The 2024 summer transfer window is now closed and as per usual, Premier League clubs conducted a lot of business.
Chelsea and Brighton were two of the biggest spenders, while Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham from Bournemouth was the most expensive at £65 million.
Now that the dust has settled somewhat on another transfer window, NetBet has decided to take a look at some of the best signings made by Premier League sides.
Of course, our five picks could go on to endure tough stints in the English top flight, but their arrivals look good for the new clubs. Well, on paper at least.
If our predictions prove to be dreadful, please do not judge too harshly!
And for the best Premier League odds, bet sport with NetBet!
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s quest to dethrone Manchester City as champions of England may not have a successful ending this season, given the strength of their fierce rivals.
However, the signing of Merino from Real Sociedad means the Gunners’ midfield looks a force to be reckoned with for the immediate future. His arrival at the Emirates should prove even more important than those of Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling.
Last season, the lack of a Granit Xhaka-type figure on the left of the central three was evident and in the end, it perhaps cost Mikel Arteta’s side.
But Merino can solve that issue. He has been one of the best midfielders in the world over recent years, offering a lethal combination of power, duel-winning ability and grace. Oh and he is more than capable of chipping in with goals as well.
The Spain international only recently turned 28 and we may see Declan Rice revert to his more natural No6 position this season as a result of this signing. Great business by Arsenal, although they will want him free from a shoulder injury as soon as possible.
Max Kilman (West Ham)
Julen Lopetegui was in desperate need of reinforcements at centre-back and appears to have got a great one in the left-footed Kilman, who joined for around £40 million.
The ex-Wolves skipper enjoyed a stellar campaign at Molineux in 2023-24 and has continued that form into this season with the Hammers.
While Lopetegui’s side have shipped a few goals this term, including a hat-trick from Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Kilman has turned in a string of top displays and looks as if he will be a mainstay in the XI for years to come.
A strong defender with an eye for a pass, Kilman’s skill-set is tailor-made for West Ham in their new era and now it is about finding a suitable long-term partner for him at the London Stadium.
Do not be surprised if he receives an England call up at some point this season…
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
While Onana may have lacked consistency at times during his stint with Everton, it seems bizarre that other big Premier League clubs were not desperate to sign him this summer – even if he did cost £50 million.
The Belgian is everything you could want in an all-round midfielder. Standing at 6’5”, Onana is a fearsome opponent for anyone and in the air, few can get near him, as West Ham discovered on Matchday 1.
But as well as his undeniable physical attributes, he is a wonderful footballer who can dictate big games with intelligence and clever passing when required – as he proved recently against Arsenal, albeit in a 2-0 loss.
And at the age of 23, Onana is only going to get better under the tutelage of Unai Emery, which is a scary thought for the rest of the division.
Whisper it quietly, but Villa may have got themselves an upgrade on Douglas Luiz…
Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
Perhaps the most lowkey of all United’s signings this summer could very well prove to be the most important as they look to recover from a slow start to the campaign following back-to-back losses to Brighton and Liverpool.
Mazraoui previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and it already seems clear why the Red Devils boss was eager for a summer reunion with the versatile right-back.
The Morocco international is maybe not quite as good as West Ham new boy Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 1v1 situations but in most other aspects, he is a far superior player.
A tenacious defender who can pass like a midfielder and beat a left-back in the final third, the 26-year-old looks nailed on to be a regular in United’s XI for years to come.
Alongside Federico Chiesa’s £12.5 million switch to Liverpool, Mazraoui might be one of the bargains of the summer at just £17 million.
Savinho (Manchester City)
There was not much reaction when City brought in Savinho from sister club Troyes after his magnificent season on loan at Girona.
But Premier League fans are already starting to take notice thanks to the Brazilian’s impressive start to life in England.
Like team-mate Jeremy Doku, Savinho gives Pep Guardiola’s side a new dimension on the flanks and is already earning comparisons with Riyad Mahrez, which really is praise of the highest order.
Last season, the 20-year-old (yes, he is only 20!) scored nine goals and assisted 10 more in La Liga, all while terrorising full-backs every week with his dribbling skills.
This £30 million deal is yet more evidence that while City’s riches can be criticised to a degree, they spend their money better and smarter than most!
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