As the Premier League resumes following the international break, questions remain over the performances of some of the most expensive recruits from the summer transfer window. While a few have hit the ground running, others are still finding their feet in England’s top flight.
Here’s how eight of the biggest signings have performed so far.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool – £69 million)
France forward Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool was initially overshadowed by the club’s high-profile chase for Alexander Isak, but he has arguably been the champions’ standout performer so far.
Displaying composure in front of goal and relentless energy in pressing, Ekitike has scored three goals and provided one assist in six league games. His only blemish came in the League Cup when he received a red card for celebrating a goal against Southampton by taking off his shirt.
Joao Pedro (Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea – £60 million)
The Brazilian forward has quickly become a key figure under Enzo Maresca, registering two goals and three assists in his first seven league outings.
Fresh from helping Chelsea win the Club World Cup, Joao Pedro’s adaptability and sharp movement have impressed his manager. Comfortable across the front line, he has given Chelsea a dynamic range of attacking options.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur – £55 million)
After a frustrating final season at West Ham, many doubted whether Kudus could rediscover his best form at Tottenham. Those doubts have quickly faded.
The Ghanaian winger has been electric, contributing four assists — the most in the Premier League — and scoring a late winner against Leeds United. With Dejan Kulusevski close to returning from injury, manager Thomas Frank may soon face a selection dilemma.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool – £100 million plus £16 million in add-ons)
Liverpool’s record signing, Florian Wirtz, has yet to justify his price tag. Despite flashes of his playmaking brilliance, the German midfielder has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Having scored 57 goals and assisted 65 during his time at Leverkusen, expectations were high. But with no goals or assists in seven league appearances, manager Arne Slot will be hoping Wirtz soon finds his rhythm.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United to Liverpool – £125 million)
Liverpool’s biggest summer signing has endured a slow start. After holding out for his dream move from Newcastle, Isak has looked short of match fitness and sharpness.
He has yet to score in the Premier League and has only started two matches, but there is optimism that he will soon come good. A goal against Manchester United this weekend could be the perfect spark to ignite his Liverpool career.
Benjamin Sesko (Leipzig to Manchester United – £76 million)
Manchester United’s new striker Benjamin Sesko arrived amid much excitement but initially struggled to settle in an inconsistent side. Comparisons with Rasmus Hojlund’s ill-fated spell did him no favours.
However, goals in successive matches before the international break have lifted spirits, and his understanding with fellow new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looks promising.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting to Arsenal – £55 million plus £8 million in add-ons)
Arsenal’s strong start to the season has masked Viktor Gyokeres’s relatively quiet form. The Swedish striker has three league goals but none in his past six appearances.
Mikel Arteta has publicly backed his forward, insisting there is no concern, though Arsenal will soon need Gyokeres to deliver the consistency expected from their main striker.
Nick Woltemade (VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle United – £69 million)
Newcastle’s signing of Nick Woltemade has proven a shrewd move so far. The towering 23-year-old has stepped up impressively in the absence of Alexander Isak, scoring three goals in four Premier League appearances and finding the net in the Champions League against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Early signs suggest he could become another cult hero at St James’ Park.
