signing. I've chosen their most expensive acquisition—largely due to the fact that he’s a Brazilian named Kevin. Although the 22-year-old hasn’t dramatically influenced play at Craven Cottage, he has displayed flashes of impressive skill, and some reports suggest Liverpool is already keeping tabs on him. The €40 million fee paid to Shakhtar Donetsk was hefty, but there is potential excitement surrounding Kevin's future.
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<h2><strong>Leeds - Anton Stach</strong></h2>
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Like other promoted teams, Leeds has brought in numerous new players, but the one who has made the biggest impact so far is German midfielder Anton Stach. His stunning free-kick against Wolves has been a highlight, and his overall skill and creativity have made him stand out. The 26-year-old was signed from Hoffenheim for €20 million this summer.
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<h2><strong>Burnley - Quilindschy Hartman</strong></h2>
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Many Feyenoord fans were disappointed to see left-back Quilindschy Hartman leave for Burnley for just €10 million this summer. He is an exciting player with quality both in attack and defense, having played every minute of the Premier League season so far and already providing four assists in his first ten matches. A smart addition for Burnley.
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<h2><strong>West Ham - El Hadji Malick Diouf</strong></h2>
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West Ham's start this season has been unquestionably poor, reflecting years of inadequate recruitment. However, one player who seems to be a positive addition is hardworking full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. The 20-year-old Senegalese international has already contributed three assists in the Premier League. His pace and power indicate this young talent has a promising future in the English top-flight.
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<h2><strong>Nottingham Forest - Igor Jesus</strong></h2>
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Nottingham Forest's summer was chaotic, with numerous new signings and two managerial changes. Many new arrivals have struggled for minutes on the pitch, but Brazilian forward Igor Jesus has shown early signs of promise. Acquired for just €19 million from Botafogo, he has scored three goals in three matches in the Europa League and two goals in the EFL Cup. Now starting games in the Premier League under Sean Dyche, the future looks bright for him.
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<h2><strong>Wolves - Ladislav Krejci</strong></h2>
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Currently, it’s hard to envision Wolves remaining a Premier League side next season as they’ve yet to win a match this term. Their failure to adequately replace their sold star players is catching up with them. Nevertheless, of the new signings, defender Ladislav Krejci looks the most promising. He arrived from Girona on a lucrative loan deal, with an option to make it permanent next summer, and expectations are high for this Czech Republic international.
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