The transfer window slammed shut just over a month ago, and the effects of each team’s business are starting to be felt.
The biggest deal of the summer saw Gareth Bale leave Tottenham for Real Madrid, but injury problems have restricted the Welshman’s impact in Spain, even though he did mark his debut against Villarreal with a goal.
We’re just seven games in to the season, but the league table is starting to take shape, and the impact of new signings can’t be underestimated. Last year’s Barclays Premier League winners Manchester United left it late on deadline day to sign midfielder Marouane Fellaini, but here are four signings who have hit the ground running for their new teams.
Mesut Ozil, Arsenal
The £42.5m deadline day signing from Real Madrid has been everything we expected. Unsurprisingly, Ozil sits at the top of the assists table with three, despite playing less games than those just below him. The German international has galvanised the team and the fans, and is certainly living up to the lofty expectations – and price tag – that have been set.
Christian Eriksen, Tottenham
Whilst Erik Lamela was the big money signing in the wake of Bale’s departure, it’s Danish international Eriksen who has been producing the goods so far. Signed for just £11m from Dutch side Ajax, Eriksen has become a key player for manager Andre Villas-Boas and despite already having over 40 international caps, he’s still only 21 – meaning he could become even better under Villas-Boas’ stewardship.
Alvaro Negredo, Manchester City
‘The Beast’, as he has been affectionately called by City fans, Negredo has flourished alongside Sergio Aguero in Manuel Pellegrini’s side. With four goals in his first nine games, and four goals for Spain since moving to the Etihad Stadium, Negredo is in fine form and is justifying the £16.5m fee that City paid in the summer. If the 28 year old keeps up his recent performances, their other new striker – Stevan Jovetic – could struggle to break into the side.
Romelu Lukaku, Everton
Pushed down the pecking order at Chelsea after the signing of Samuel Eto’o, Belgian youngster Lukaku opted for another year out on loan after impressing at West Brom last season. Lukaku has shown Jose Mourinho what he’s missing, scoring an astonishing four goals in just three Premier League games, whilst also notching an assist too. Everton boss Roberto Martinez will be hoping the 20 year old maintains his goalscoring form, and on the basis of his displays for the Baggies last year and with Belgium, you can almost guarantee that he will.
