Ranking the best Premier League summer signings

17th October 2024

The new Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) resulted in a strange summer transfer window across all of England’s top flight. Indeed, the threat of points deductions resulted in sides’ reluctance to splash the cash and improve their squads, resulting in the most balanced season we have seen in some time. Not allowing the traditional big six to dominate the market has meant games remain unpredictable when placing a bet on football, and we have already witnessed some surprising outcomes.

From Manchester United’s capitulation away against Brighton, to Nottingham Forest winning at Anfield for the first time in 55 years, the 2024/25 season is shaping up to be a classic, and the balanced squads have a part to play.

That said, there have still been some new arrivals that have had some influence on their sides this term. In this article, we take a look at some of the best Premier League summer signings and how they have had an impact on their new clubs.

Savinho – Manchester City

We begin with the defending champions, and Manchester City’s move for Savinho has proved astute business as usual from Pep Guardiola, as the Catalonian finally has a winger redolent of Riyad Mahrez stylistically.

The Brazilian signed from fellow City Football Group club Troyes having helped Girona (another member of the operation) challenge for the La Liga title while on loan last season, and his silky dribbling and eye for a pass have already made him a regular in the champion’s starting lineup.

However, competition is fierce, and Savinho will have to keep impressing to retain his place over Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku.

Liam Delap – Ipswich Town

From a City arrival to a departure, Liam Delap has been instrumental for Ipswich Town’s survival bid since signing this summer for £20 million.

Delap has four Premier League goals already at the time of writing, showing he can score at the top level after impressing on loan at Hull City last season.

Kieran Mckenna will need to keep his star striker firing if he wants to keep the Tractor Boys on course and avoid relegation.

Max Kilam – West Ham United

While Julen Lopetegui has suffered a slow start to life as West Ham United manager, the Spaniard made strides to improve the Irons’ defence over the summer, bringing in a familiar face in Max Kilman, who he worked with throughout his stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

For £40 million, many thought it was an expensive deal for a centre-back who turns 28 in May, but Kilman has added composure and technical quality to the back line – possessing a great range of passing as well as aggressive tackling.

If West Ham can work on their home form, yet to pick up a win at the London Stadium, they stand in good stead to improve on the inconsistent outfit David Moyes left behind.

Facundo Buonanotte – Leicester City

Not every move has to be big money, and with a potential points deduction looming over them, Leicester City were savvy in the transfer window, with one of their best deals being the loan agreement for Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte.

The Argentinian has scored twice already and looks to be a great addition to Steve Cooper’s side, as he hopes to keep them afloat after Foxes won the Championship last season.

Nikola Milenković – Nottingham Forest

Across the East Midlands, Nottingham Forest have also enjoyed a fast start to the new campaign, picking up points against Liverpool and Chelsea away from home. A large part of that success has been down to the signing of defender Nikola Milenković.

The towering centre-back arrived from Serie A outfit Fiorentina, and already looks to be a leader at the City Ground, winning 97% of his aerial duels in a Forest shirt. His leadership at the back has gone a long way to adding stability to Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence.