As the richest domestic league in the world, Premier League clubs spend hundreds of millions of pounds during every transfer window.
This summer was no exception, with English top-flight clubs comfortably breaking the £2 billion barrier.
Not every big-money recruit hits the ground running. Moises Caicedo – the summer’s most lucrative signing – is yet to settle in at Chelsea, while Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund is still awaiting his first Premier League goal.
By contrast, some players have wasted no time making an impact at their new clubs. Here are our signings of the season so far.
Declan Rice – Arsenal
Having established himself as one of the league’s top defensive midfielders while at West Ham United, Declan Rice’s transfer away from the Hammers had been anticipated for a long time.
The move finally came, with many people curious to see whether he could handle the weight of expectation.
The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers for Arsenal. Since his nine-figure arrival at the Emirates Stadium, he has earned widespread plaudits for his displays.
The England international has been a huge asset for the Gunners at both ends of the pitch. The defensive side of his game has never been in doubt – he’s always been an excellent runner and ball-winner.
But it’s his contribution in possession that has taken some by surprise. He’s shown that he is capable on the ball, commanding, and can provide a threat in the final third.
He has scored on three occasions in 16 league outings, including injury-time winners against Manchester United and Luton Town.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool
Liverpool’s midfield was given a makeover this summer. The old guard of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were moved on, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch arriving in their place.
The results have been encouraging. The Reds currently sit top of the league and have lost just once all season, and that was in highly controversial circumstances.
Out of the new faces, Szoboszlai has been the most noteworthy. The Hungarian has added a spark to Jurgen Klopp’s side, registering two goals and two assists while attracting plenty of praise for his performances.
Pau Torres – Aston Villa
Pau Torres’ Aston Villa career didn’t exactly get off to a flying start. However, the Spaniard has bounced back in extraordinary fashion and is now a key part of one of the country’s most in-form sides.
From his 15 league starts, Torres has helped the Midlands outfit accumulate 35 points, winning 11 while losing just two. This includes back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, in which Vila didn’t concede a single goal.
The centre-back has also shown himself to be a threat from set pieces. He earned his side a point with an equaliser against Wolverhampton Wanderers and notched just before half-time as Unai Emery’s side came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur.
Mohammed Kudus – West Ham United
If anything demonstrates the spending power of the Premier League, it’s Mohammed Kudus’ transfer to West Ham.
A young player who has previously impressed on the biggest stages, leaving the Dutch giants of Ajax to join a side who finished 14th last season.
Kudus was brought in for a portion of the Rice fee and has been a hit. Despite not starting a league game until late October, the Ghanaian has scored six goals in all competitions.
Capable of playing centrally and on both wings, the former Nordsjaelland man has shown quick feet, explosive pace, dazzling dribbling, accurate crossing, and sharp finishing. He has all the makings of a star.
James Maddison and Micky van de Ven – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur were heavily reliant on Harry Kane last term. So when their all-time top goalscorer left for Bayern Munich in the summer, many people expected the Lilywhites to tumble down the league.#
But as things stand, they are on course for a return to European football.
Just a few weeks ago, Spurs were considered title contenders, having taken 26 points from their opening ten games. However, a run of one draw and four defeats has seen them fall down to fifth.
What exactly has been the cause of this downturn in results? Well, during their home clash with Chelsea, James Maddison and Micky van de Ven were substituted with injuries at half-time, and neither has featured since.
In this case, the results speak for themselves. With these two, Tottenham are one of the best sides in the league but are significantly weaker without them.