Will the performances of new signings determine the Premier League giants’ final transfer window strategies?

By Han Bing This summer, Premier League sides have already invested over €1.232 billion in transfers, surpassing the combined spending of Serie A and La Liga (€1.052 billion). Thirteen players have been signed for fees above €50 million. The differing impacts of these new signings after the first round will surely intensify the activity in the last two weeks of the window, directly affecting how much clubs are willing to spend in the closing days.

Among the high-profile new arrivals, Manchester City’s Reijnders delivered the most impressive debut. He became the first City player since Aguero in 2011 to both score and assist in his Premier League debut. Reijnders’ stats were top-tier for a central midfielder: in addition to his goal and assist, he made two key passes, completed 91% of his passes, and covered an impressive 11.9km, dispelling doubts about his suitability for the league.

Additionally, Cherki—touted as De Bruyne’s successor—came off the bench for just 7 minutes and 6 seconds before scoring his first Premier League goal. He not only dribbles and shoots well but also boasts a 90% pass completion rate. As the number 10 Guardiola has been searching for, Cherki is one to watch. Even new goalkeeper Trafford put in a solid display, showing shot-stopping skills worthy of his price tag and putting pressure on the rumored incoming Donnarumma.

For the defending champions, Liverpool’s new signings Ekitike and Frimpong both impressed in their debuts. The €95 million Ekitike also managed a goal and an assist, earning Man of the Match for Liverpool. Not only was he a threat up front, but his ability to link play was also outstanding, adapting seamlessly to the Premier League’s physicality and being hailed as an upgraded version of Torres in his prime. Frimpong’s exceptional speed saw him reach 36.1km/h in his debut, the fastest in the league, ensuring Liverpool’s flanks remain potent and dangerous.

Elsewhere, Tottenham’s €64 million signing Kudus provided two assists in a single match, leading the opening round’s assist chart and standing out as the club’s best-performing summer addition in their debut game.

Manchester United have spent over €225 million to revamp their attack this summer. Cunha and Mbeumo started the first match, with Sesko coming off the bench. Among the trio of “€70 million men,” Cunha stood out, registering four shots (three on target) and completing four out of six dribbles, earning Man of the Match for United. Strike partner Mbeumo also performed well, with five shots (two on target); together, the duo outshot the entire Arsenal team. Although United lost to Arsenal, the performances of their new forwards offered hope to fans. If Sesko can start and form a trio, United’s attack could bring even more surprises this season.

Interestingly, it was Arsenal—the winning side—whose new signings faced the harshest criticism. The most disappointing debut among high-profile arrivals was Arsenal’s Gyokeres, last season’s top scorer across Europe’s big leagues, who failed to register a single shot, ending a run of 69 consecutive games with at least one effort. In 60 minutes, he had zero shots, zero key passes, a lowly 44% pass completion rate, and lost possession 11 times. He was even mocked for adjusting his hairstyle 21 times during the match. While some blame can be placed on tactical choices and lack of support, Gyokeres must quickly regain his form after missing training.

Arsenal’s other expensive newcomers, Zubimendi and Madueke, were also underwhelming—especially Madueke, whose dribbling threat failed to materialize and who was targeted defensively, tying for the worst debut among big-name signings. Compared to his strong preseason, Madueke himself admitted that “there is still much to improve in the future.”

Although Wirtz is Liverpool’s and the Premier League’s record signing, he covered a match-high 11.3km in 80 minutes on debut, but managed just one off-target shot and lost possession 18 times. Still, he made three key passes and needs time to adapt to the league’s pace. Chelsea’s Joao Pedro is in a similar situation and will need more time to be assessed. As for Newcastle’s Elanga, his debut was marred by poor ball control, missed shots, and misplaced passes, hardly living up to his €60 million-plus fee. Meanwhile, the sidelined Isak, who protested his blocked transfer, proved that without him, Newcastle’s attack loses a vital dimension.

After the first round, the performances of big-name foreign signings are sure to accelerate the transfer market. Ekitike’s strong showing has lessened Liverpool’s interest in Isak, and the reigning champions have set a final deadline for Isak’s transfer—after which they’ll look elsewhere. United’s defensive midfielder and goalkeeper displays mean negotiations for reinforcements must move faster; if they can’t land Baleba, they’ll switch to other options. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Spurs all need to address weaknesses exposed in their opening matches by signing final “missing piece” players. Manchester City are also trying to sign Donnarumma to ensure depth in goal. The performances of these new stars in their Premier League debuts will directly impact how much the league’s giants increase their investment in the last two weeks of the window.