After a sluggish start to the transfer window, Premier League clubs have accelerated their spending in recent weeks, with a flurry of activity ahead of the new season’s kickoff on Friday.
Here are five high-profile transfers under the spotlight, as they seek to prove their worth and live up to their hefty price tags in the upcoming season.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Arsenal secured the signing of Italian defender Calafiori from Bologna, fending off competition from Juventus.
The 22-year-old impressed in the 2023/24 season and during Italy’s European Championship campaign. However, his position in Mikel Arteta’s team is uncertain.
Calafiori’s versatility allows him to play as a left-back or center-back, potentially challenging Gabriel Magalhaes’ position.
His £42 million arrival enhances Arsenal’s defensive depth as they strive to end their 21-year title drought.
Calafiori’s comfort on the ball and ability to play from the back make him a valuable asset, but it remains to be seen where he will fit into Arteta’s lineup.
Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
Tottenham is banking on Dominic Solanke to lead them back to the Champions League and potentially end their 16-year trophy drought.
Following his impressive 19-goal season with Bournemouth, Solanke is set to become Spurs’ record signing in a deal worth up to £65 million, including add-ons.
The 26-year-old has matured significantly during his five-year stint at Bournemouth, after previously having short stints at Chelsea and Liverpool.
With his prolific goal-scoring form, Solanke is expected to make a significant impact at Tottenham and help the team achieve their ambitions.
“He’ll be a great fit for us,” said Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, whose team finished fifth in his first season in charge.
“He gives us some things we’ve been missing the last 12 months.”
With Harry Kane’s departure a year ago, Tottenham left a void that remained unfilled until now. The signing of Dominic Solanke puts him in the spotlight to fill the significant gap left by Kane’s exit, and the pressure is on him to deliver.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
Dutch defender De Ligt is reuniting with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, who played a key role in launching his career as a teenager.
However, after high-profile transfers to Juventus and Bayern Munich, De Ligt’s progress has been hindered by a loss of form, leading to him being sidelined by both club and country in the past year.
The reunion with ten Hag offers De Ligt a chance to revive his career.
“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career so he knows how to get the best out of me,” said the 25-year-old.
Manchester United’s defensive revamp includes the signings of De Ligt, French youngster Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui, De Ligt’s former Bayern teammate.
However, Yoro’s expected three-month absence due to injury presents De Ligt with an opportunity to establish himself as a key player in the team with a strong start to the season at Old Trafford.
Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s most impressive signing so far in a tumultuous transfer window is Portugal winger Neto, who joined from Wolves for £54 million.
However, he faces intense competition for a starting spot from established wingers Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke, as well as Cole Palmer, who is expected to move into a central role.
Neto has shown flashes of brilliance since joining Wolves in 2019, but his injury-prone history has deterred other potential suitors, making his Chelsea signing a calculated risk.
Niclas Fullkrug (West Ham)
West Ham’s most notable signing this summer is German international Fullkrug, a physical and prolific center-forward.
The 31-year-old has gained a massive following in Germany, with many advocating for him to start over Arsenal’s Kai Havertz at the Euros.
After progressing through the ranks at Hannover and Werder Bremen, Fullkrug made a significant impact at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 16 goals in his lone season and helping the team reach the Champions League final.
His addition is a significant boost to West Ham’s attacking options.
