It seems, every single year, Premier League clubs break the record for spending in the summer transfer window.
This summer was no different, with Premier League clubs spending £1.9bn according to The Guardian, a new record.
Now, with the Premier League fixtures postponed this weekend after The Queen sadly passed away, we take a look at a starting eleven of some of the summer signings who have impressed the most this season.
Goalkeeper – Nick Pope
After Burnley got relegated from the Premier League, it was no surprise to see a club act fast and bring the England international back to the top flight.
Pope has offered solidity in goal for Newcastle, and sits second in the league in terms of save percentage, behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford (data via FBRef).
Right-back – Aaron Hickey
Hickey has spent the majority of his short career playing as a left-back, but since joining Brentford, the Scottish International has played on the right-hand side of their defence.
A signing which may have gone under the radar slightly, but Hickey has adapted to the Premier League with ease, and has helped Brentford get off to an impressive start this season.
Centre-back – James Tarkowski
With £1.9bn spent by Premier League clubs, it may come as a surprise to see a free transfer make the list. However, after Everton endured such a difficult season last campaign, Frank Lampard desperately needed to add leadership and fight to his current squad.
Tarkowski brings that in abundance and his experience has been evident in his early performances for Everton this season.
Centre-back – Armel Bella-Kotchap
Again, a signing that may have gone slightly under the radar for some people, but Bella-Kotchap has had a fantastic start to life in England. At just 20 years old, to start regularly in the Premier League and show such maturity in his performances is testament to his character.
Southampton have targeted young, up-and-coming stars in their recent recruitment, and it’s already starting to pay off.
Left-back – Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko spent the majority of his Manchester City career being rotated in and out of the team. The Ukrainian has immense technical ability, making him suited to a Pep Guardiola side, but we’re now seeing another side to Zinchenko, with Arsenal giving him the chance to play week-in-week-out.
Zinchenko has shown his ability going forward and what he can offer creatively for Arsenal, as well as showing his defensive nous.
Centre-midfield – Joao Palhinha
Fulham have enjoyed an impressive start to their return to the Premier League. Many expected Marco Silva’s side to struggle, but they currently sit in the top half of the Premier League.
One key reason is the signing of former Sporting midfielder Palhinha. The 27-year-old has already contributed with a goal, as well as showing his ability to break up play and dictate the game.
Centre-midfield – Christian Eriksen
Eriksen was signed on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Brentford. Many expected Eriksen to play as a backup, rotational option to Bruno Fernandes in the number ten role, but Eriksen has been deployed in a slightly deeper position, alongside Scott McTominay in midfield.
The Danish international has been extremely impressive in an unfamiliar, more defensive role than he’s used to, and considering the lack of transfer fee, it was some excellent business from Manchester United.
Centre-midfield – Romeo Lavia
Again, another impressive signing from Southampton. At just 18 years old, Lavia is already playing regularly in Southampton’s midfield, and was subject to a £50m offer from Chelsea on deadline day, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite only joining the club a few weeks prior.
Southampton were already able to receive such a monumental offer for a young player weeks after bringing him to the club, so it’s difficult to argue against Lavia being one of the smartest signings of the summer.
Right-wing – Luis Sinisterra
Sinisterra enjoyed a successful season for Feyenoord last year, scoring 23 goals in all competitions. Signing a player of his calibre was an impressive coup from Leeds, and he’s already shown in the first few weeks what he can bring to Jesse Marsch’s side.
The 23-year-old has already scored twice so far this season in his only two Premier League starts, as he looks to fill the boots of Raphinha who joined Barcelona in the summer.
The pressure of replacing such an influential player for Leeds must be tough, but Sinisterra has already shown he is capable of living up to expectations.
Left-wing – Gabriel Jesus
In a similar story to Zinchenko, Jesus was a victim of Guardiola’s insistence on squad rotation. Jesus was played out wide as well as through the middle for Manchester City, but was rarely given a consistent run of games.
Since joining Arsenal, Jesus has started every game and it’s already paying off for Mikel Arteta.
Jesus has six goals and assists in his first six games for Arsenal, and is a contender for signing of the summer.
Centre-forward – Erling Haaland
Who else? A small portion of fans questioned whether Haaland would be able to adapt to the Premier League and it’s safe to say they were wrong to question the Norwegian.
With ten goals in just six Premier League games since joining Manchester City, Haaland is well on his way to breaking multiple records.
Guardiola will be hoping Haaland’s goals can help Manchester City finally win their first Champions League trophy.
It’s a pretty impressive eleven, who would undoubtedly be competing near the top of the Premier League, but which players would you change?