Top 5 EPL Signings Of The 2023/24 Season
Football transfers can stir up different reactions among fans, depending on their perception of the player's quality and the club's strategic intent. Naturally, fans get excited and have high expectations when their club signs a big-name player or an exciting prospect. This is because they could almost bet that they'll be good signings based on price tag, reputation, and past achievements. However, determining the success of a player's signing is often more complex than just looking at these factors.
Sometimes, highly anticipated players disappoint, while others who were initially doubted prove invaluable assets to the team. Ultimately, it takes time to determine whether a signing is successful. That said, this article covers the top five most successful signings so far in the 2023/24 EPL season. But before we dive in, you can click here in your free time for the best betting odds on football matches.
Cole Palmer to Chelsea (£42.5m)
Cole Palmer's £42.5 million deadline-day switch to Chelsea was a little surprising for many Chelsea fans. However, judging from how busy Chelsea was in the summer transfer window, such a signing was expected. With over £450 million spent and over ten players signed, it was almost as if the club were mindlessly plowing through the transfer market. Luckily, they got Palmer.
When speculation about the deal surfaced, numerous Chelsea supporters didn't greet it with much enthusiasm. Many had their sights set on Michael Olise, another potential acquisition that unfortunately didn't materialize. Despite this initial lukewarm reception to his arrival, Cole Palmer has emerged as Chelsea's most profitable investment of the summer transfer window.
The Blues have endured a challenging campaign thus far, but Cole Palmer has distinguished himself as one of the league's standout performers. The young attacker has become the cornerstone of Chelsea's season with an impressive tally of 31 goal contributions in as many matches. Currently, he ranks second in the Premier League's top scorer and assists charts, boasting 21 EPL goals and 10 assists.
Declan Rice to Arsenal (£100m)
Declan Rice was one of the players whose signings occupied the headlines all summer. Even before the summer transfer window, rumors of his potential transfer to Arsenal were all over the news. He was the big-name signing Arsenal fans wanted, and they got him.
Declan Rice switched from West Ham to Arsenal in a record deal worth £100 million. Fans eagerly anticipated his arrival, hoping he would maintain the exceptional form he displayed at West Ham. And boy, did he deliver! He justified every cent Arsenal spent on him. In fact, some Arsenal supporters jokingly started a GoFundMe campaign to pay West Ham more, as they felt they paid too little for the quality of players they got in Rice.
Arsenal is currently second in the Premier League table this season, and Rice has played a huge role in that achievement. He's featured in every Premier League match for Arsenal and has recorded seven goals and eight assists, an exceptional feat for a defensive midfielder.
James Maddison to Tottenham (£40m)
The England international switched to Tottenham in the summer transfer window after his previous Leicester City team got relegated. Naturally, James Madison had been known to be an impressive player at Leicester; the question was whether he could carry his impressive performances to a big club like Tottenham. So far, he's dispelled all doubts, proving that he can handle the pressure of playing for a big club.
Maddison has been pivotal to the Spurs this season, particularly given the departure of their talismanic figure, Harry Kane, during the same transfer window. While not necessarily matching Kane's goal-scoring prowess, Maddison has admirably stepped into his role, significantly influencing the team's dynamics. With 12 goal contributions, he's got Tottenham actively in the top-four race, as they currently sit fifth with a game in hand.
Joško Gvardiol to Manchester City (£77.6m)
Pep Guardiola shelling out millions for defenders is shaping up to be a constant every transfer window. His £77.6m million acquisition of Gvardiol is his latest defensive asset. And like the previous two, Ake and Akanji, Joško's signing has been a hit and not a miss.
The 22-year-old Croatian international drew much attention after his impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup. However, before the World Cup, it was reported that Manchester City already had their eyes on him due to his wonderful campaign at Leipzig.
Since signing for City, he's been rock solid on defense, featuring in 26 Premier League games. Apart from his stellar defensive performances, he's also been impressive attacking-wise, scoring four goals and making one assist.
Mohammed Kudus to West Ham (£38m)
Mohammed Kudus' outstanding displays for Ghana in the World Cup caught the attention of scouts across Europe. His remarkable season at Ajax, where he contributed to over 15 goals, further made him a coveted talent, drawing attention from elite clubs during the summer transfer window. However, despite the interest from numerous top clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, Kudus opted to join West Ham.
West Ham currently sits in 9th position in the Premier League standings. However, Kudus has consistently delivered standout performances throughout the season, validating his transfer fee. He has been a key contributor to the team, with an impressive 13 goal involvements in the Premier League alone and 19 across all competitions.
Conclusion
The 2023/24 Premier League season has witnessed some remarkable signings. These players have justified their price tags and greatly influenced their team's performance on the pitch.