Every season, we see the total money spent on players succeed that of the previous summer. This year, expect no different. We’ve already seen some big money moves in the transfer window and whilst Romelu Lukaku looks to be the latest, don’t expect the spending to stop.
There’s no doubt about it; every player wants to ply his trade in the Premier League. Some have tried and failed. Some have been big money transfers, such as Angel di Maria to Manchester United, whilst we’ve also seen players such as Jamie Vardy succeed, who joined Leicester City for £1 million.
The transfer fee in today’s game doesn’t mean much. If they have the determination and passion, then chances are they will be a Premier League hero. If they don’t have the right mentality, then expect them to fail.
Premier League football no doubt has the eyes of the world watching and whilst we’re only in the second week of July, we’ve already seen some big names join Premier League clubs. And so, here are five Premier League players you need to keep an eye on this season.
#5 Michael Keane
Arriving from Burnley for a fee that could potentially equal their £30 million record for a single transfer, Everton have signed a central defender that could, in theory, go on to captain England one day.
Just two years ago, Keane left Manchester United for Burnley in a £2m deal. His playing time in the Premier League as a result increased and has seen him go on to be one of the league’s better defenders.
All in all, Everton have finally found John Stones’ replacement in the 24-year-old. And Ronald Koeman would hope that his commanding performances at the heart of the defence could see the Toffees go on and challenge for a place in Europe next season.
#4 Roque Mesa
Although devoid of much top-flight experience under his belt, Roque Mesa has been one of Las Palmas’ standout players in their past two seasons in La Liga – which saw the Spaniard arrive on English shores for around £11 million.
For Paul Clement and Swansea, Mesa was high up on his list. His ability to play at the base of the midfield or centrally will help the Swans have a solid base in midfield. The 28-year-old is short in height, but more than makes up for it with his on-the-ball abilities.
Always wanting to be on the ball, Mesa made 2267 accurate passes in La Liga last season whilst completing 92.4% of those. Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi, in fact was the only one to surpass the little Spaniard in terms of the number of passes churned out.
Although short and stocky, Mesa can also break up play and put in a good tackle.
#3 Sead Kolasinac
The one that almost got away. Both Manchester City and Liverpool wanted to sign Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer. Luckily for Arsenal fans, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international chose the Emirates.
Should Arsene Wenger play 3-4-3 just as he did towards the end of last season, then Kolasinac is certainly a good addition to the Premier League outfit.
Able to play on the left, the 24-year-old likes to get forward at every opportunity, whilst he has a lethal left-foot on him. Not only that, Kolasinac is able to play on the left side of a back three, something that Wenger will certainly have taken into account when signing him.
During his 24 Bundesliga games for Schalke last season, the Bosnian scored three and created five whilst averaging 7.32 (via Whoscored). Not only has he played at the highest level, Kolasinac as Champions League experience.
#2 Mohamed Salah
A Chelsea reject a few years back, Mohamed Salah left the London club last summer on a permanent deal to AS Roma following a successful loan spell in the Italian capital, and at Fiorentina. The rest, as they say, is history.
In 81 Serie A games, the Egyptian has scored 35 goals and created 24 which ultimately resulted in a move to Liverpool for £35 million this summer. Many have criticised the Anfield outfit for shelling out that amount, but there’s no doubt Salah has improved dramatically since his departure from Chelsea.
The 25-year-old could go on to play a huge role under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool this season. Having the ability to play on either flank, Salah likes to cut inside a lot, which would allow Liverpool’s full-backs to attack.
With a few more additions, Liverpool could become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League this season.
#1 Bernardo Silva
A long drawn transfer finally came to an end for Manchester City when Bernardo Silva joined up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad outfit in a deal around £42 million.
That’s certainly a lot of money for a 22-year-old. However, the Portugal international has all the traits to go on and become something special. Both domestically and on the international stage.
Having the ability to play centrally, behind what is likely to be Sergio Aguero, or on the right-flank, Silva’s low centre-of-gravity makes it difficult to get the ball off him. His eye for a pass will likely see him notch double figures in assists whilst the Portuguese playmaker is likely to hit the ground running straight from the off.