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The 2021/22 Premier League season has already started this Friday with newly-promoted Brentford hosting Arsenal. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacting several clubs across the globe, the Premier League clubs have spent a lot of money in this transfer window. Champions Manchester City broke the British transfer record when they signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for $145 million. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Arsenal have also spent close to $100 million each on new players. Let’s take a look at 5 new signings made in the Premier League which could have a major impact this season.
1.) Jadon Sancho to Manchester United
Manchester United have improved their attack massively after signing Borussia Dortmund’s right-winger Jadon Sancho for a fee of £73 million ($101m). Sancho earned the nickname ‘Assists King’ during his time in the Bundesliga as he provided assists after assists. The 21-year old scored 36 goals and registered 43 assists for the Black and Yellows and cemented his status as one of the best wingers in the world. At United, Sancho will have a similar role as he had at his previous club. The pacy attacker, who can play on both left and right-wing will provide width and creativity along with his dynamic runs in the midfield.
2.) Jack Grealish to Manchester City
Manchester City made their first major signing of the summer as they signed England international Jack Grealish for £100m ($139m) from Aston Villa. This could be a match made in heaven as Grealish, who is adept at exploiting half-spaces, will only improve his game under Pep Guardiola's coaching. Playing with better players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, İlkay Gündoğan and Riyad Mahrez, week in week out will help bring the best out of Grealish. He has been handed the number 10 shirt vacated by departing Argentine striker Sergio Aguero. Grealish can play both as a winger and an attacking midfielder. The former Aston Villa captain will definitely add more creativity and versatility to City’s attack as the Premier League champions aim to go one better in the Champions League after losing last season’s final 0-1 to Chelsea.
3.) Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea
Chelsea have a deal in principle to sign Romelu Lukaku from Serie A Champions Inter Milan for a fee in the region €115M. Chelsea sold Lukaku for £28m to Everton in 2014 and are now buying him back from Inter Milan, given his stellar performances at Inter Milan helping them to their first Scudetto in 11 years. One of the most prolific strikers in Europe, Lukaku will be a welcome addition to Chelsea’s forward line. Chelsea created loads of chances last season but the finishing of Timo Werner proved to be a huge let-down. For a man of Lukaku’s physical stature, his agility, finishing and execution are a great asset for any team. The powerful Belgian striker will be determined to make a big impact on his highly anticipated return to the Premier League.
4.) Raphael Varane to Manchester United
Manchester United reached an agreement with Real Madrid last month to sign defender Raphael Varane for an estimated £41m including add-ons. Varane made 360 appearances for the Spanish giants during a 10-year stay, winning the Champions League and La Liga three times each. The defender has also won the World Cup with France and has been one of the best defenders in the world during this period. The addition of Varane will be a huge boost for the Red Devils. Varane’s greatest strength is his speed and reading of the game. Harry Maguire has also been solid at the back since his move from Leicester City and he will form an intimidating defensive partnership alongside Varane.
5.) Ibrahima Konate to Liverpool
Liverpool have strengthened their defence by signing centre-back Ibrahima Konate for £36m from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig. Liverpool had an injury crisis last season, especially in their defensive line and the Reds have made a smart move by signing the talented French defender. Konate is aerially dominant, strong in his tackle and a ball-playing defender. His playing style is similar to Virgil van Dijk and he also possesses good vision awareness along with physical strength. He has gelled in well with his new teammates as was evident from his impressive pre-season showings. Konate’s playing style suits Liverpool’s system of a high defensive line with high pressing and he could turn out to be one of the best signings of recent times for the six-time Champions League winners.