Who will be the Premier League's signing of the season?
The new Premier League season is just around the corner, and with it comes a host of exciting new signings who will certainly excite fans.
Clubs have been busy bolstering their squads with fresh talent, and fans should keep a close eye on these seven players who are set to make their mark in England’s top flight.
Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
Ex-Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee is one of the most intriguing additions to Manchester United's squad in recent seasons. The Dutch forward was superb in Serie A last year, scoring 12 goals for Bologna as they achieved their first-ever Champions League qualification.
His move to Old Trafford was valued at around €42.5 million, and the Red Devils will hope he can provide much-needed support to Rasmus Hojlund in front of goal.
At just 23 years old, the former Bayern Munich academy star brings fresh attacking flair to United's forward line. With his recent international debut in Euro 2024’s quarterfinal against Turkey, Zirkzee joins the Premier League high on confidence and with great expectations on his shoulders.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Arsenal added another layer of depth at centre-back with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for an initial €45 million after the 22-year-old Italian played a crucial role in I Rossoblu’s incredible performance in Serie A last season.
Calafiori’s versatility allows him to operate effectively as a centre-back and left-back and his arrival at the Emirates strengthens Arsenal’s already formidable defence.
With a five-year contract in place and a solid showing at Euro 2024, he is expected to complement the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, and Ben White, and possibly set up shop at full-back as part of a more rigid Arsenal backline.
Savinho (Manchester City)
Manchester City secured the signing of Brazilian winger Savinho, who was instrumental in Girona’s surprising third-place finish in La Liga last season, for €25 million.
The 20-year-old’s move from Troyes, another club within the City Football Group has drawn criticism with fans and pundits claiming the deal was exploitative of the French club, but Savinho has still been tipped to hit the ground running in Manchester.
With Savinho’s contributions, including nine goals and 11 assists, in 37 LaLiga matches last season, the former Troyes forward is expected to make an impact at Manchester City, especially after the exit of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.
So far, the Brazilian is Manchester City’s only new signing of the summer, and his agility and flair on the wings make him a player to watch closely this season.
Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s capture of 22-year-old left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for €44.5 million was seen a coup for the Champions League bound side after he was approached for a permanent move by Borussia Dortmund.
Maatsen made a significant impact during his loan at Borussia Dortmund last season, helping them reach the Champions League final and earning a spot in UEFA's team of the tournament, but the German side were unable to finance a permanent transfer for the former Chelsea player.
The Dutch defender is adept at both defending and attacking, could feature anywhere on the left wing, and has a penchant for important goals as seen in the Bundesliga and Champions League last season.
Despite his relatively young age, Maatsen’s experience in top European competitions makes him a valuable addition to Villa as they prepare for Champions League football and it is no surprise that his signing has Aston Villa fans excited ahead of the new Premier League season.
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)
Brighton secured the signing of 19-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United for €35 million, helping the Magpies avoid ESR problems.
Despite the financial break for Newcastle, Brighton were the real winners in this deal, securing one of the top talents in the world on a five-year deal.
Known for his lightning speed, Minteh impressed during a loan spell at Feyenoord last season, where he scored 10 goals in 27 league games and netted against Celtic in the Champions League. The Gambian forward has been praised for his ability to unsettle defenders with his pressing and pace and has rapidly progressed from a raw talent at Danish club Odense to a player ready to take the Premier League by storm.
During pre-season with Brighton, Minteh has already shown his quality under Fabian Hurzeler and will be one to watch when the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off.
Leny Yoro (Manchester United)
Manchester United beat competition from reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid to complete the signing of French teenager Leny Yoro from Lille in a €62 million deal that will see the defender at Old Trafford until 2029.
The prodigious talent made his debut for Lille’s U19 team as a 15-year-old, and one year later was already starring for the first team in Ligue 1, proving his quality despite his tender age, gaining the attention of Real Madrid and Manchester United.
His ability to read the game, combined with his technical skill and physical presence, allowed him to excel even as he became a regular in Lille's first team at 16, where his composure and leadership qualities stood out.
He has been praised for this intelligence and consistency despite his youth and is expected to mark an era at Manchester United. However, fans will have to wait three months to enjoy Yoro on the pitch for the Red Devils after the teenager suffered a broken foot during pre-season.
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham)
Fans who like electrifying wingers will love West Ham’s new signing, Crysencio Summerville, who joined the Hammers from Leeds United in a €29.3 million deal.
In three years with Leeds’ first team, the 22-year-old Dutch international has scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 89 matches for the Lilly Whites, establishing himself as one of the best players on the team.
West Ham are hoping that Summerville will continue his good form from last season, where he was directly involved in 31 goals (21 goals + 10 assists) in all competitions for Leeds.
Summerville will get to play in an exciting West Ham front three that also includes Jarrod Bowen, Niklas Fullkrug, and Mohammed Kudus under former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui.
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