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Yet another Premier League season has kicked off and is gathering pace as we move into gameweek 4. After a crazy summer transfer window that saw the game's largest names switch, we can now rest and calmly look at the various squads that have been assembled. Premier League clubs are at the forefront of the transfer window, spending millions to strengthen their teams.
The Premier League will have a lot of new faces this season
The Premier League has seen a host of new players cross over permanently or on loan. While we often concentrate on big money signings and permanent transfers, many loan signings tend to go under the radar.
Loans can be instrumental for players looking for game time trying to regain their spot in the team or for youngsters to announce themselves on the big stage. It can be an opportunity for them to go out and learn their trade, gain experience and return to fight for starting places in their parent teams.
Mateo Kovacic, Jesse Lingard and Joe Willock are recent examples of players who have had successful loan spells in the Premier League.
This window has seen a lot of loans to and from the Premier League, we focus on five exciting players on loan who could steal the limelight this season:
#5 Conor Gallagher
A Chelsea academy product, Conor Gallagher is spending the year on loan at Crystal Palace, making the switch to the south London club. Having returned from a loan spell at West Brom, who were relegated, Gallagher will spend another year gaining valuable minutes and developing himself before he can return to Chelsea.
He's had a bright start to life at Palace, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw with West Ham United last week and collecting his second man-of-the-match award in as many games. The England U-21 player has already impressed immensely and has revealed his dreams about being able to continue scoring goals from midfield.
Ideally a box-to-box midfielder, he can play deep as well as an attacking role in midfield with some brilliant workrate. The 21-year-old has always been praised by various managers during his loan spells and has often been described as an all-round midfielder. He'll be looking to light up the Premier League under the guidance of Patrick Viera.
Having modeled his game around Frank Lampard, his idol, Gallagher hopes to follow a path like that of Mason Mount into the Chelsea first team. Chelsea too will be hoping Gallagher can rise to Mount's levels with loans such as these proving vital for his growth as a young goalscoring midfielder.
#4 Cristian Romero
Defender Cristian Romero has been signed by Tottenham on a season-long loan with the option of making it a permanent deal once the season concludes. A fee of around £42m has already been set by Atalanta for his potential transfer to the Premier League side.
Tottenham are one of the Premier League sides that have made a lot of signings this summer.The 23-year-old was one of the best young center backs in Europe last season, having been named Serie A defender of the year for his performances.
Coming through the youth ranks at Belgrano, Romero has played for Genoa and Atalanta. Though he was a Juventus player for two years, he has never played for them after being sent out on loans instead, which proved to be crucial for his development. He made his switch to north London having helped Atalanta to a third-placed finish in Serie A last season.
The Argentine was also part of the Copa America-winning squad, playing the final against Brazil. Perluigi Gollini, Spurs' new goalkeeper who also made the switch from Atalanta this season, has described his team-mate as a "beast" out on the pitch.
Spurs do need a strong presence at the back following the departures of veterans like Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping Romero can fit right into the Premier League.
#3 Francisco Trincão
The Premier League will be home to another exciting young talent this season in the form of Francisco Trincão. Wolverhampton Wanderers secured the services of Trincao on loan for the season from Barcelona.
With the signing of Trincão, Wolves have added yet another Portuguese talent to their arsenal. The 21-year-old arrived in the Premier League in search of regular minutes, which was scarce at Camp Nou.
Trincão arrives in the Premier League with a fair amount of expectations on his shoulder. The Portuguese is no stranger to it though, ever since his big money move from Braga following a breakout 2019-20 season there.
Having started his career with Braga B, it wasn't long before he was called up to the first team, helping them to a cup win in his second season there. Soon enough, Barcelona came knocking and signed him for a reported €31 million.
Wolves have got an exciting young winger in their hands. With his quick feet and technique of the highest quality Trincão could be a key asset for them.
It'll be interesting to see the partnership he could potentially form with Adama Traore and Pedro Neto, who is a long-time friend from their youth days. Barcelona have also inserted an option to buy Trincao at £25m, which could be exercised by Wolves if he impresses in the Premier League for them.
#2 Billy Gilmour
Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has been signed on a season-long loan by Norwich. The Scottish international has already settled into his new team, starting all three of Norwich's games in the Premier League.
Fondly nicknamed the "Scottish Iniesta," he is already tipped for big things in his career and considered the future of Scotland and Chelsea in the middle of the park.
Having made his debut for Chelsea at the age of 18 under Frank Lampard, Gilmour has always impressed whenever he's had the opportunity to play. Game time has been hard to come by under Thomas Tuchel even though the German has always spoken highly of him.
Due to Chelsea's immense talent in midfield, the decision to send him on loan to a Premier League side for the season was eventually taken this term.
The 20-year-old will definitely be a regular in midfield playing in the green and yellow at Carrow Road. Chelsea will surely be hoping he has a great season for the Canaries, racking up the much-needed minutes to return and be a potential starter for the Blues.
#1 Saúl Niguez
Chelsea managed to bring in Saúl Niguez on loan in the dying hours of deadline day to complete their summer recruitments. A season long loan with an option to buy at £30 million next summer has been agreed with Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona were also interested in the player but it was the Premier League side who sealed his signature after weeks of speculation.
Having fallen down the pecking order at Atlético, this move to the Premier League would be an opportunity to revive his career which looked very promising at one stage.
Saúl has spent almost his whole career at Atlético having come through their ranks, breaking into the first team and becoming a midfield mainstay for years. He's been a vital part of their European campaigns, scoring many important goals for them along the way.
Saúl thrived under Diego Siemone in the early years, who has tried him in different roles recently amid the arrival of other players who've been preferred over him. He's always fitted the tag of a complete midfielder - someone who can run, pass and tackle. Saul will be hoping he can do a lot of that with Chelsea in the Premier League.
Chelsea's midfield looks one of the strongest in Europe but concerns regarding its depth were a worry given the club is looking to compete across competitions this term.
Saúl could easily deputize for one of the two midfield roles that Thomas Tuchel likes to play in his formation. The Spanish international will be hoping to find space in Chelsea's first team in his preferred position and help them to the Premier League title they hope to achieve.
