The international transfer window shuts in under a week and although some Premier League clubs are expected to be active, plenty have made shrewd signings in recent weeks.
Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, teams have boosted their squads ahead of a shorter than usual season.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the 10 best signings of the window so far.
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy
It’s official! Edouard Mendy is a Blue! ✍️🔵#WelcomeMendy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 24, 2020
Chelsea’s goalkeeping issues have been long documented and go back before the arrival of Frank Lampard, but he could have solved the problem with the signing of Mendy from Rennes. A late developer, the Senegalese international has overcome many obstacles and should be the vocal and commanding presence the Blues defence needs.
Leicester left-back Timothy Castagne
Leicester appear to have pulled another rabbit out of their hat after selling one of their big names to a league rival. Caglar Soyuncu replaced Harry Maguire so impressively last term and it looks like Castagne will fill the void left by Ben Chilwell. A key part of Atalanta’s success in the 2019-20 campaign, the Belgian has settled quickly at the King Power Stadium.
Leeds centre-back Diego Llorente
The Spanish centre-back seems a typical Marcelo Bielsa signing and could thrive at Leeds in spite of the physicality of the Premier League. Comfortable on the ball and crucially able to play in defence or in front of the back four, the 27-year-old will hope showing his quality in England can earn him more opportunities with the national team and arrived for a modest fee.
Liverpool central midfielder Thiago Alcantara
red debut 😍#YNWA pic.twitter.com/RWQEPcRkU1
— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) September 20, 2020
If the midfielder’s debut showing for the Reds was not impressive enough, a glance at his CV tells you all you need to know. A prolific winner at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Alcantara could add even more trophies with Liverpool. He will bring more control for the Premier League winners and finesse while costing the relatively small fee of around £20million.
Manchester United central midfielder Donny Van de Beek
A key member of Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019, the Netherlands ace is an astute piece of business by Manchester United. While his debut was one to forget for his new club, his goal showed exactly what he will bring to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. At 23 but with over 200 appearances, he brings a perfect blend of youth and experience.
Arsenal attacking midfielder Willian
Some eyebrows were raised when, after being allowed to leave Chelsea on a free, Willian turned up at Arsenal. Two assists on his first showing for his new club added weight to the argument it could be a fantastic piece of business. Given the Brazilian moved to the Emirates on a free, it is a relatively low-risk deal and adds strength to the Gunners’ attacking options.
Crystal Palace winger Ebere Eze
👏 Cheikhou on his equaliser and Eze's first Premier League start.#CPFC | https://t.co/utMcYSDkhb
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 26, 2020
Given Eze was one of the most sought after players in the Sky Bet Championship during the last two years, for Palace to secure his services for under £20million looks a steal. While the youngster has only started once for his new club, he has an encouraging amount of confidence already which is rare for a player coming up a level. He should flourish at Selhurst Park.
Everton attacking midfielder James Rodriguez
Any doubts over the Colombian have been put to bed by a string of superb displays since he moved to Goodison Park. Since he starred at the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez has failed to get back to those heights but looks in the mood at Everton and has relished the chance to link up with Carlo Ancelotti again. As the main man again, he could be the buy of the campaign.
Tottenham forward Gareth Bale
Like his old Real Madrid team-mate Rodriguez, Bale will attempt to get his career back on track after it has stalled in recent years. Despite a sour end, the Welshman helped the Spanish giants win a plethora of titles and will hope to end Spurs’ long wait for silverware this season. Given the small loan fee, Tottenham almost cannot lose with this deal and if he can regain his fitness and form, they have a superstar on their hands.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
🚁 Flying into Tyneside in style…
Callum Wilson's first day as a Magpie! ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XQEhyY4UQ1
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 7, 2020
Newcastle’s capture of the Bournemouth forward could be a masterstroke. He has reached nine goals in each of the last three seasons and will bring much-needed firepower to St James Park. Club record signing Joelinton found the net just four times last season and cost double the price of Wilson, which all adds to the value of this transfer
