5 new signings who have exceeded expectations so far

Several signings were made as European heavyweights splashed the cash in the transfer market once again this summer. Having invested heavily in adding players to their ranks, these clubs have certain expectations they will require new signings to meet during the campaign.

It's still an early phase of the season, with just four to six games played across Europe's top five leagues so far. A number of clubs are positively waiting to see their summer signings step up and become influential. Others are already reaping the rewards of their investments.

With their incredible performances, some of these players have already exceeded expectations at their new clubs. Below, we take a look at five of them.

#5 Demarai Gray - Everton

Signing the attacker was a major coup for Everton

Demarai Gray joined Everton from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen for an unbelievable fee of just £1.7 million this summer. Considering his transfer fee, no one paid attention to the winger when he arrived at Goodison Park. But fast-forward two months and he's gone forward to establish himself among the finest attackers in the Premier League at the moment.

Demarai Gray has been a huge force to reckon within Everton's attack this season. His pace, dribbling skills and eye for goal have made him a huge threat to opposition defenders in the English top flight.

The Englishman made headlines when he scored for Everton in three consecutive Premier League games last month. The Toffees currently rank sixth in the table, tied at 10 points with fifth-placed Manchester City. They certainly have the attacker to thank for their impressive start to the campaign.

#4 Takehiro Tomiyasu - Arsenal

Arsenal's deadline day signing has enjoyed instant success at the Emirates

Many poked fun at Arsenal after they completed the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day, with some comparing the defender to legendary actor Bruce Lee. Little did they know how influential the Japanese will become at the Emirates Stadium following his €18 million transfer from Bologna.

Before the defender's switch, the Gunners had lost their three opening Premier League games. However, things changed for good immediately when Mikel Arteta introduced the Asian star on the right wing of the defense.

Takehiro Tomiyasu has represented Arsenal in two games so far, with both ending in victories. More impressively, the Gunners are yet to concede a goal with the Japanese on the pitch. They're finally having better hopes for the season, having progressed from the relegation zone of the table to occupy the 13th spot.

#3 Memphis Depay - Barcelona

Depay arrived as a free signing for Barcelona

Memphis Depay joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Olympic Lyon this summer. Many had doubts as to whether the Dutchman would be able to step up at a big club like Blaugrana. But the attacker has managed to put them in their place with his performances.

Following the departure of Lionel Messi this summer, the Catalan giants needed someone to take up the difference-maker role for the team. With what we've seen so far, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say the new signing has done so to some extent.

The winger provided the assist for Barcelona's first goal of the season, sending a perfectly timed cross to Gerard Pique to head home against Real Sociedad. He scored one each in games against Athletic Bilbao and Getafe, single-handedly helping Blaugrana secure four points in two matches.

#2 Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea

Chelsea's big-money signing has stepped up to the plate

Romelu Lukaku scored in his debut appearance for Chelsea against Arsenal this season, following his £97.5 million transfer from Inter Milan. Since then, the Belgian has gone from strength to strength at Stamford Bridge and is easily one of the finest signings of the summer.

Lukaku has been a reliable figure for the Blues in front of goal this season, finding the back of the net four times in five games. Along with scoring, his hold-up play has helped other Chelsea forwards like Kai Havertz and Mason Mount look even more dangerous.

Thomas Tuchel will be happy to see his new signing firing on all cylinders as he looks to make a strong statement in the Premier League this season.

Also Check Out: Lukaku's Net worth

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United

The attacker has been brilliant after signing for Manchester United for the second time this summer

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Juventus this summer in a deal worth €15 + €5 million in add-ons. The Portuguese arrived at Old Trafford with a point to prove after being singled out for criticism amid Juve's poor outing last season.

Ronaldo wasted no time in making his impact felt, scoring an impressive brace for the Red Devils in his second debut appearance against Newcastle United. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner followed it up with another brilliant effort in their Champions League clash with the Young Boys last week. Unfortunately, the Red Devils ended up on the losing side in that match.

Another effort from the Portuguese in the 2-1 triumph over West Ham United at the weekend raised his tally to four goals in four games. Thanks to the attacker's influence, Manchester United are now dreaming of claiming silverware this season.

The Red Devils currently rank third in the Premier League table with 13 points from five games. They are behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool on only goal difference. Ronaldo has been, without doubt, the most impressive signing of the summer transfer window.