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Arguably one of the most interesting parts of the transfer window is following the fortunes of young footballers. Some of these players are already recognized stars moving for big money, while others are talented prospects that clubs are eager to capture before others. Here we look at some of the best U23 players that found new Premier League clubs this summer.
#5 Emerson Royal
Emerson Royal's case is a sad one. Bought through a co-ownership deal with Real Betis by Barcelona, the Brazilian spent two years at the Seville club. He established himself as one of the best right-backs in La Liga in the process. Royal even went to this year's Copa America as a replacement for the injured Dani Alves.
Barca brought him to the Camp Nou in the off season, paying €9 million to buy him off Betis. He was expected to compete with Sergino Dest for the right-back spot, which was great news for Emerson, a boyhood Barca fan.
But after only one start, the Spanish giants sold him to Spurs in order to earn some money. This was horrid treatment of a player as has become the norm at the club recently. Barca's loss is Spurs' gain as in Emerson they get a fantastic young RB to address their problem position. The 22-year-old has a bundle of stamina and bombs up and down the flank all 90 mintues.
#4 Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard was hailed as a prodigy in Norway at 15 years of age and at 16 he was playing for Real Madrid. But since then it hasn't been smooth sailing for the midfielder. Loan spells in the Eredivisie and La Liga at Real Sociedad followed by one recently at Arsenal means he has barely ever represented Madrid in the last few years.
Now he has decided that he needs something more permanent. Instead of waiting for Modric to slow down at the Bernabeu, Ødegaard has moved back to the Emirates Stadium. For Arsenal this is a deal with huge potential. They were in dire need of another creative presence in midfield and Ødegaard provides just that.
#3 Christos Tzolis
Usually when clubs come up from the Championship they often tend to buy more experienced players to aid their cause. Norwich City have done things differently this time. They have built a team with a young core that can sustain itself in the Premier League. Even if they get relegated, these players can either be sold for good money or help them quickly return to the top flight.
The most interesting of these young signings is Christos Tzolis, bought from PAOK in the Greek league. The left winger, who's only 19 years of age, had a lot of big clubs looking at him as he did extremely well in Greece (16 goals and 10 assists). On his debut he scored two and assisted two in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth.
#2 Cristian Romero
Most of the attention Spurs have received in this window has been regarding City's pursuit of Harry Kane. But they have had a really good under-the-radar window themselves. Their best signing has undoubtedly been Cristian or "Cuti" Romero as he's called. The Argentine center-back all-action, equally as comfortable at putting in a last ditch challenge as he is at ball progression.
He is really dynamic and tenacious, qualities that the Spurs defense thoroughly lacks. The deal consists of an obligation to buy for 55m from Atalanta that will be exercised later. Romero was selected as the best defender in Serie A last season and also played a very important role in Argentina's Copa America triumph.
#1 Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho's career so far hasn't gotten the respect it deserves in England, probably because he has done it away from the Premier League. But 50 goals and 64 assists before the age of 21 for a club like Borussia Dortmund deserves attention.
United have a number of wingers, none of them are good creators and with Sancho they have solved the issue once and for all. Although the fact that he hailed from Manchester City's academy might have ruffled some feathers, it is time for Sancho to show the people his worth. In the Bundesliga he was assisting Erling Haaland for fun and now on his return to England, Sancho will get to do it with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Honourable mentions:
Bryan Gil (LW) - Sevilla to Tottenham
Francisco Trincao (RW) - Barcelona to Wolves on loan
Albert Sambi-Lokonga (CM) - Anderlecht to Arsenal
Patson Daka (ST) - RB Salzburg to Leicester City
