The competitiveness and financial clout of the Premier League means that any transfer window usually results in vast sums of money being spent in the division as sides look to achieve their various objectives, be it survival or a Premier League title tilt.
With the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton – to name just a few – making real strides in an attempt to close the gap on the runaway pair of Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table, we have seen some interesting additions to England’s top flight in the recent summer transfer window. True to form, huge sums of money have been spent.
Now that all the transfer business has been done and the first couple of games of the season have taken place, we thought we’d go through a few of the more memorable incomings over the summer as we look forward to seeing them play in England throughout the campaign.
Rodri – Atletico Madrid to Manchester City
Cool, calm and composed on the ball, Rodri joining Pep Guardiola’s dominant force makes a lot of sense. Seen as the eventual successor to Fernandinho’s throne, Manchester City have spent a club-record €70million on the 23-year-old Spain international after triggering the buy-out clause in his contract. It should come as no surprise that Manchester City are strong favourites to win the Premier League again this campaign, with bookmakers like those available at www.bestsportsbooks.co tipping them to win England’s top flight for the third season in a row.
Harry Maguire – Leicester City to Manchester United
Manchester United’s leaky defence has been an issue for a while now, so it comes as no surprise to see the Red Devils tie up a deal for England international Maguire. Despite the ridiculously huge £80million transfer fee, the former Foxes star is a certain upgrade on the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, but he does have a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Playing for a club the size of United is a completely different kettle of fish to what he’s experienced so far, but he has the ability to be the man the Red Devils need, though. Maguire has certainly impressed so far.
Pablo Fornals – Villarreal to West Ham United
Perhaps a surprise inclusion for some, but Fornals’ move to the Hammers is seen as a shrewd piece of business by many. Arriving from La Liga side Villarreal for a fee of £24million, Fornals is an exciting attacking midfielder who is capable of pulling the strings and creating chances in midfield. He’s one to watch this season, that’s for sure.
Nicolas Pepe – Lille to Arsenal
A direct winger with pace and an eye for goal, Ivorian Pepe scored 23 Ligue 1 goals for Lille last season and looks more than suited to England’s top flight. Alongside the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Pepe could thrive in Gunners side now full of speed and flair. He’s yet to get going yet, but it’s surely only a matter of time.
Moise Kean – Juventus to Everton
A highly rated striker in Italy and therefore a real coup for Everton, Kean scored eight times in 21 games for Juve and at the age of 19, appears to have an incredibly bright future ahead of him. Signed for an initial fee of £25.1million that could rise to £27.5million, the Toffees have bagged themselves an exciting young talent at a good price. It looks like Everton boss Silva is going to ease him in a bit, but once Kean gets to grips with the Premier League he’s more than capable of making a name for himself in England. He’s an exciting talent, all right.
