So far, the Premier League’s five best summer additions.
The first eight matches of the 2023-24 Premier League season have been completed, with the 20 clubs in the English top flight given a chance to reflect on the campaign so far during the October international break.
Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Ange Postecoglou, leads the table with 20 points, slightly ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.
So far, the Premier League’s five best summer additions
They are the only two unbeaten clubs in the league after Manchester City suffered back-to-back league losses for the first time since Boxing Day 2018.
Premier League clubs spent almost €2.73 billion during the most recent summer transfer window, with Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea spending the most (€462.1 million).
FootballTransfers ranks the top five summer arrivals through the first eight games.
The five best Premier League transfers summer signings so far
James Maddison – €46.3m (Leicester to Tottenham)
James Maddison has two goals and five assists in eight league games for Tottenham, and his friendship with Son Heung-min appears to be just as damaging as the Korea Republic star’s previous one with Harry Kane.
Maddison has integrated smoothly into the Tottenham team, and the fact that he is already vice-captain demonstrates how fast he has fit in.
He is one of the best offensive midfielders in the Premier League, and he is already shouldering the creative burden at Tottenham. His impact on and off the field has been enormous for a club that appears to be capable of competing at the top this season.
Declan Rice – €116.6m (West Ham to Arsenal)
Declan Rice was the most expensive signing in world football this summer, and the Arsenal man has so far lived up to the hype.
He has already established himself as an important member of Mikel Arteta’s squad and has had little trouble adjusting to playing for a team that is expected to dominate practically every match.
Rice also scored a late victory against Manchester United, helping Arsenal keep pace with north London rivals Tottenham.
The fact that Rice has fit in seamlessly demonstrates what an effective signing this has been. The England international has had no problems and looks as good, if not better, than he did at West Ham.
James Ward-Prowse – €34.8m (Southampton to West Ham)
To replace Rice, West Ham signed James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez, with two players required to fill the vacuum created by the new Arsenal man.
Alvarez has taken up Rice’s defensive duties, while Ward-Prowse has been allowed the freedom to mimic his countryman’s ability to drive up the pitch.
The latter has been the much-needed secret weapon for David Moyes. West Ham were already a major danger from set pieces due to their large squad, and they now have the top free-kick and corner taker in the world on their club.
As a result, it’s not surprising that Ward-Prowse has three league assists this season (along with three in the Europa League).
Furthermore, the Englishman has scored two goals as West Ham prepares to compete for European football this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai – €70m (RB Leipzig to Liverpool)
Dominik Szoboszlai cost Liverpool €70 million this summer, but that number has received little attention. That is an indication of success, and the Hungarian has been nothing but successful thus far.
His enthusiasm has brought life to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, and he’s been able to combine that out-of-possession activity with excellent on-ball abilities as well.
Szoboszlai’s impact super-seeds goal contributions and his effort has arguably unleashed Mohamed Salah, who has five goals and four assists in eight Premier League matches this season.
Micky van de Ven – €40m (Wolfsburg to Tottenham)
There were undoubtedly reservations about Micky van de Ven when Spurs spent Wolfsburg €40 million to buy him this summer, but that figure already appears to be a steal.
The Dutchman has already formed an excellent relationship with Christian Romero to his right and Destiny Udogie to his left, and his ability to defend in wide areas has allowed Udogie to advance freely up the flank.
Van de Ven was not the most high-profile defender to join the Premier League from the Bundesliga this summer – that honour goes to Josko Gvardiol – but he has been outstanding.
In addition, he scored the game-winning goal in Spurs’ 1-0 win over Luton Town before the October international break.
