As the season draws to a close, here is a look at five top transfers of the 2023-24 Premier League.
In a season where some teams had to balance their financial books whilst other clubs splashed the cash, there were plenty of transfer business done whether it was a permanent transfer or loan deal.
Six players however have certainly been a cut above the rest in several different ways, so here is a look at six of the best transfer signings this season.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
There are very little words to describe the impact that Cole Palmer has made at Chelsea following his move from Manchester City.
With 24 goals and 14 assists in 43 appearances for the Blues since his switch from City, Palmer has been an unbelievable revelation this season with his excellent agility and creativity to cause trouble when dribbling and making cut-ins from out wide.
Palmer’s performances since his move to Chelsea even saw him establish himself in the England squad in a huge boost for Three Lions fans heading into this summer’s Euros, with the 22 year-old certainly having looked to find his spark now he is free of City’s pressure.
In fact if Palmer can be this dangerous at just 22 years-old then Chelsea have a mega superstar on their hands, with next season promising to be even better if he can continue his development and raise his game even further.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Having made the switch from West Ham to Arsenal last summer in a British record transfer deal, Declan Rice has seamlessly adapted to the higher expectations associated with the Gunners.
From his involvement in 16 goals (seven goals and nine assists) in all competitions to his midfield control and defensive support to cover defenders, Rice has simply elevated his game even despite his mega price tag and pressures which comes with such a big-money move.
Rice also could cap off his best season yet with a league title if luck goes Arsenal’s way which would be a deserving reflection of his leadership skills and impact upon the team.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
Having arrived from Ajax last summer, Mohammed Kudus has established himself as a quality attacking midfielder with 15 goals and 6 assists in all competitions.
Key to his form has been his fantastic ball control and end product especially when he was able to make strong dribbles with agility and pace, which has often proven problematic for oppositional defenders to deal with.
Kudus also has shown impressive versatility in his first season in English football – having played across both winger positions and in the central attacking midfielder role, yet he has still managed to utilise his qualities to still be problematic irrespective of his on-pitch position.
West Ham also have lost just two of ten games this season in which Kudus scored which further underlines how much impact he has made at the club in his first season.
David Moyes’ departure though will bring a fresh challenge for Kudus next season with a new manager and potential playing style to adapt to.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Having arrived at Man City last summer after impressing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the middle of last season, Josko Gvardiol has quietly established himself as a quality left-back who has been an integral part of City’s back line with the versatility of also playing at centre-back when needed.
Goals and assists arguably isn’t a massive part of Gvardiol’s skillset like many defenders but the Croatian has found a late-season groove, with five goals and two assists in his last seven games across all competitions.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Having made just 13 top-flight appearances for Brazil’s Corinthians in Serie A, not much was expected of Murillo when he joined Forest last summer.
The 21 year-old defender however has quietly impressed with two assists in 35 appearances in all competitions, which came in wins over Fulham and Newcastle by 3-1 results underlining his under-the-radar progress in just his first proper full season of top-tier football.
Murillo also topped the interceptions, blocks and clearances stats amongst his Forest teammates which is a great achievement for an English football rookie, especially when add in the fact that he is only 21 years-old which further highlights his potential if can keep improving.
It is therefore little wonder as to why there are rumours of a transfer scrap amongst several teams to sign Murillo this summer.
David Raya (Arsenal)
Although David Raya joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Brentford with an option to buy at end of season, very few imagined that he would enjoy the campaign that he has achieved.
From dislodging Aaron Ramsdale as first-choice goalkeeper to keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions (including 16 clean sheets in the top-flight) to winning the Premier League, Raya has certainly been at the heart of Arsenal’s title challenge with plenty of amazing saves.
Amidst rumours that Arsenal could opt not to sign him permanently, Raya has nevertheless proved his capability at a top club but I do hope that he stays with the Gunners because he has more than earned a proper long-term move with his performances this season.
Leave a Reply