Five new signings who are lighting up the Premier League

Given the cutthroat nature of the English top-flight, Premier League clubs are constantly seeking ways to stay one step ahead of the competition. Alongside the managerial merry-go-round, triggered whenever club owners hit the panic button during the campaign, pre-season has become synonymous with a flurry of player signings.

Even with the season still in its early stages, the Premier League is already showcasing some exciting new additions. For fans who follow leading podcasts, tune into fan-led YouTube content, and place bets after checking the latest odds on FIRST.com, several of these newcomers have grabbed their attention thanks to some eye-catching early-season performances.

Of course, the Premier League can be unforgiving, and there’s no certainty that the latest big-money signings will keep shining, but a handful of newcomers are already turning heads. Here, we take a closer look at five top signings so far.

Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan to Man City)

With club icons like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan departing for pastures new, Manchester City’s hierarchy wasted no time reinforcing their midfield. Their £46.5 million swoop for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan looks particularly astute. The Dutchman, crowned Serie A’s Midfielder of the Season after netting 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions, is already showing signs of being another masterstroke in City’s recruitment strategy.

Jack Grealish (Man City to Everton, loan)

After experiencing a period of stagnation at Manchester City, Jack Grealish has found a new lease of life at Everton. Joining the Toffees on a season-long loan from the Citizens, the likeable attacker has produced match-winning assists against Brighton and Wolves, while also popping up with a late winner against Crystal Palace. With more to come from Grealish, Everton fans might just have a new hero on their hands. 

Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool)

From Thierry Henry to Eric Cantona, a number of French strikers have arrived as relatively unknown quantities and departed as Premier League icons. Hugo Ekitike has the ability to do the same after a bright start which has seen the former Eintracht Frankfurt man bag three goals in his first seven games. The 23-year-old, who was signed in a deal worth £79 million, appears to have the world at his feet. 

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain to Man City)

As one of the planet’s finest goalkeepers, Manchester City’s capture of Gianluigi Donnarumma was a logical move, particularly given Ederson’s dip in form and James Trafford’s relative inexperience at the top level. The Champions League winner attracted interest from several clubs, but it was Pep Guardiola’s City who secured the Italian in a deal reported to be worth around £26 million. Bringing a wealth of elite-level experience to their revamped squad, Donnarumma has already made his mark, keeping three clean sheets in his first five appearances.

Joao Pedro (Brighton to Chelsea)

While his performances have dropped off recently, Joao Pedro is already becoming a key cog in Chelsea’s wheel. The versatile attacker joined the Blues in a £60 million deal after scoring 10 goals in 27 league matches last season. Brighton’s loss is most definitely Chelsea’s gain, with the 23-year-old Brazilian already providing two goals and three assists for his new club.