The Premier League kicks off today, and that’s why we’ve ranked the top 2025/26 signings to watch this season. Clubs are gearing up for a thrilling showcase of new talent, splashing out on high-profile signings to strengthen their squads. From clinical strikers to creative midfielders, the summer transfer window has delivered an exciting crop of players ready to make their mark.
1. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool)
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 22 | Fee: £100m
Florian Wirtz tops this list as Liverpool’s marquee signing and arguably the best acquisition of the summer. At just 22, the German star’s 122 goal involvements in 197 games for Leverkusen showcase his world-class potential. His vision, ability to find space, and versatility to play as a No. 10 or wide make him a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s attacking system. Wirtz’s decision to snub Bayern Munich and Manchester City for Liverpool signals his ambition, and his pre-season promise suggests he’ll be a game-changer in the Reds’ title defense. Expect him to dominate headlines.
2. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting to Arsenal)
Position: Striker | Age: 27 | Fee: £64m
Arsenal’s long-awaited answer to their striker woes, Viktor Gyokeres arrives with an obscene 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season. His strength, speed, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and his ability to outperform his xG suggests he’ll translate his form to the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s system thrives on a focal point, and Gyokeres could be the key to ending Arsenal’s 22-year title drought. His physicality and work rate make him a must-watch.
3. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan to Manchester City)
Position: Midfielder | Age: 26 | Fee: £46.5m
Manchester City’s midfield needed a refresh, and Tijjani Reijnders is the perfect addition. The Dutch international’s box-to-box energy, ball-carrying ability, and 10 Serie A goals last season make him a dynamic fit for Pep Guardiola’s side. Described as a blend of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, Reijnders’ £230k weekly wage reflects his importance. His versatility and technical quality could see City reclaim their dominance.
4. Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig to Manchester United)
Position: Striker | Age: 22 | Fee: £74m
Manchester United’s £74m signing of Benjamin Sesko completes Ruben Amorim’s revamped frontline. The 6’5” Slovenian’s 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig, including 21 last season, highlight his aerial dominance and clinical finishing. His pace (35.69 km/h top speed) and movement suit Amorim’s fluid attack, and his choice of United over Newcastle shows his belief in their project. Sesko could be the focal point United have lacked, but the club’s history of stunting attackers adds a touch of risk.
5. Rayan Cherki (Lyon to Manchester City)
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 21 | Fee: £33.7m
Rayan Cherki’s 125 chances created last season for Lyon put him among Europe’s elite playmakers. At 21, his move to Manchester City offers a chance to shine under Guardiola. His flair, close control, and ability to play centrally or wide make him a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. While competition for places is fierce, Cherki’s youth and ceiling make him a thrilling prospect for City’s title chase.
6. Matheus Cunha (Wolves to Manchester United)
Position: Forward | Age: 26 | Fee: £62.5m
Matheus Cunha’s 15 goals for Wolves last season made him a standout, and his £62.5m move to Manchester United fits perfectly into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 as a left-sided No. 10. His ability to drive at defenses and create in the final third addresses United’s lack of attacking output (42 league goals in 2024/25). Cunha’s flair and work rate could make him a fan favorite, though United’s track record with signings adds caution.
7. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad to Arsenal)
Position: Defensive Midfielder | Age: 26 | Fee: ~£50m (estimated)
Martin Zubimendi’s long-rumored move to Arsenal finally materialized, adding steel and composure to their midfield. His ability to anchor the base alongside Declan Rice allows Martin Ødegaard to push forward. While not a flashy signing, Zubimendi’s passing and tactical awareness make him a vital cog in Arteta’s system. His impact may be subtle but crucial for Arsenal’s title challenge.
8. Estêvão Willian (Palmeiras to Chelsea)
Position: Right-Winger/Attacking Midfielder | Age: 18 | Fee: £55m
Dubbed ‘Messinho,’ Estêvão Willian’s arrival at Chelsea brings electrifying potential. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring instinct shone in pre-season and the Club World Cup, where he linked brilliantly with Cole Palmer. At 18, he’s a long-term investment, but his early performances suggest he could break into Enzo Maresca’s XI sooner than expected. Chelsea’s attacking depth makes minutes competitive, but Estêvão’s talent is undeniable.
9. Joao Pedro (Brighton to Chelsea)
Position: Forward | Age: 23 | Fee: £55m
Joao Pedro’s move from Brighton to Chelsea for £55m adds versatility to the Blues’ attack. His 10 goals in 27 Premier League games last season, plus a brace in the Club World Cup semi-final, show his ability to deliver in big moments. Capable of playing as a No. 9, No. 10, or winger, Pedro’s technical prowess and penalty-taking expertise make him a key piece for Maresca. He’s a contender to lead Chelsea’s line in their title push.
10. Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool)
Position: Forward | Age: 23 | Fee: £79m
Hugo Ekitike’s 22 goals and 12 assists for Frankfurt last season, including 117 shots, made him a hot commodity. Liverpool’s £69m signing adds a versatile forward who can play across the front line. His pre-season promise suggests he’ll complement Wirtz and challenge for a starting spot under Slot. While the Bundesliga-to-Premier League transition carries risks, Ekitike’s output and physicality make him a player to watch.
11. Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford to Manchester United)
Position: Forward | Age: 25 | Fee: £71m
Bryan Mbeumo’s 20 goals and seven assists for Brentford in 2024/25 made him a prime target for Manchester United. His move to Old Trafford as a right-sided No. 10 in Amorim’s system adds power and intelligence to United’s attack. Compared to Mohamed Salah by some, Mbeumo’s ability to replicate his Brentford form will be crucial. United’s history of underperforming signings is a concern, but his fit in the system is promising.
12. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool)
Position: Right Wing-Back | Age: 24 | Fee: £50m (estimated)
Jeremie Frimpong’s £50m move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool is a coup for Slot’s 433 system. The Dutch wing-back’s 19 goals and 19 assists in Leverkusen’s last two seasons highlight his attacking flair, while his defensive work rate suits the Premier League’s intensity. Frimpong’s pace and directness could Liverpool’s right flank, making him a key piece in their rebuild.
13. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham to Tottenham)
Position: Forward | Age: 24 | Fee: £55m
Mohammed Kudus’ £55m move to Tottenham offers a chance to rediscover his electrifying 2023/24 form after a dip last season. His dribbling, directness, and ability to produce spectacular moments make him a potential star for Spurs in their Champions League return. While his 2024/25 output (five goals, three assists) was underwhelming, a fresh start under Ange Postecoglou could see him thrive.
14. Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest to Newcastle)
Position: Forward | Age: 23 | Fee: £55m
Anthony Elanga’s pace and improving end product (six goals, 11 assists in 2024/25) make his £55m move to Newcastle a smart addition. Eddie Howe’s system thrives on dynamic wingers, and Elanga’s ability to beat full-backs and contribute goals will bolster the Magpies’ attack. His year-on-year progress suggests he’s ready to step up, though he’ll need to prove himself in a more competitive squad.
15. Cristhian Mosquera (Valencia to Arsenal)
Position: Centre-Back | Age: 21 | Fee: ~£30m (estimated)
Cristhian Mosquera’s arrival from Valencia strengthens Arsenal’s already formidable defense. The 21-year-old’s composure and ball-playing ability make him a long-term partner for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. While he may start as a rotation option, his potential to develop into a top-tier centre-back under Arteta makes him a shrewd signing for the future.
16. Igor Jesus (Botafogo to Nottingham Forest)
Position: Striker | Age: 24 | Fee: ~£35m (estimated)
Nottingham Forest’s signing of Igor Jesus from Botafogo adds a physical, goal-hungry striker to their ranks. His 18 goals in Brazil’s Serie A last season suggest he can fill the void left by Anthony Elanga’s departure. While adapting to the Premier League’s intensity will be a challenge, his work rate and finishing make him a dark horse to watch in Forest’s ambitious project.
17. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves to Manchester City)
Position: Left-Back | Age: 24 | Fee: £31m
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s 11 goal involvements from left-back for Wolves made him a £31m steal for Manchester City. His attacking flair and ball-carrying suit Guardiola’s system, adding depth to their defense. Ait-Nouri’s potential to shine as a wing-back makes him a sleeper hit.
Notable Mentions
Milos Kerkez
Noni Madueke
Liam Delap
Jamie Gittens
James Trafford
Maxim De Cuyper
