The Premier League saw several high-profile signings across its two transfer windows, with a number of clubs making major moves in the 2022–23 season.
The English top-flight division has seen many extraordinary performances from some of the newly acquired players, and Afrosport takes a look at some of the top signings of the season and their impact on their respective teams.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
When the news of Manchester City agreeing a deal with German side Borussia Dortmund for Erling Haaland broke last summer, many fans across the world expected him to churn out goals for the reigning champions, but no one imagined him to be as dominant as he has been.
Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm, breaking almost all of its goalscoring records within his first nine months in arguably the world’s toughest league.
The 22-year-old has scored 35 league goals this season, breaking the 30-year record for the most goals scored in a single league season. Before his arrival in the Premier League, no player had scored hat-tricks in three consecutive games.
His goals in the league have helped City overtake Arsenal at the summit with about four more games till the end of the season. Haaland currently has more goals than appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, as his 51 goals in 46 matches are the most across Europe, keeping him on course to win the EUROPEAN GOLDEN SHOE.
With the season running into its business end and City a point above the Gunners with a game in hand, Haaland’s goalscoring impact has obliterated any doubts about the type of influence he could have on the league. The £51 million fee paid to Dortmund for him seems like an absolute bargain, as the Norwegian is set to have arguably the greatest debut season in the Premier League.
Casemiro – Manchester United
Casemiro’s transfer to Manchester United was scrutinized by many experts and opposing fans, as they felt his move to the Premier League was all part of a “retirement plan” to earn his last big pay check following his £70 million acquisition.
However, the Brazilian midfielder’s addition to the side has provided a breath of fresh air for the 13-time Premier League winners on the back of what was deemed their worst league campaign ever, as they continue their journey to return to Europe’s elite competition– the UEFA Champions League.
The 31-year-old’s hunger for victory, his tenacity, and his leadership were evident from the jump, providing a much-needed shield for the United’s defense, which has kept the most clean sheets (15) in the league this season.
Casemiro has five goals and six assists for the Red Devils this season, including two key goals in the league. His 75 tackles this season are the most of any player from a top-six team in the league.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side has surprised the whole world of football with their exquisite style of play, and Zinchenko has been a huge part of that development.
The Ukrainian, who won four Premier League titles with Manchester City, was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad, and Arsenal coughed out £40 million to acquire his services.
Already an established star in the English game, Zinchenko’s ball retention and playing abilities have provided the Gunners with another dynamic, helping them dominate teams all through the season.
The 26-year-old has completed the fifth most passes for Arteta’s side, has the third most touches, the fifth most tackles, and the seventh most clearances. His partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Ben White has provided a huge base for Arsenal’s success this season, as they are set to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2016–17 season.
Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal
Another established Premier League star who was let go by Manchester City; Gabriel Jesus’ decision to join Arsenal was highly welcomed from the beginning, as it felt like a match made in heaven after the Gunners had lost their two frontmen, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
The Brazilian has felt like the right piece since moving to the Emirates, leading an Arsenal attack that has scored 83 goals in the league, just six behind former club City.
Jesus’ strength, link-up play, and all-round movement have proven to be a handful for Premier League defenders, with 10 goals and five assists from 23 league games, despite being out with a knee injury for about three months.
His trickery inside the box has not gone unnoticed, as it has won Arsenal two penalties.
Nick Pope – Newcastle United
Many may attribute Newcastle United’s success to Eddie Howe’s leadership or the impact of the new Saudi owners, but one man who has proven that big-money signings are not always the answer is English goalkeeper Nick Pope.
The big shotstopper, who was signed on a free transfer after his contract with Burnley expired last season, has been an integral member of what has been deemed the “meanest defense” in the Premier League as they have only let in 29 goals, the fewest in the league this season.
The 31-year-old has kept the joint second-most clean sheets (13) and has made 83 saves as Newcastle continue their push for Champions League qualification.
