Premier League Signings: How the Big Money Moves Are Performing So Far
As the Premier League gears up for another thrilling round of action following the international break, the spotlight is on some of the league’s most expensive signings from the close season. With hefty price tags come high expectations, and it’s time to assess how these marquee players have fared thus far.
Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool (£69 million)
Liverpool’s acquisition of French forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt has proved to be a triumph. Over six Premier League appearances, Ekitike has netted three goals and provided one assist, showcasing his coolness in front of goal and tenacity in reclaiming possession. The only hiccup in his campaign came when he received a red card for celebrating a League Cup goal against Southampton by removing his shirt.
Joao Pedro: Chelsea (£60 million)
Brazilian forward Joao Pedro has made a significant impact since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion. With two goals and three assists in his first seven league matches, he has helped power Chelsea to early success. His versatility across the front line has impressed coach Enzo Maresca, allowing the team to adapt their attacking strategies.
Mohammed Kudus: Tottenham Hotspur (£55 million)
After a disappointing season at West Ham, Ghanaian winger Mohammed Kudus has found his form at Tottenham. He made an immediate impact by assisting twice on his debut against Burnley and currently leads the league with four assists. Kudus also scored the decisive goal in his last outing against Leeds United, leaving fans eager to see how he performs when Dejan Kulusevski returns from injury.
Florian Wirtz: Liverpool (£100 million, plus £16 million in bonuses)
Liverpool broke their transfer record to bring in German playmaker Florian Wirtz, but his transition to the Premier League has been challenging. With no goals or assists in seven appearances, Wirtz has yet to find his rhythm, and manager Arne Slot will be hoping he rediscovers his form soon to help ignite Liverpool’s season.
Alexander Isak: Liverpool (£125 million)
After a protracted transfer saga, Alexander Isak finally joined Liverpool but has struggled to find his footing. He missed the start of the season and has only started two league games, yet to score a goal. However, fans remain hopeful that a strong performance against Manchester United could signal his arrival at the club.
Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United (£76 million)
Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko has had a mixed start at Manchester United. While he initially struggled alongside a faltering team, he has recently scored in consecutive Premier League matches, hinting at a potential breakout as he builds chemistry with fellow new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Viktor Gyokeres: Arsenal (£55 million, plus £8 million in add-ons)
Arsenal’s impressive campaign has somewhat overshadowed Viktor Gyokeres’ contributions. Despite netting three goals, he has not scored in his last six matches, raising concerns about his consistency. Manager Mikel Arteta emphasizes the need for Gyokeres to find his scoring touch, especially as he steps into the role of the team’s primary striker.
Nick Woltemaede: Newcastle (£69 million)
Replacing Isak and Ekitike has been daunting for Newcastle, but Nick Woltemaede has risen to the challenge. The towering striker has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances and impressed in the Champions League, quickly becoming a fan favorite on Tyneside.
