In the age of inflated prices, signing on fees and influential agents, making a successful signing is far from straight forward.Englands top tier is a difficult place to come and arguably the best league in the world. Even the cream of the crop can struggle to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.However this season, there have plenty of newcomers that have seamlessly slotted into their new surroundings and struck up an instant rapport with their team mates as well as displayed their own individual talent.Heres Squawkas run down of the top 10 signings in the Premier League for the 2013/14 season.Its important that you get you moneys worth these days.
#10 Wilfried Bony
The Swansea striker scored 16 goals in his debut season in England’s top tier, with his powerful physical frame and fierce shot having served him well. Garry Monk might struggle to persuade him to stay if an offer arrives, but the club should secure on the £12 million they paid Vitesse for his services.
#9 Christian Eriksen
The Danish midfielder struggled during the first half of the season but came into his own after the turn of the New Year with six goals and seven assists. Expect further improvement in a significantly more settled Spurs side next year.
#8 Willian
Snatched from under Spurs’ noses to sign for the Stamford Bridge outfit for £30 million, Chelsea’s latest Samba star has flourished on the right hand side of Jose Mourinho’s midfield three.
#7 Jonjo Shelvey
There were question marks over the Englishman’s ability when he left Liverpool but has answered them with aplomb. Technically gifted, he has dictated games from the Swans’ midfield and capped his season with a stunning volley from the half way line.
#6 Dejan Lovren
The Croatian defender was virtually unknown when he join the St. Mary’s revolution from Lyon but he has quickly earned a reputation as a solid centre-back and become a key member of Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive unit. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
#5 James McCarthy
Eyebrows were raised when Toffees boss Roberto Martinez paid upwards of £13 million to sign the midfielder from his former club Wigan but McCarthy has thrived in the Spaniard’s fluid attacking system. The deal remains to be the highest fee ever paid for a Scottish born player.
#4 Nemanja Matic
The only January signing on our list, Chelsea paid Benfica £21 million for the Serbian, which was a huge increase on the £5 million they let him leave for just three years earlier. The 25-year-old is a superb addition and has slipped seamlessly into the Blues’ midfield. Combatant and physical but so much more than a defensive barrier, his technique is superb and he managed four assists in 17 appearances.
#3 Jason Puncheon
Crystal Palace have deservedly earned a host of plaudits for their achievements under Tony Pulis and no Eagles player has emerged with their reputation more enhanced than Puncheon. The 27-year-old signed a permanent deal in January and scored seven goals in 18 appearances during the south Londoners’ survival surge.
#2 Curtis Davies
A £2.25 million arrival from Birmingham City, Davies has proved that he is more than capable of playing at the top level. Although late cries fell on deaf ears for him to be included in Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad, the 29-year-old is riding a wave of popularity despite the Tigers’ FA Cup final defeat.
#1 Fernandinho
Manchester City only sign players straight out of the top drawer and the Brazilian midfielder has justified his £30 million price tag. After eight years in Ukraine there were doubts he could step up to make the grade in the Premier League, but he now commands a regular starting berth in Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
