The Premier League begins today, therefore we’ve selected the top 2025/26 acquisitions to watch this season. Clubs are preparing for an exciting presentation of new talent, spending big on high-profile recruits to bolster their squads. From clinical strikers to creative midfielders, the summer transfer market has produced a promising crop of players eager to make their mark.
1. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool)
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 22 | Fee: £100 million
Florian Wirtz is at the top of our list as Liverpool’s headline signing and perhaps the best summer purchase. At just 22, the German star’s 122 goals in 197 games for Leverkusen demonstrate his world-class potential. His vision, ability to find space, and adaptability in playing as a No. 10 or wide make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s aggressive system. Wirtz’s decision to leave Bayern Munich and Manchester City for Liverpool demonstrates his ambition, and his pre-season performance suggests he will be a game changer in the Reds’ championship defense. Expect him to dominate the news.
2. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting to Arsenal)
Striker | Age: 27 | Fee: £64 million.
Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s long-awaited answer to their striker issues, joins after scoring 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season. His strength, pace, and precision finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and his propensity to outperform his xG suggests he will carry his form into the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s style is built on a focal point, and Gyokeres could be the key to ending Arsenal’s 22-year title drought. His athleticism and work rate make him a must-see.
3. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan-Manchester City)
Position: Midfielder | Age: 26 | Fee: £46.5 million
Manchester City’s midfield required an upgrade, and Tijjani Reijnders is the ideal addition. The Dutch international’s box-to-box energy, ball-carrying abilities, and 10 Serie A goals last season make him an explosive addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. Reijnders, who has been compared to Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, earns £230k a week, reflecting his importance. His versatility and technical ability could help City regain their dominance.
4. Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig–Manchester United)
Striker | Age: 22 | Fee: £74 million.
Manchester United’s £74 million signing of Benjamin Sesko completes Ruben Amorim’s overhauled front line. The 6’5″ Slovenian scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 last season, demonstrating his aerial supremacy and precision finishing. His pace (35.69 km/h top speed) and movement complement Amorim’s fluid assault, and his preference for United over Newcastle demonstrates his faith in their ambition. Sesko might be the focal point United has been missing, but the club’s history of stunting strikers adds a layer of risk.
5. Rayan Cherki (Lyon to Man City)
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 21. Fee: £33.7m
Rayan Cherki’s 125 chances created for Lyon last season placed him among Europe’s top playmakers. At 21, his move to Manchester City provides an opportunity to succeed under Guardiola. His flare, close control, and ability to play both centrally and wide make him a possible successor to Kevin De Bruyne. While competition for positions is stiff, Cherki’s youth and potential make him an exciting prospect in City’s title chase.
6. Matheus Cunha (Wolves-Manchester United)
Position: Forward | Age: 26 | Fee: £62.5 million
Matheus Cunha’s 15 goals for Wolves last season made him a standout, and his £62.5 million transfer to Manchester United fits nicely into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation as a left-sided No. 10. His ability to drive at defenders and create in the last third compensates for United’s lack of offensive production (42 league goals in 2024/25). Cunha’s flair and work rate might make him a fan favorite, but United’s track record with signings raises concerns.
7. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad – Arsenal).
Position: Defensive Midfielder | Age: 26 | Estimated Fee: ~£50 million
Martin Zubimendi’s long-rumored move to Arsenal has finally happened, bringing steel and steadiness to their midfield. With his ability to hold the base alongside Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard can drive forward. While not a showy addition, Zubimendi’s passing ability and tactical awareness make him an important part of Arteta’s system. His impact may be minor, but it is critical for Arsenal’s title hopes.
8. Estêvão Willian (from Palmeiras to Chelsea).
Position: Right-Winger/Attacking Midfielder | Age: 18 | Fee: £55 Million
Estêvão Willian, also known as ‘Messinho,’ joins Chelsea with exciting potential. His speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability emerged throughout preseason and the Club World Cup, where he worked well with Cole Palmer. At 18, he’s a long-term investment, but his early performances indicate he could break into Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup sooner than expected. While Chelsea’s striking depth allows for competitive minutes, Estêvão’s talent is apparent.
9. João Pedro (Brighton to Chelsea)
Position: Forward | Age: 23 | Fee: £55 million
Joao Pedro’s £55 million transfer from Brighton to Chelsea broadens the Blues’ attacking options. His 10 Premier League goals in 27 games last season, as well as a brace in the Club World Cup semi-final, demonstrate his capacity to deliver at crucial moments. Pedro, who can play as a No. 9, No. 10, or winger, is a valuable asset to Maresca due to his technical prowess and ability to take penalties. He is a frontrunner to head Chelsea’s line in their title pursuit.
10. Hugo Ekitike (from Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool).
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