Sport
Best Premier League signings of 2020/21 season
The transfer window isn’t set to close until October 5 due to coronavirus changes but teams have already been busy adding to their squads ahead of the big kick-off on September 12. New deals are going through all the time, but what are some of the most eye-catching moves of the transfer window so far? Here are the best Premier League signings of the 2020/21 season.
Best Premier League signings of the 2020/21 season
Thiago Silva (PSG to Chelsea)
Chelsea have been working impressively in the market to date, with the arrival of Thiago Silva from Champions League finalists PSG among their most interesting additions.
While there is rightly excitement about the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner to bolster the Blues’ frontline, the team’s main issues in Frank Lampard’s first season were at the back.
A lack of leadership and experience was obvious. Brazilian centre-back Silva ticks both boxes and, although his wages will be considerable, he did not cost a transfer fee. At 35, Silva’s signing is a short-term one, but it could push Chelsea closer towards joining the title race.
Despite being the busiest Premier League team so far, Lampard will still be looking to sign a goalkeeper to line up behind Silva due to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s continued problems.
Joel Veltman (Ajax to Brighton)
Brighton signing Joel Veltman from Ajax didn’t make a lot of headlines but it could prove to be one of the best Premier League signings of the summer.
The 28-year-old, a Netherlands international, joined for less than £1 million due to a release clause in his contract. Veltman can play in both the centre of defence and at right-back, giving Seagulls boss Graham Potter additional options at the back.
Veltman, who played over 200 games for the Dutch giants, will be wearing the number 34 for Brighton as a tribute to his former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri.
Eberechi Eze (QPR to Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace have one of the league’s oldest squads, so the signing of Eberechi Eze from QPR adds some much-needed verve, pace and flair to Roy Hodgson’s attacking options.
Eze was among the most exciting forwards in the Championship last season despite playing for mid-table Rangers and he looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old cost around £16 million and signed a five-year deal with the Eagles.
Robin Koch (Freiburg to Leeds United)
Leeds were a little slow to get going in the transfer market but the signing of Robin Koch from Freiburg should help their defence to make the step up to the top-flight.
Koch has been one of the most reliable and consistent defenders in the Bundesliga in recent seasons and he should cover for the loss of Ben White, whose loan from Brighton has expired.
Having been named in the current Germany squad, where he will be hoping to add to his two international caps, Koch is reported to have cost Leeds around £11.5 million initially and looks one of the best Premier League signings of the window.
Ferran Torres (Valencia to Manchester City)
Manchester City have known for some time they would be losing Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich and they did not waste any time snapping up a replacement in the form of Ferran Torres.
The winger was damning about his treatment from Valencia on his departure from the crisis-hit La Liga club, who received around £25 million for the 20-year-old.
A Spain Under-21 international, Torres hit five La Liga goals last season. Torres will likely have to be patient and wait for his chance at City, but he is certainly one to watch in the future.
Matt Doherty (Wolves to Tottenham)
Right-back was a problem position for Tottenham last season after they sold Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid without signing a replacement for the England international.
But Spurs have now solved that issue with the signing of Matt Doherty, with the Republic of Ireland international joining for what seems to be a bargain £15 million. He will compete for a place with Serge Aurier, though Aurier’s Spurs future is in doubt with AC Milan said to be keen.
Doherty has been among the league’s best in his position for the last two seasons and he is a goal threat too, having found the net seven times in all competitions during 2019-20.
Why Wolves have allowed him to go so cheaply, especially to a team expected to be one of their direct rivals for European qualification, is a bit of a mystery.
Perhaps the fact that Doherty, his boss at Wolves Nuno Espirito Santo and new manager at Spurs Jose Mourinho share the same agent – Jorge Mendes – helps to explain it!
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