11 best Premier League signings of 2025/26 so far [Ranked]

Here are the 11 standout summer arrivals in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign, judged by their transfer fees, early contributions, and how well they’ve matched fan expectations.

11. Nick Woltemade – Newcastle United

Towering German striker Nick Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart for a club-record £69 million. At 6’6″, he’s quickly won over fans at St James’ Park.

Tasked with replacing Alexander Isak, who moved to Liverpool, Woltemade has already proven difficult for defenders to handle, scoring four times in his first eight league appearances.

Despite Newcastle’s shaky start, the 23-year-old’s rapid adaptation and blend of physicality and skill offer hope for the rest of the season.

Stats
Games: 8
Goals: 4
Shots on target: 4

10. Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal

Arsenal secured Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and the Spanish midfielder has seamlessly integrated into Mikel Arteta’s setup.

With three goal contributions in 11 matches, Zubimendi has helped propel the Gunners to the top of the table.

In the recent 2-2 draw against Sunderland, he led the match in chances created (2) and duels won (10), including the assist for Leandro Trossard’s spectacular strike.

9. Senne Lammens – Manchester United

Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp with high expectations, especially as fans sought an upgrade from Andre Onana.

The £18.2 million signing has delivered solid performances, conceding seven goals in five matches and keeping one clean sheet. His standout display came in United’s 2-1 win at Liverpool, where he earned player-of-the-match honors.

8. Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham Hotspur

Mohammed Kudus made the switch from West Ham to Spurs for £55 million and has quickly become one of the team’s key players.

Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham sit fifth, with Kudus contributing one goal and four assists.

He’s expected to return from injury for the North London derby, and his pace could be crucial in breaking down Arsenal’s defense.

Stats
Games: 10
Goals + Assists: 1 + 4

7. Noah Sadiki – Sunderland

Noah Sadiki, 20, joined Sunderland from Union Saint-Gilloise for £15 million and has been vital to their strong start.

Under Regis Le Bris, the midfielder has featured in every match and earned comparisons to the “next N’Golo Kante” for his energy and defensive transitions.

6. Jordan Henderson – Brentford

Jordan Henderson, formerly of Sunderland, signed with Brentford on a free transfer after leaving Ajax.

With Keith Andrews now in charge, Brentford were tipped for relegation, but Henderson has helped stabilize the team.

The 35-year-old has shown he still has influence, providing assists against Manchester United and Chelsea.

5. Estevao – Chelsea

Teen sensation Estevao has made a thrilling start at Chelsea, contributing five goals or assists in 16 appearances.

Signed from Palmeiras for £29 million, the Brazilian winger has excited fans with his flair and versatility.

Willian praised him via ESPN Brazil:
“He has great potential like Lamine Yamal, they have a similar style. I hope he can be very successful in England playing for Chelsea, that he can score a lot of goals in the Chelsea jersey and will help them to win titles.”

Estevao has impressed in both domestic and European competition, and comparisons to Willian are already being drawn.

4. Nordi Mukiele – Sunderland

Nordi Mukiele has been a revelation for Sunderland since his £9.5 million move from PSG.

According to WhoScored, he ranks as the top-performing defender among the league’s best 20 players. His aggressive style and athleticism have made him a standout.

He’s also contributed offensively, scoring against Wolves and causing problems with his long throws — nicknamed the “Mukiele missile” by fans.

3. Jack Grealish – Everton

On loan from Manchester City, Jack Grealish has rediscovered his form at Everton.

With one goal and four assists, he’s been instrumental in David Moyes’ attack, especially alongside Iliman Ndiaye.

His late winner against Crystal Palace sealed a comeback, and while fans often say “Never fall in love with a loan player”, Everton supporters may already have.

2. Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United

United invested heavily this summer, and Bryan Mbeumo has been their standout signing.

Joining from Brentford for £71 million, the Cameroon forward has scored five times and assisted once in 11 matches, becoming the club’s top scorer.

He’s netted four goals in his last four games, helping United extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

Stats
Games: 11
Goals + Assists: 5 + 1
Assists: 1
Chances created: 19

1. Granit Xhaka – Sunderland

The football world was taken by surprise when the former Bundesliga champion joined newly-promoted Sunderland for £13 million, and Granit Xhaka has since emerged as arguably the most inspired signing of the Premier League season.

After leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic title and lifting the German Super Cup in 2023/24, the ex-Arsenal midfielder made his return to England to anchor Sunderland’s top-flight comeback.

While mere survival was the assumed target for Sunderland, Le Bris’ side have defied expectations by climbing to fourth place, with the Swiss captain playing a central role in their impressive start.

Xhaka has contributed three assists and one goal, including a standout performance in the recent draw against Everton, and has featured in every minute of Sunderland’s 990 Premier League minutes so far.

At 34, Xhaka continues to demonstrate that age is no barrier, driven by his natural leadership and unwavering commitment. For his pivotal role in Sunderland’s remarkable rise, he fully deserves recognition as the signing of the summer — and if the Black Cats maintain their push for European qualification, much of the credit will belong to him.