As the first half of the 2024-25 campaign nears its conclusion, let’s take a closer look at the new arrivals who have made the biggest impact.
Premier League clubs collectively spent nearly £2 billion ($2.5bn) on new players during the 2024 summer transfer window. While this figure falls slightly short of the record-breaking 2023 window, it still marks the second-highest spending spree in the league’s history. Among the standout deals, Tottenham secured Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for £65 million ($82m), Chelsea landed Wolves winger Pedro Neto for £54m ($68m), Aston Villa acquired Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m ($63m), and Manchester United brought in PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte for the same fee.
These players have all made varying levels of impact at their new clubs, though none have delivered exceptional performances. Meanwhile, several high-profile transfers already appear to be missteps, including Joao Felix’s £45m ($57m) return to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid, West Ham’s £27m ($34m) signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug, and Federico Chiesa’s puzzling £10m ($13m) move to Liverpool from Juventus.
Interestingly, the standout performers of the season haven’t all come with hefty price tags. Several of these players have proven to be incredible bargains, delivering performances that far exceed their market value—a key reason behind the league’s tight standings at the halfway mark.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best signings of the 2024-25 season so far, featuring some unexpected names. But who tops the list? Read on to find out…
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Top 10 Premier League Signings of The 2024/25 Season So Far
10. Iliman Ndiaye of Everton – £15m ($20m)
Everton’s decision to bring former Sheffield United star Iliman Ndiaye back to English football from Marseille is proving to be a masterstroke. The 24-year-old has seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League, showcasing the same electrifying form he displayed in the Championship with the Blades, even if his goal tally hasn’t matched his previous heights.
The Senegal international has netted just two goals in 15 appearances so far, primarily because Sean Dyche has utilized him on the left wing rather than in his natural No.10 role. Despite this positional shift, Ndiaye has quickly become a fan favorite at Goodison Park.
Known for his impeccable balance and control, Ndiaye drives Everton forward at every opportunity, even when carrying the ball at high speed. His style has drawn comparisons to a futsal player, as noted by former Everton defender Phil Jagielka. He excels in one-on-one situations, boasts exceptional link-up play, and is one of the hardest-working players off the ball.
Everton’s recovery from a sluggish start to the season has been impressive, and with Ndiaye providing a crucial X-factor in the final third, Dyche’s side has every reason to target a top-half finish this campaign.
9. Georginio Rutter of Brighton – £40m ($51m)
Brighton broke their transfer record to secure Georginio Rutter from Leeds, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler hailing him as a forward with the “ability to get fans off their seats.” So far, Rutter has delivered on that promise, forming a formidable partnership with Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro that has propelled the Seagulls back into contention for European qualification.
Although Rutter has only registered two goals and three assists, his mesmerizing dribbling, sharp passing, and key contributions to Brighton’s counter-press have made him a constant threat. “He’s a player who doesn’t need goals to believe in himself, and I think he’s made a great impact,” Hurzeler remarked in October.
At just 22 years old, Rutter has added versatility to Brighton’s attack, and his potential suggests there’s still much more to come from the talented Frenchman.
8. Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace – £15m ($20m)
Crystal Palace faced a rocky start to the season after losing several key players, including Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen, and Jordan Ayew. The adjustment period for their new signings, such as Maxence Lacroix—brought in to replace Andersen—proved challenging initially. Lacroix, a standout centre-back in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg last season, is now beginning to showcase his quality in the Premier League.
Deployed at the center of a three-man defence alongside Marc Guehi and Trevor Chalobah, Lacroix has grown into his role. While Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat to Arsenal was a significant blow, Palace had lost just one of their previous nine matches across all competitions. Lacroix even contributed a superb goal in an exhilarating 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
The Frenchman’s incredible speed makes him nearly impossible to dribble past, and his high footballing IQ ensures precise passing and smart decision-making. Lacroix has boldly stated that “teams fear playing Palace,” and his commanding presence on the pitch makes a strong case for that claim. With his rapid development, Oliver Glasner’s side should steer clear of relegation and aim for a stronger finish this season.
7. Jadon Sancho of Chelsea – loan
Jadon Sancho’s time at Manchester United is widely regarded as one of the club’s most disappointing signings, a notion solidified when Chelsea secured the winger on loan with an obligation to buy in late August. United had invested £73m ($92m) to bring Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, but he struggled to justify the hefty fee, failing to cement a regular spot in the starting XI and clashing with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite these setbacks, Sancho’s talent has never been in question. When confident, he has proven to be a game-changer, as demonstrated during his loan return to Dortmund, where he played a pivotal role in their run to the Champions League final. Sancho has carried that form into his stint at Stamford Bridge, delivering five goal contributions in 11 Premier League appearances.
While Enzo Maresca has rotated Sancho due to Chelsea’s impressive depth in attack, the winger has shown glimpses of his brilliance, particularly in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham, where he outclassed Pedro Porro. If Sancho maintains this level of performance, he could not only solidify his place at Chelsea but also earn a recall to the England squad.
6. Facundo Buonanotte of Leicester City – loan
Facundo Buonanotte made his senior debut for reigning world champions Argentina in June last year at just 18 years old and featured in 36 matches across all competitions for Brighton during the 2023-24 season. It came as a surprise when Brighton decided to loan him to newly-promoted Leicester City in August. However, the move coincided with a new contract that keeps the talented teenager tied to the Amex Stadium until 2028.
The decision was a calculated risk, aimed at fast-tracking Buonanotte’s development by ensuring regular game time, and it’s already bearing fruit. The former Rosario Central midfielder has scored four goals—including a stunning solo effort against Bournemouth—and provided two assists in his first 14 Premier League appearances for the Foxes.
Buonanotte has added a layer of creativity to Leicester’s attack that could prove pivotal in their fight for survival. With his elegant left foot, confident ball-carrying, and incisive passing, he consistently breaks down defences. If the Argentine continues to impress in the second half of the season, Brighton might find themselves fielding interest from Europe’s top clubs next summer.
5. Liam Delap of Ipswich Town – £20m ($25m)
Liam Delap never had the opportunity to showcase his full potential at Manchester City, which remains a significant disappointment. After graduating from their academy in 2020, the English forward managed just six senior appearances under Pep Guardiola. Seeking regular first-team action, Delap moved on in the summer, signing a five-year deal with Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys have struggled in their return to the Premier League, as expected, but their survival hopes remain alive largely thanks to Delap’s contributions up front. The 21-year-old has netted six goals in 16 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, including a brilliant brace in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. His performances have earned high praise, with former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy declaring on BBC’s Match of the Day 2 that Delap is the “obvious long-term successor to [Harry] Kane” for England.
The son of former Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap, Liam combines physicality, technical ability, and an innate goal-scoring instinct, making him a formidable presence in attack. Acting as a one-man wrecking ball for Ipswich, Delap’s success may leave Manchester City questioning their decision to let him go amidst their current struggles.
4. Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United – £13m ($17m)
For the first time in their history, Manchester United are poised to sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas. New head coach Ruben Amorim is gradually instilling a new identity within the squad, but the club continues to suffer the consequences of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to delay parting ways with Erik ten Hag. With the season’s struggles far from over, more challenges are likely to follow before May.
However, Ten Hag’s tenure wasn’t entirely without merit. The signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich has proven to be a rare bright spot for United. The Moroccan international has consistently delivered strong performances, despite being tasked with playing in multiple positions.
“He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively, and he excels in one-on-one situations,” Amorim remarked earlier this month. “He’s a modern player. I think he’s the future of our team.”
At 27, Mazraoui is in the prime of his career and appears to have finally found his footing at Old Trafford after a challenging stint at Bayern. His performances have set a high standard in a struggling United side, offering hope that the rest of the squad might follow his lead in the latter half of the season.
3. Sander Berge of Fulham – £25m ($32m)
Joao Palhinha’s summer move to Bayern Munich seemed like a massive setback for Fulham, leaving a void in midfield after the Portuguese star had cemented his place as one of the Premier League’s top defensive players during his two seasons at Craven Cottage. To fill that gap, Fulham turned to Sander Berge, signing the 26-year-old from Burnley, a club relegated in the 2023-24 season. Unsurprisingly, the move didn’t initially excite the Fulham fanbase.
However, Berge has exceeded all expectations, and Fulham now look like a stronger side with him in the lineup. Currently ninth in the table, their improvement owes much to Berge’s contributions. As per DataMB, he boasts the highest duel win rate among Premier League midfielders this season. His ability to disrupt opposition play and dominate the midfield has been pivotal to Fulham’s success.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Berge has been instrumental in launching Fulham’s attacks. He glides through the midfield with ease, breaking lines and consistently making intelligent passes. A physically imposing presence, Berge combines technical mastery with tireless work rate, emerging as the driving force behind Fulham’s unexpected push for European qualification.
Fulham’s momentum could be tested, though, as Berge was forced off with an ankle injury during their draw with Southampton. Manager Marco Silva will be hoping for a swift recovery for his standout midfielder.
2. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest – £35m ($44m)
Newcastle reluctantly sold Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), a move that reportedly “did not sit well” with Eddie Howe. Now, seeing the 22-year-old excel at the City Ground, the Newcastle manager likely feels even more regret.
“He is an amazing talent for such a young player,” Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports in November. “He knows he is good but wants to be better. That is the first step. We are delighted to have him. I think it was a very good deal.” Considering Anderson’s performances this season, that statement feels like an understatement, with his market value likely doubling since the summer.
Anderson’s versatility, capable of playing centrally or out wide, has been key to Forest’s transformation from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls. The England Under-21 international’s progressive dribbling and exceptional passing range have made him a constant threat, evident in his tally of five assists from 16 Premier League appearances. If Anderson can add goals to his repertoire, he has the potential to become a complete all-rounder, with senior England recognition likely not far behind for this highly talented youngster.
1. Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest – £12m ($15m)
Milenkovic is not only the standout signing of the 2024-25 Premier League season but also one of the best value-for-money acquisitions in the competition’s history. After an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign with Serbia, he joined Forest from Fiorentina and has quickly formed a formidable partnership with Murillo at the heart of the defence, neutralizing some of the league’s most dangerous strikers.
Last season, Forest struggled defensively, ranking with the fifth-worst record in the Premier League, particularly vulnerable to set-pieces. However, the 6’4″ Milenkovic has been the key to solving those issues. With just 19 goals conceded in 17 games this season—fewer than only Liverpool and Arsenal—Milenkovic has been a constant presence, eliminating threats both on the ground and in the air.
Described as a “man-mountain” by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, Milenkovic is powerful, fast, calm under pressure, and has exceptional game-reading ability. At 27, he’s also become a significant offensive threat, having scored twice for Forest already. His influence gives Forest a real chance of competing for a top-four finish this season.
Milenkovic has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his success makes you question why top clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham didn’t secure his signature a few years ago when they were linked with him.
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FAQs
Why was Jadon Sancho considered a disappointing signing for Manchester United?
Sancho, signed for £73m in 2021, failed to justify his price tag, struggling for consistent starting spots and clashing with former manager Erik ten Hag.
What impact has Noussair Mazraoui had at Manchester United?
Despite the team’s struggles, Mazraoui has been a standout performer, praised for his technical ability, defensive skills, and versatility across multiple positions.
How has Sander Berge performed at Fulham?
Berge has exceeded expectations, contributing to Fulham’s success with vital defensive play, excellent passing, and a strong presence in midfield, making him key to their push for European spots.
What has been the impact of Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest?
After his move from Newcastle, Anderson has impressed with his versatility and creative play, helping Forest rise from relegation threats to Champions League contenders.
Why is Nikola Milenkovic considered one of the best Premier League signings?
Milenkovic has been a defensive rock for Nottingham Forest, significantly improving their defensive record and contributing offensively, making him one of the most valuable signings this season.
