Premier League teams splurged a record breaking £2.36 billion during the 2023 summer transfer window as clubs, like Arsenal, Villa and Brighton broke their spending records in hopes of climbing in the league standings.
New signings with price tags face expectations and pressure to deliver. The question remains; who has truly met those expectations? Lets take a look at the signings of the 2023/24 season.
10. Joao Pedro (Brighton)
Brighton made an investment by acquiring Joao Pedro for a club record fee of £30 million. He has proven to be their shining star. Pedro has impressively scored 19 goals. Provided two assists across all competitions this season. His standout performance against Tottenham, where he scored twice and assisted another goal in Brightons 4 2 victory at the Amex stadium showcased his talent. The Brazilian player has emerged as one of the standout performers among teams outside the ‘big six’ in the Premier League. Even earned a call up to represent Brazil on the team, in November.
9. Ross Barkley (Luton Town)
Ross Barkley has undoubtedly been Luton Towns standout player this season.
The midfielder who joined Luton on a transfer summer has been showcasing a remarkable return, to form delivering his best performances yet with four goals and four assists from midfield. This output is his highest since his time at Everton.
8. Pau Torres (Aston Villa)
Pau Torres arrival at Aston Villa from Villarreal during the summer transfer window has been a standout move for the club. With Villa having a season under Unai Emery that could lead to their Champions League qualification since 1983 Torres has played an essential role in their push for European football especially evident in their struggles when he was absent from eight games resulting in just one victory.
7. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur would have ranked higher on this list if not for an injury suffered in November. Despite adapting to Ange Postecoglous management style and contributing three goals and six assists before his ankle setback Maddisons form dipped afterward. Nonetheless he remains a part of Postecoglous dynamic Spurs team.
6. Waturu Endo (Liverpool)
Waturu Endo has made an impact, at Liverpool.
The Japanese midfielder, Endo who was signed for £16 million from Stuttgart has proven to be an acquisition, for Liverpool this season. His presence in midfield has filled the void left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho allowing players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboslai to shine as Liverpool aims for a farewell for Jurgen Klopp.
5. Guglielmo Vicarios
Guglielmo Vicarios impressive performances at Tottenham led to Hugo Lloris departing for Los Angeles sooner than expected. Vicario has been a player for Spurs this season as they strive for a spot in the Champions League.
4. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
West Hams signing of Mohammed Kudus from Ajax for £36 million has paid off handsomely with the forward contributing 16 goals and six assists in competitions playing a crucial role, in their Europa League campaign.If Kudus continues to perform West Ham might face competition from Premier League teams in the upcoming summer to retain their standout player for the next season.
3. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Alexis Mac Allister has been a player, in Jurgen Klopps midfield overhaul at Liverpool during the summer. Having arrived from Brighton for a £35 million the World Cup champion has made an impact on Liverpools performance. Mac Allister has delivered displays both defensively and offensively scoring goals against strong opponents like Manchester City and Sheffield United. He aims to add trophies to his collection after securing the Carabao Cup this season.
2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer has been a shining light for Chelsea amidst a season. His stellar performances have likely secured him a place in Gareth Southgates Euros squad this summer in the starting lineup. Palmer made a £40 million move from City to Chelsea summer proving to be quite a steal given the escalating prices of midfielders. He has contributed significantly with 16 goals and eight assists, in the league far this season.
The center midfielder has gained a reputation, for his calm. Collected penalty kicks successfully converting all eight attempts far this season.
1. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Declan Rice has emerged as the standout signing of the Premier League this season for Arsenal. The £105 million acquisition faced pressure upon joining the club to provide stability and organization to a team that struggled in the campaign. Rice has not. Exceeded expectations, scoring six goals and providing six assists. His highest tally in a single season. His goals have been particularly crucial with last minute winners against both Manchester United and Luton ensuring Arsenals title aspirations remain alive. Unlike season when Artetas squad relinquished a commanding lead to City. Slipped into second place Rices presence this year has added a new level of determination and resilience to Arsenal. His standout performances at venues like the Etihad Stadium and Stamford Bridge have showcased his influence, on the team.
