Analyzing the Best Midfield Signings of the Premier League Transfer Window
The 2023-24 transfer window is in full swing, and Premier League clubs are wasting no time flexing their financial muscles, outspending their continental counterparts by a significant margin. Last season, the Premier League shattered records by exceeding the €3 billion mark for the first time in history, outspending the next-highest spenders, Serie A, by over €2.5 billion.
As the trend continues this year, the financial disparity between England and the rest of Europe remains striking, but it is not the primary focus of this post. That said, it did spark the inspiration for today's discussion.
With Premier League clubs collectively burning through €1 billion within a month, one question looms large: what are they investing in, and who are they paying exorbitant fees for? The answer is clear: midfielders—quality midfielders, to be precise. All it takes is one glance at Transfermarkt’s top transfers page to understand: Premier League clubs are investing heavily in midfield overhauls this summer.
This emphasis on strengthening the midfield makes perfect sense in the ever-evolving Premier League, where tactical diversity and technical prowess are becoming increasingly important. A robust midfield controls games, dictates play, and facilitates seamless transitions between defense and attack.
With the league becoming more competitive and demanding, the pursuit of top-tier midfield talent has intensified. As a result, this post will analyze some of the marquee midfield signings in the Premier League transfer window so far. I will evaluate these signings based on player fit, team fit, transfer fees, and more, offering an initial verdict for each deal.
Coincidentally, during my research, I stumbled upon an outstanding video by James Lawrence Alcott, delving into the same emphasis on midfielders I am addressing here. His in-depth analysis complements my analysis perfectly, and I highly recommend watching his video for further insights.
All stats are from FBRef unless stated otherwise.
In the ever-changing landscape of English football, Manchester City stands as the benchmark for footballing excellence. After a remarkable streak of seven years dominating the Premier League, Pep Guardiola finally accomplished the goal City hired him to achieve: Capture the elusive Champions League for Manchester City.
With such monumental success comes inevitable squad turnover, and Manchester City faced the impending departure of İlkay Gündoğan, their club captain and midfield stalwart. In a swift and strategic move, the Cityzens secured the services of Mateo Kovačić, a seasoned 29-year-old midfielder from Chelsea, where he had enjoyed a successful five-season spell with four trophies under his belt in 219 appearances.
Gündoğan's role in City's midfield was pivotal, acting as the engine that controlled the tempo of play and orchestrated the game's rhythm—an ideal complement to the explosive and unpredictable Kevin De Bruyne. With such an essential role to fill, Kovačić emerged as an apt candidate given his shared attributes with Gündoğan. Both players thrive on a high volume of touches, excel in advancing the ball, and rely on their football intelligence rather than raw athleticism.
A closer look at the statistics from the last season on a per-90 basis reveals intriguing insights into the two midfielders' similarities and differences. However, the critical disparity lies in the output in and around the box. Gündoğan has proven himself an exceptional box-to-box midfielder with a remarkable knack for crucial goals. His 13 goals in the 2020-21 season and vital contributions of 6 goals and two assists in the final seven games of the treble-winning season were instrumental in City's success.
Conversely, Kovačić, while proficient in replicating Gündoğan's role in the build-up play, lacks the same goalscoring prowess. He has only scored 21 goals throughout his career, with a modest tally of 6 since joining Chelsea in 2018.
City will need to find alternative methods of replicating Gündoğan's output, given his flair for scoring crucial goals from midfield. However, the £25 million price tag for a player of Kovačić's caliber is undoubtedly a bargain, and Pep Guardiola has a proven track record of successfully reinventing his midfielders.
Kovačić's signing may not be as transformative as some of the other signings in this transfer window, but he undoubtedly serves as a more than serviceable replacement for City's midfield. His proficiency in dictating play and linking up with the attacking forces makes him a valuable asset for the reigning champions.
Verdict: B+
Arsenal's determination to address their problem areas led to swift and decisive action in the transfer market this summer. The signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United propelled their spending to a staggering £231 million—an emphatic statement of intent from the Gunners after narrowly missing out on last season's Premier League title.
The deal, completed for a reported £105 million after bonuses, could make Rice the most expensive British player ever, surpassing Jack Grealish of Manchester City.
Understandably, the expectations surrounding this signing are sky-high. Arsenal fans hope it will elevate the team's performance and encourage them to take another legitimate run at the title next season.
At just 24 years old, Rice is already one of the most complete holding midfielders in the league. He more than compensates for what he lacks in technical polish with his defensive prowess, ability to carry the ball forward, and contributions in the final third of the pitch.
Despite playing in a significantly less insulated role than almost all of his peers, Rice's performances last season rival those of established midfielders like Rodri and Casemiro. These numbers speak volumes about his quality as a player right now.
And under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, there is considerable room for Rice to improve and evolve into one of the Premier League's finest holding midfielders and one of Europe's elite.
While adapting to a new team and system may take a few months, I firmly believe that Arsenal has secured a slam-dunk signing in Rice, even if the price may appear excessive. The midfielder's ambition to win major trophies and become one of Europe's best aligns perfectly with Arsenal's goals.
Rice's arrival at Arsenal signifies the club's bold intent to compete at the highest level. With his defensive acumen, ball-carrying abilities, and untapped potential, his addition to the squad can elevate Arsenal's game to new heights.
Did they pay slightly over market value? Yes. But it was a necessary overpay that could pay off big time for the Gunners.
Verdict: A-
Jurgen Klopp had a pressing need to bolster Liverpool's midfield, and he did so with a signing that holds immense promise for the club's future. The Reds had previously overlooked the signs of a tired and depleted midfield, leaving them vulnerable at the back and compromising their pressing game. The departure of Gini Wijnaldum to PSG in 2021 created a void in the squad, and relying on players like Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fill the gap proved inadequate.
To revitalize their midfield, Liverpool sought sensible additions and found a perfect fit in Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine arrives after a remarkable breakout campaign, shining for Brighton and the Argentine national team. He was crucial in securing Brighton a Europa League spot and contributed to Argentina's World Cup victory.
Mac Allister's performances under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton were outstanding. Initially deployed just behind the central striker, his pressing ability and comfort on the ball saw him gradually move into a deeper midfield role without sacrificing his attacking impact for the Seagulls. Impressive statistics, such as 2.49 shots per 90 and 7.3 Non-Penalty Expected goals, ranked him among the top 10% of Premier League midfielders last season.
With Jurgen Klopp tweaking his system towards the end of last season, Liverpool's midfield setup is on course for an exciting transformation next season. The Reds signed Mac Allister for £35 million and, more recently, secured the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for ~£60 million.
They are also heavily linked to a £50 million move for 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia. Should the Lavia deal go through, and with the possibility of Fabinho's exit to the Saudi League, Liverpool could enter the 2023-24 season with an entirely revamped midfield.
A Mac Allister-Lavia-Szoboszlai midfield three would be a much-welcomed change from last season's sluggish and porous midfield. Here is how those three profiles against each other:
◎ Roméo Lavia
◉ Alexis Mac Allister
◉ Dominik Szoboszlai
The Liverpool midfield rebuild is nearly complete. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/DQllumFUEt— Squawka (@Squawka) July 26, 2023
The addition of Mac Allister could fill a void that existed in Liverpool's midfield for the previous two seasons. His tactical flexibility, technical skills, and World Cup-winning experience make him an excellent fit for the squad. At £35 million, securing a player of his caliber represents shrewd business from Liverpool, and fans have every reason to be excited about this acquisition.
Mac Allister could be the missing piece that propels Liverpool towards another title charge this season.
Verdict: A+
Erik ten Hag's debut season at Manchester United was nothing short of a resounding success, culminating in the club's first trophy since 2017 with a League Cup triumph over Newcastle United and a commendable top-four finish. Building on this progress, United pulled off a surprising transfer coup by acquiring Mason Mount from their Premier League rivals, Chelsea.
This move speaks volumes about the club's ambitions under Ten Hag's leadership. Mount's deep-rooted association with Chelsea, having come through their esteemed academy and played a crucial role in the team's success, made his departure a significant statement in the shifting power dynamics among elite English clubs.
While his contributions were instrumental in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League victory and remained steadfast amid the club's ups and downs, the allure of joining a resurgent Manchester United was simply too tempting to resist. Mason Mount undoubtedly stands as one of the Premier League's most productive midfielders at his peak. Since his Premier League debut in 2019, he has consistently delivered with an impressive record of 27 goals and 22 assists in 129 appearances, averaging nearly a goal contribution every other game.
However, Mount's value transcends the statistics. His tactical versatility and selflessness make him an invaluable asset to any squad. Winning the trust of multiple Chelsea managers with his adaptability across different roles and positions, he consistently performed at a high level in the Chelsea kit.
via Transfermarkt
Manchester United's midfield has long-needed an injection of creativity and tactical flexibility, making Mount a highly sought-after acquisition. His exceptional creative abilities are evident, with 3.58 Shot-Creating Actions per 90 in an offense-averse Chelsea side last season.
He also completed 5.95 Progressive Passes and 2.41 Progressive Carries per 90, showcasing his capacity to link defense and attack, a trait currently embodied by only Bruno Fernandes at United.
The 24-year-old is a natural No. 10, but he deputized in many positions at Chelsea. If he doesn't immediately fit in a midfield three with Fernandes and Casemiro, he can fill in higher up the pitch, on either wing or off a striker.
via Transfermarkt
The signing of Mason Mount is a calculated move by Manchester United's management. While his performance might have seemed slightly underwhelming last season, his past effectiveness in a stable environment offers promise for a resurgence under Ten Hag's guidance. Securing an English international from a direct Premier League rival for just under £55 million appears to be a shrewd business. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, Mount has the potential to revitalize his form and become a driving force in United's attacking play for the upcoming season. While any transfer comes with inherent risks, Mount's proven abilities and the reasonable price tag make this signing a positive move.
Verdict: B+
Newcastle United's acquisition of Sandro Tonali marks a significant shift in power dynamics among European football clubs. Just 14 months ago, the 23-year-old played a crucial role in helping AC Milan win their first Scudetto in over a decade and played a vital part in their successful run to the Champions League semi-finals, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2006-07.
However, the situation has changed now. Newcastle, determined to establish themselves among the football elite and return to the Champions League after nearly two decades, made strengthening their midfield a top priority under Eddie Howe's management.
Initially, they pursued players like James Maddison and Nicolò Barella but were unsuccessful. Eventually, they turned their attention to Tonali, hoping to lure him from his home country at the right price. Their persistence paid off, as AC Milan's data-driven ownership group, Redbank, was open to negotiations. Within a week, all three parties agreed to and completed the £54.5 million move.
With Tonali's addition, questions arise about Bruno Guimaraes' future role. It has long been suggested that Guimaraes' potential lies further up the pitch. Newcastle may consider Tonali's arrival an opportunity to give Guimaraes more freedom in the attacking third. Alternatively, Howe might envision them playing together in a double-pivot while Joelinton or Joe Willock take on a more advanced playmaking role as No 10s.
Finding the right balance and compositions for his midfield is a puzzle Howe must solve early in the coming season.
While some might argue that £55 million is a steep price for Tonali's current abilities, Newcastle is betting on his immense potential and upside, and rightly so. Under Howe's guidance, we have witnessed significant improvements from midfielders like Sean Longstaff, Willock, and Joelinton. The opportunity to coach one of Europe's most highly-rated young midfielders must excite Howe, and he will be eager to unlock Tonali's full potential.
This acquisition is a bold move that showcases their ambition to climb the ranks of European football. Tonali's track record and versatility make him a valuable asset for Eddie Howe's midfield options. While the price may be steep, Newcastle's bet on Tonali's upside is justified, considering the progress made under Howe's coaching. Tonali's arrival marks a significant step for the Magpies as they aim to make a mark in the Champions League and elevate their status among football's elite.
Verdict: B
Tottenham Hotspur's entrance into the Ange Postecoglou era marks a significant coup with the acquisition of James Maddison. Last season was nothing short of a disaster for both Spurs and Leicester City, with the former missing out on European qualification and the latter suffering relegation despite Maddison's remarkable individual efforts.
The 26-year-old Englishman's track record of consistently reaching double-digit goal involvements in the Premier League highlights his significant contributions to any team he represents. Maddison's ability to score goals and provide assists precisely makes his signature immensely valuable for Tottenham.
Spurs have often been overly reliant on the goalscoring prowess and playmaking abilities of Harry Kane. Last season showcased this dependency, as Kane's 30 goals and three assists, while impressive individually, was not enough to secure European football for the club.
By signing Maddison, Spurs can alleviate some of the goalscoring burden from Kane's shoulders and introduce much-needed creativity to their midfield. The departure of Mauricio Pochettino saw a steep decline in the clubs midfield output, which Spurs hope to revitalize with Maddison's arrival.
Last year, they often deployed a 5-2-3 formation, leaving their midfield pairing of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur without much cover. In today's competitive Premier League, playing with just two midfielders proves insufficient to control the tempo of a game, as more teams employ two free number 8s ahead of a single pivot. Maddison's addition offers the opportunity to reconstruct Spurs' midfield and bring a fresh dynamic to their setup.
Signed for a fee of £35 million, Maddison's quality makes this deal an absolute bargain. From day one, he will be their most impactful creator, easing the pressure on Harry Kane's shoulders.
This signing aligns perfectly with Tottenham's goal of returning to European competitions under Postecoglou's guidance. While it's just the first step in their journey, it signifies the right direction for the club and a promising shift toward reclaiming their position among Europe's elite.
This signing is a game-changer for Tottenham. Maddison's goalscoring ability, creative flair, and midfield presence will significantly enhance Spurs' chances of success under Ange Postecoglu's management. The modest fee paid is also excellent value for money.
Spurs fans should be excited about this deal.
Verdict: A
Aston Villa's incredible transformation in the past nine months, guided by Unai Emery, has seen them rise from a struggling 16th-place team to an impressive 7th-place finish, securing a spot in the UEFA Conference League for the upcoming season.
Staying true to their ambitious goals, Villa started their summer dealings with a savvy move by acquiring Youri Tielemans from Leicester City on a free transfer.
Tielemans showcased his exceptional talent throughout five seasons at Leicester City, making 195 appearances and playing a pivotal role in two consecutive fifth-place finishes with the Foxes. He was instrumental in securing a Community Shield and Leicester's first-ever FA Cup, with a stunning goal that sealed the victory.
With European football on the horizon for Villa, Tielemans brings significant experience, boasting 62 career appearances in European competitions, second only to Philippe Coutinho.
Tielemans possesses a diverse skill set. He is an excellent distributor from deep with a powerful long shot in his locker. His playing style differs from Villa's current midfielders like Jacob Ramsey or Emi Buendía, as he operates in a deeper role while carrying more attacking threat than Boubacar Kamara or Douglas Luiz. While John McGinn has massively improved under Emery's guidance, Tielemans remains an upgrade in the squad.
Despite concerns about his athleticism and defensive work rate, Villa's solidified midfield duo of Kamara and Luiz diminishes the impact of any potential defensive shortcomings.
Under Emery's management, Aston Villa is evolving from a relegation candidate to a team ready to contend for major trophies. Tielemans is precisely the caliber of player Villa should target—reliable, capable, and high quality, all acquired on a free transfer. While not the most glamorous name on the list, Tielemans' addition aligns perfectly with Villa's forward trajectory. This signing is a testament to the club's astute business strategy, securing a player who can significantly contribute to their continued progress.
Verdict: B
Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this type of analysis. There are plenty of other impactful signings I didn’t cover here, so look for a similar article with some alternative players soon.
As the trend continues this year, the financial disparity between England and the rest of Europe remains striking, but it is not the primary focus of this post. That said, it did spark the inspiration for today's discussion.
With Premier League clubs collectively burning through €1 billion within a month, one question looms large: what are they investing in, and who are they paying exorbitant fees for? The answer is clear: midfielders—quality midfielders, to be precise. All it takes is one glance at Transfermarkt’s top transfers page to understand: Premier League clubs are investing heavily in midfield overhauls this summer.
This emphasis on strengthening the midfield makes perfect sense in the ever-evolving Premier League, where tactical diversity and technical prowess are becoming increasingly important. A robust midfield controls games, dictates play, and facilitates seamless transitions between defense and attack.
With the league becoming more competitive and demanding, the pursuit of top-tier midfield talent has intensified. As a result, this post will analyze some of the marquee midfield signings in the Premier League transfer window so far. I will evaluate these signings based on player fit, team fit, transfer fees, and more, offering an initial verdict for each deal.
Coincidentally, during my research, I stumbled upon an outstanding video by James Lawrence Alcott, delving into the same emphasis on midfielders I am addressing here. His in-depth analysis complements my analysis perfectly, and I highly recommend watching his video for further insights.
All stats are from FBRef unless stated otherwise.
In the ever-changing landscape of English football, Manchester City stands as the benchmark for footballing excellence. After a remarkable streak of seven years dominating the Premier League, Pep Guardiola finally accomplished the goal City hired him to achieve: Capture the elusive Champions League for Manchester City.
With such monumental success comes inevitable squad turnover, and Manchester City faced the impending departure of İlkay Gündoğan, their club captain and midfield stalwart. In a swift and strategic move, the Cityzens secured the services of Mateo Kovačić, a seasoned 29-year-old midfielder from Chelsea, where he had enjoyed a successful five-season spell with four trophies under his belt in 219 appearances.
Gündoğan's role in City's midfield was pivotal, acting as the engine that controlled the tempo of play and orchestrated the game's rhythm—an ideal complement to the explosive and unpredictable Kevin De Bruyne. With such an essential role to fill, Kovačić emerged as an apt candidate given his shared attributes with Gündoğan. Both players thrive on a high volume of touches, excel in advancing the ball, and rely on their football intelligence rather than raw athleticism.
A closer look at the statistics from the last season on a per-90 basis reveals intriguing insights into the two midfielders' similarities and differences. However, the critical disparity lies in the output in and around the box. Gündoğan has proven himself an exceptional box-to-box midfielder with a remarkable knack for crucial goals. His 13 goals in the 2020-21 season and vital contributions of 6 goals and two assists in the final seven games of the treble-winning season were instrumental in City's success.
Conversely, Kovačić, while proficient in replicating Gündoğan's role in the build-up play, lacks the same goalscoring prowess. He has only scored 21 goals throughout his career, with a modest tally of 6 since joining Chelsea in 2018.
City will need to find alternative methods of replicating Gündoğan's output, given his flair for scoring crucial goals from midfield. However, the £25 million price tag for a player of Kovačić's caliber is undoubtedly a bargain, and Pep Guardiola has a proven track record of successfully reinventing his midfielders.
Kovačić's signing may not be as transformative as some of the other signings in this transfer window, but he undoubtedly serves as a more than serviceable replacement for City's midfield. His proficiency in dictating play and linking up with the attacking forces makes him a valuable asset for the reigning champions.
Verdict: B+
Arsenal's determination to address their problem areas led to swift and decisive action in the transfer market this summer. The signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United propelled their spending to a staggering £231 million—an emphatic statement of intent from the Gunners after narrowly missing out on last season's Premier League title.
The deal, completed for a reported £105 million after bonuses, could make Rice the most expensive British player ever, surpassing Jack Grealish of Manchester City.
Understandably, the expectations surrounding this signing are sky-high. Arsenal fans hope it will elevate the team's performance and encourage them to take another legitimate run at the title next season.
At just 24 years old, Rice is already one of the most complete holding midfielders in the league. He more than compensates for what he lacks in technical polish with his defensive prowess, ability to carry the ball forward, and contributions in the final third of the pitch.
Despite playing in a significantly less insulated role than almost all of his peers, Rice's performances last season rival those of established midfielders like Rodri and Casemiro. These numbers speak volumes about his quality as a player right now.
And under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, there is considerable room for Rice to improve and evolve into one of the Premier League's finest holding midfielders and one of Europe's elite.
While adapting to a new team and system may take a few months, I firmly believe that Arsenal has secured a slam-dunk signing in Rice, even if the price may appear excessive. The midfielder's ambition to win major trophies and become one of Europe's best aligns perfectly with Arsenal's goals.
Rice's arrival at Arsenal signifies the club's bold intent to compete at the highest level. With his defensive acumen, ball-carrying abilities, and untapped potential, his addition to the squad can elevate Arsenal's game to new heights.
Did they pay slightly over market value? Yes. But it was a necessary overpay that could pay off big time for the Gunners.
Verdict: A-
Jurgen Klopp had a pressing need to bolster Liverpool's midfield, and he did so with a signing that holds immense promise for the club's future. The Reds had previously overlooked the signs of a tired and depleted midfield, leaving them vulnerable at the back and compromising their pressing game. The departure of Gini Wijnaldum to PSG in 2021 created a void in the squad, and relying on players like Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fill the gap proved inadequate.
To revitalize their midfield, Liverpool sought sensible additions and found a perfect fit in Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine arrives after a remarkable breakout campaign, shining for Brighton and the Argentine national team. He was crucial in securing Brighton a Europa League spot and contributed to Argentina's World Cup victory.
Mac Allister's performances under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton were outstanding. Initially deployed just behind the central striker, his pressing ability and comfort on the ball saw him gradually move into a deeper midfield role without sacrificing his attacking impact for the Seagulls. Impressive statistics, such as 2.49 shots per 90 and 7.3 Non-Penalty Expected goals, ranked him among the top 10% of Premier League midfielders last season.
With Jurgen Klopp tweaking his system towards the end of last season, Liverpool's midfield setup is on course for an exciting transformation next season. The Reds signed Mac Allister for £35 million and, more recently, secured the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for ~£60 million.
They are also heavily linked to a £50 million move for 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia. Should the Lavia deal go through, and with the possibility of Fabinho's exit to the Saudi League, Liverpool could enter the 2023-24 season with an entirely revamped midfield.
A Mac Allister-Lavia-Szoboszlai midfield three would be a much-welcomed change from last season's sluggish and porous midfield. Here is how those three profiles against each other:
◎ Roméo Lavia
◉ Alexis Mac Allister
◉ Dominik Szoboszlai
The Liverpool midfield rebuild is nearly complete. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/DQllumFUEt— Squawka (@Squawka) July 26, 2023
The addition of Mac Allister could fill a void that existed in Liverpool's midfield for the previous two seasons. His tactical flexibility, technical skills, and World Cup-winning experience make him an excellent fit for the squad. At £35 million, securing a player of his caliber represents shrewd business from Liverpool, and fans have every reason to be excited about this acquisition.
Mac Allister could be the missing piece that propels Liverpool towards another title charge this season.
Verdict: A+
Erik ten Hag's debut season at Manchester United was nothing short of a resounding success, culminating in the club's first trophy since 2017 with a League Cup triumph over Newcastle United and a commendable top-four finish. Building on this progress, United pulled off a surprising transfer coup by acquiring Mason Mount from their Premier League rivals, Chelsea.
This move speaks volumes about the club's ambitions under Ten Hag's leadership. Mount's deep-rooted association with Chelsea, having come through their esteemed academy and played a crucial role in the team's success, made his departure a significant statement in the shifting power dynamics among elite English clubs.
While his contributions were instrumental in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League victory and remained steadfast amid the club's ups and downs, the allure of joining a resurgent Manchester United was simply too tempting to resist. Mason Mount undoubtedly stands as one of the Premier League's most productive midfielders at his peak. Since his Premier League debut in 2019, he has consistently delivered with an impressive record of 27 goals and 22 assists in 129 appearances, averaging nearly a goal contribution every other game.
However, Mount's value transcends the statistics. His tactical versatility and selflessness make him an invaluable asset to any squad. Winning the trust of multiple Chelsea managers with his adaptability across different roles and positions, he consistently performed at a high level in the Chelsea kit.
via Transfermarkt
Manchester United's midfield has long-needed an injection of creativity and tactical flexibility, making Mount a highly sought-after acquisition. His exceptional creative abilities are evident, with 3.58 Shot-Creating Actions per 90 in an offense-averse Chelsea side last season.
He also completed 5.95 Progressive Passes and 2.41 Progressive Carries per 90, showcasing his capacity to link defense and attack, a trait currently embodied by only Bruno Fernandes at United.
The 24-year-old is a natural No. 10, but he deputized in many positions at Chelsea. If he doesn't immediately fit in a midfield three with Fernandes and Casemiro, he can fill in higher up the pitch, on either wing or off a striker.
via Transfermarkt
The signing of Mason Mount is a calculated move by Manchester United's management. While his performance might have seemed slightly underwhelming last season, his past effectiveness in a stable environment offers promise for a resurgence under Ten Hag's guidance. Securing an English international from a direct Premier League rival for just under £55 million appears to be a shrewd business. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, Mount has the potential to revitalize his form and become a driving force in United's attacking play for the upcoming season. While any transfer comes with inherent risks, Mount's proven abilities and the reasonable price tag make this signing a positive move.
Verdict: B+
Newcastle United's acquisition of Sandro Tonali marks a significant shift in power dynamics among European football clubs. Just 14 months ago, the 23-year-old played a crucial role in helping AC Milan win their first Scudetto in over a decade and played a vital part in their successful run to the Champions League semi-finals, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2006-07.
However, the situation has changed now. Newcastle, determined to establish themselves among the football elite and return to the Champions League after nearly two decades, made strengthening their midfield a top priority under Eddie Howe's management.
Initially, they pursued players like James Maddison and Nicolò Barella but were unsuccessful. Eventually, they turned their attention to Tonali, hoping to lure him from his home country at the right price. Their persistence paid off, as AC Milan's data-driven ownership group, Redbank, was open to negotiations. Within a week, all three parties agreed to and completed the £54.5 million move.
With Tonali's addition, questions arise about Bruno Guimaraes' future role. It has long been suggested that Guimaraes' potential lies further up the pitch. Newcastle may consider Tonali's arrival an opportunity to give Guimaraes more freedom in the attacking third. Alternatively, Howe might envision them playing together in a double-pivot while Joelinton or Joe Willock take on a more advanced playmaking role as No 10s.
Finding the right balance and compositions for his midfield is a puzzle Howe must solve early in the coming season.
While some might argue that £55 million is a steep price for Tonali's current abilities, Newcastle is betting on his immense potential and upside, and rightly so. Under Howe's guidance, we have witnessed significant improvements from midfielders like Sean Longstaff, Willock, and Joelinton. The opportunity to coach one of Europe's most highly-rated young midfielders must excite Howe, and he will be eager to unlock Tonali's full potential.
This acquisition is a bold move that showcases their ambition to climb the ranks of European football. Tonali's track record and versatility make him a valuable asset for Eddie Howe's midfield options. While the price may be steep, Newcastle's bet on Tonali's upside is justified, considering the progress made under Howe's coaching. Tonali's arrival marks a significant step for the Magpies as they aim to make a mark in the Champions League and elevate their status among football's elite.
Verdict: B
Tottenham Hotspur's entrance into the Ange Postecoglou era marks a significant coup with the acquisition of James Maddison. Last season was nothing short of a disaster for both Spurs and Leicester City, with the former missing out on European qualification and the latter suffering relegation despite Maddison's remarkable individual efforts.
The 26-year-old Englishman's track record of consistently reaching double-digit goal involvements in the Premier League highlights his significant contributions to any team he represents. Maddison's ability to score goals and provide assists precisely makes his signature immensely valuable for Tottenham.
Spurs have often been overly reliant on the goalscoring prowess and playmaking abilities of Harry Kane. Last season showcased this dependency, as Kane's 30 goals and three assists, while impressive individually, was not enough to secure European football for the club.
By signing Maddison, Spurs can alleviate some of the goalscoring burden from Kane's shoulders and introduce much-needed creativity to their midfield. The departure of Mauricio Pochettino saw a steep decline in the clubs midfield output, which Spurs hope to revitalize with Maddison's arrival.
Last year, they often deployed a 5-2-3 formation, leaving their midfield pairing of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur without much cover. In today's competitive Premier League, playing with just two midfielders proves insufficient to control the tempo of a game, as more teams employ two free number 8s ahead of a single pivot. Maddison's addition offers the opportunity to reconstruct Spurs' midfield and bring a fresh dynamic to their setup.
Signed for a fee of £35 million, Maddison's quality makes this deal an absolute bargain. From day one, he will be their most impactful creator, easing the pressure on Harry Kane's shoulders.
This signing aligns perfectly with Tottenham's goal of returning to European competitions under Postecoglou's guidance. While it's just the first step in their journey, it signifies the right direction for the club and a promising shift toward reclaiming their position among Europe's elite.
This signing is a game-changer for Tottenham. Maddison's goalscoring ability, creative flair, and midfield presence will significantly enhance Spurs' chances of success under Ange Postecoglu's management. The modest fee paid is also excellent value for money.
Spurs fans should be excited about this deal.
Verdict: A
Aston Villa's incredible transformation in the past nine months, guided by Unai Emery, has seen them rise from a struggling 16th-place team to an impressive 7th-place finish, securing a spot in the UEFA Conference League for the upcoming season.
Staying true to their ambitious goals, Villa started their summer dealings with a savvy move by acquiring Youri Tielemans from Leicester City on a free transfer.
Tielemans showcased his exceptional talent throughout five seasons at Leicester City, making 195 appearances and playing a pivotal role in two consecutive fifth-place finishes with the Foxes. He was instrumental in securing a Community Shield and Leicester's first-ever FA Cup, with a stunning goal that sealed the victory.
With European football on the horizon for Villa, Tielemans brings significant experience, boasting 62 career appearances in European competitions, second only to Philippe Coutinho.
Tielemans possesses a diverse skill set. He is an excellent distributor from deep with a powerful long shot in his locker. His playing style differs from Villa's current midfielders like Jacob Ramsey or Emi Buendía, as he operates in a deeper role while carrying more attacking threat than Boubacar Kamara or Douglas Luiz. While John McGinn has massively improved under Emery's guidance, Tielemans remains an upgrade in the squad.
Despite concerns about his athleticism and defensive work rate, Villa's solidified midfield duo of Kamara and Luiz diminishes the impact of any potential defensive shortcomings.
Under Emery's management, Aston Villa is evolving from a relegation candidate to a team ready to contend for major trophies. Tielemans is precisely the caliber of player Villa should target—reliable, capable, and high quality, all acquired on a free transfer. While not the most glamorous name on the list, Tielemans' addition aligns perfectly with Villa's forward trajectory. This signing is a testament to the club's astute business strategy, securing a player who can significantly contribute to their continued progress.
Verdict: B
Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this type of analysis. There are plenty of other impactful signings I didn’t cover here, so look for a similar article with some alternative players soon.
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