Soccer

Every Premier League club’s best signing of the summer

Photo of Nicky Nicky15/08/2024 - 07:45 am
Matthijs de Ligt is immediately one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League
(Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

As the 2024/25 Premier League season draws near, the summer transfer window has been filled with eye-catching signings that are set to shape the upcoming campaign. Clubs across the league have worked tirelessly to secure the talent needed to boost their squads, making moves that have fans eagerly awaiting kickoff.

Among the most notable transfers, Manchester United’s acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt adds a world-class defender to their backline, while Chelsea’s signing of Pedro Neto injects pace and creativity into their attack. Arsenal have also made waves by bringing in Riccardo Calafiori, a promising left-back who will add depth and quality to their defensive ranks. In this article, we delve into each Premier League club’s best signing of the summer, exploring how these new arrivals might influence their teams in the season ahead.

Arsenal – Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said that he’s been ‘in love’ with the new defender for over a year, and I don’t think he was just talking about the football. In fact, he definitely wasn’t. He mentioned that he brings a different ‘aura’ to the side. Ok, Mikel. We get it. He’s a handsome man, but tone it down.

Arsenal bolstered their defense this summer with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, a talented left-back with a bright future. Known for his defensive solidity and ability to contribute offensively, Calafiori brings a mix of technical skill and tactical awareness to the Gunners’ backline. His arrival provides much-needed depth and competition for the left-back position, allowing Mikel Arteta more flexibility in his defensive setup as Arsenal look to challenge for the title.

Calafiori could be a great Premier League player
(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Aston Villa – Amadou Onana

Douglas Luiz was snapped up by Juventus, so Aston Villa had to make bold transfer market moves to replace him. Villa made a significant statement in the transfer market by securing the services of Amadou Onana for a fee in the region of £55m. He’s impressed in midfield for two years with Everton and just like Lucas Digne two seasons prior, has moved to the Midlands in the search for European football.

The powerful Belgian midfielder is known for his physicality, ball-winning ability, and driving runs from midfield. Onana’s presence in the center of the park will be key for Villa as they aim to build on their impressive performances last season and push for European qualification.

Bournemouth – Luis Sinisterra

Bournemouth’s capture of Luis Sinisterra from Leeds adds flair and creativity to their attack. The Colombian winger is known for his quick feet, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from wide positions. He shone in the Prem with Leeds two seasons ago. Sinisterra’s direct style of play and eye for goal will be crucial for Bournemouth as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League and fill the Dominic Solanke-sized hole in the side. The goals have got to come from somewhere.

Brentford – Fabio Carvalho

Brentford have pulled off a smart piece of business by bringing in Fábio Carvalho from Liverpool, a highly-rated young attacking midfielder. Carvalho’s versatility and technical ability make him a perfect fit for Brentford’s dynamic style of play. As he slots in behind Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, his creativity and vision will add an extra dimension to Brentford’s attack, and he could prove to be a key player as the Bees aim for another strong Premier League season.

Brighton – Mats Wieffer

Brighton continued their trend of astute signings with the acquisition of Mats Wieffer, a versatile and energetic midfielder. After Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister left a void there, Brighton have made an effort to get their midfield back to one of the best in the Premier League. The first step to that is Mats Wieffer.

Signed from Feyenoord, Wieffer is a fulyl fledged Dutch international. He is known for his excellent work rate and ability to break up play, Wieffer will provide balance to Brighton’s midfield. His ability to transition from defense to attack quickly fits perfectly with Brighton’s high-tempo style of play, making him a valuable addition to new boss Fabian Hürzeler’s squad.

Chelsea – Pedro Neto

Chelsea’s £60m signing of Pedro Neto has excited fans, as the Portuguese winger is one of the most promising talents in Europe. Neto brings pace, creativity, and a sharp eye for goal to Stamford Bridge, qualities that Chelsea desperately needed to rejuvenate their attack. Despite his slightly dodgy injury record (he can always be a friend to Reece James in the treatment room), his ability to beat defenders and deliver pinpoint crosses will add a new dimension to Chelsea’s offensive play, making him a crucial figure as they aim to climb back to the top of English football.

Crystal Palace – Daichi Kamada

Crystal Palace made a shrewd signing by bringing in Daichi Kamada on a free transfer, an attacking midfielder with a proven track record in European football who can help to fill the creative burden left by the departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich. Kamada’s vision, passing range, and ability to score from midfield make him an exciting addition to Palace’s squad. His experience and creativity will be vital in providing the Eagles with the attacking impetus needed to push for a top-half Premier League finish under Oliver Glasner.

Everton – Jake O’Brien

When Premier League clubs were sniffing around Jarrod Branthwaite, Everton added defensive reinforcement by signing Jake O’Brien from Lyon, a young center-back with plenty of potential. As it turns out, Branthwaite isn’t going anywhere, but now they have an elite backline. O’Brien’s height, strength, and composure on the ball make him a solid addition to Everton’s backline. While still developing, his physical presence and aerial ability could prove invaluable as Everton look to shore up their defense and avoid another relegation battle.

Fulham – Emile Smith Rowe

Fulham pulled off a major coup by signing Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal. The young English midfielder brings creativity, energy, and an eye for goal to Craven Cottage. Smith Rowe’s ability to drive forward with the ball and link play between midfield and attack will be crucial for Fulham as they aim to build on their strong performance last season and secure a mid-table finish.

Ipswich – Omari Hutchinson

Newly promoted Ipswich Town made an exciting addition by bringing in Omari Hutchinson, a promising young winger with bags of potential who spent last season at loan at Portman Road where he scored ten goals in the Championship. Hutchinson’s pace, dribbling skills, and willingness to take on defenders will add much-needed creativity to Ipswich’s attack. His youthful exuberance and flair could be key in helping Ipswich stay competitive in their return to the Premier League.

Leicester City – Caleb Okoli

Leicester City strengthened their defense with the signing of Caleb Okoli. from Atalanta, a physically imposing center-back with a bright future. He spent last season on loan at Frosinone, playing 34 games and establishing himself as a top centre-back. Okoli’s strength, aerial ability, and calmness under pressure make him a solid addition to Leicester’s backline. His presence will be crucial as Leicester aim to re-establish themselves in the Premier League following their promotion back to the top flight.

Liverpool – N/A

Liverpool are the ONLY club in Europe’s top leagues not to have signed a single player. Arne Slot clearly has opted for a quiet transfer window, focusing on maintaining the squad that has brought them success in recent seasons. While there have been no major signings, the stability and continuity within the squad will be key as Liverpool aim to challenge for the Premier League title once again.

Premier League Champions Manchester City – Savinho

Manchester City have added yet another exciting young talent to their ranks with the signing of Savinho, although he was signed from a partner club – Troyes. Both clubs are members of the City Football Group (CFG). The CFG also own Girona, the club at which he impressed last year on loan.

Despite that financial fishiness, the Brazilian forward is highly rated for his pace, dribbling ability, and flair. Though still developing, Savinho has the potential to become a key player for City in the future. His arrival adds depth to City’s already formidable attack, and he could be an exciting option off the bench as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to defend their title.

Savinho, formerly of PSV and Girona, is now at City
(Photo by NESimages/Perry vd Leuvert/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Manchester United – Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester United have made several exciting signings this window, but the most exciting is Matthijs de Ligt, one of the best center-backs in the world. De Ligt’s leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to play out from the back make him a perfect fit for United’s ambitions. His partnership with Lisandro Martínez could form one of the strongest defensive duos in the Premier League, as United look to mount a serious title challenge this season.

De Ligt has the potential to be one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League
(Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest – Nikola Milenkovic

Nottingham Forest have strengthened their defense with the signing of Nikola Milenković from Fiorentina, a commanding center-back with experience in Serie A. Milenković’s physicality, aerial ability, and defensive intelligence will be crucial for Forest as they aim to solidify their backline and avoid relegation. His presence will add much-needed stability to the team, making him a key figure in their survival bid.

Newcastle – Lewis Hall

Having impressed on Tyneside last season, especially in the backend of the season, Newcastle have made a smart investment in youth by permanently signing Lewis Hall, the versatile defender with great potential. Hall’s technical skills, vision, and work rate make him an exciting addition to Newcastle’s squad. While still developing, Hall has the ability to become a key player for Newcastle in the future, and his versatility could prove valuable in Eddie Howe’s tactical plans as Newcastle aim for a top-four finish.

Southampton – Ben Brereton Diaz

Southampton secured a proven goalscorer in Ben Brereton Díaz, adding firepower to their attack. The Chilean striker’s pace, finishing ability, and physical presence make him a perfect fit for Southampton’s style of play. Brereton Díaz’s arrival provides Southampton with a reliable goal threat as they aim to bounce back from a challenging previous season and secure a comfortable mid-table finish.

Tottenham – Archie Gray

Tottenham Hotspur made a strategic signing in bringing in Archie Gray from Leeds for £40m, a highly-rated young midfielder. Gray’s technical ability, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence make him a promising addition to Spurs’ squad. While still developing, Gray has already proven himself in pre-season to be a prodigious talent and he has the potential to become a key player for Tottenham in the future, providing depth and competition in midfield as they aim to return to the top four.

West Ham – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

As Manchester United brought in Noussair Mazraoui, West Ham United strengthened their defense with the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a right-back known for his exceptional tackling and defensive solidity. He’s one of the best, if not the best, at one-vs-one defending in the world. Having grown up in London, the Spider has always felt more comfortable in the capital.

He is one of several quality signings that West Ham have made in the off-season. Wan-Bissaka’s arrival adds depth and quality to West Ham’s backline, providing a reliable option on the right side of defense. His defensive prowess will be crucial as West Ham look to build on their strong performances last season and push for European qualification.

Wolves – Rodrigo Gomes

One Portuguese right-winger leaves, the next one is lined up and ready to go. Wolves and Portugal, what an incredible partnership. They have added creativity and flair to their attack by signing Rodrigo Gomes from Braga, a talented young winger with great potential. Gomes’ dribbling skills, pace, and ability to beat defenders make him an exciting addition to Wolves’ squad. His arrival brings a new dimension to Wolves’ attack, providing a fresh option as they aim to improve on last season’s performance and secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky15/08/2024 - 07:45 am