Introduction:
As the new Premier League season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the return of familiar faces as well as the emergence of new talent. This year, some clubs have been particularly active in building their squads for the 2024-25 season. In this article, we will highlight 10 players who are set to make their mark in England’s top flight.
Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal (defender):
Arsenal has bolstered its defensive options with the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The 22-year-old left-footer quickly became a key player for Bologna after joining them last summer for a modest fee. His standout performances in the disappointing Euro 2024 campaign for Italy caught the attention of clubs across Europe, leading to his £42m move to Arsenal. Calafiori’s versatility and defensive prowess will undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal’s title challenge.
Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United (forward):
Manchester United secured the services of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a deal worth £36.54m. The former Bayern Munich player showcased his goal-scoring ability in Italy last season, netting 12 goals in 37 appearances. With the number 11 shirt on his back, Zirkzee is poised to make a significant impact for the Red Devils in the upcoming campaign. His arrival adds depth and firepower to United’s attacking options.
Savinho, Manchester City (forward):
Manchester City made a £30m investment in Brazilian winger Savinho, signing him from Troyes in July. Savinho impressed while on loan at Girona last season, helping them secure a third-place finish in La Liga. He made his Brazil debut against England and has since earned six international caps. City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has expressed confidence in Savinho’s ability and believes he will play a crucial role for the team this season and beyond.
Niclas Fullkrug, West Ham (striker):
West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, has made several signings to reshape the team, and Niclas Fullkrug is one of the standout additions. The German striker joined the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund for £27m after an impressive season where he scored 15 goals in 46 games and reached the Champions League final. Fullkrug also made a significant impact for Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals despite not being a regular starter. His goal-scoring ability and experience will be valuable assets for West Ham.
Daichi Kamada, Crystal Palace (midfielder):
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner reunited with Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada, whom he previously coached at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kamada joined Palace from Lazio on a free transfer after a year in Serie A. His successful partnership with Glasner at Frankfurt, where they won the Europa League in 2022, speaks to his quality as a player. Kamada’s 179 appearances for Frankfurt yielded 40 goals and 33 assists, highlighting his attacking prowess. Palace fans can expect him to make a significant impact on the team’s midfield this season.
Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham (midfielder):
Tottenham has made a significant investment in youth with the signings of 18-year-olds Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Among the two, Bergvall has particularly impressed during pre-season, showcasing his creativity and ball control. The Swedish midfielder joined Tottenham from Djurgarden for a fee approaching £8.5m. His standout performance as a substitute against Bayern Munich in a friendly match has raised expectations for his role in the upcoming season. Bergvall’s youthful energy and technical skills make him an exciting prospect for Tottenham.
Jake O’Brien, Everton (defender):
Former Crystal Palace defender Jake O’Brien returns to the Premier League with Everton after a successful spell in France with Lyon. Although he didn’t make a league appearance for Palace, O’Brien gained valuable top-flight experience by playing 27 games in Ligue 1 last season. The 23-year-old will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his Everton teammate Jarrad Branthwaite, who had an impressive Premier League campaign last season after returning from abroad. O’Brien’s defensive abilities will be crucial for Everton’s backline.
Nikola Milenkovic, Nottingham Forest (defender):
Nottingham Forest is aiming for improvement this season after a challenging campaign last year, and they have strengthened their defense with the signing of Serbian international Nikola Milenkovic. The 26-year-old joined Forest from Fiorentina, where he made over 260 appearances and scored 17 goals. Milenkovic’s experience extends to the international stage, with 56 caps for Serbia. Despite their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, Milenkovic played in all of Serbia’s Group C games, including the match against England. His defensive prowess and leadership qualities will be valuable assets for Forest.
Liam Delap, Ipswich (striker):
Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, will rely on their new signings to compete at the top level. One such signing is Liam Delap, who joined from Manchester City in a deal potentially worth up to £20m. Although he made only two Premier League appearances for City, Delap showcased his potential during loan spells in the Championship. The 21-year-old striker will be eager to establish himself in the top flight and contribute to Ipswich’s survival bid. Delap’s goal-scoring instincts and physical presence make him a formidable attacking threat.
Dean Huijsen, Bournemouth (defender):
Bournemouth secured the services of 19-year-old defender Dean Huijsen from Juventus for an initial fee of £12.8m. Huijsen, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Roma, made 13 appearances for the Italian club. The Cherries’ investment in this young talent highlights their commitment to building a strong squad for the upcoming season. Huijsen’s potential and defensive abilities make him an exciting prospect for Bournemouth’s backline.
Conclusion:
As the new Premier League season approaches, these 10 players are set to make their mark in England’s top flight. From established talents like Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee to exciting prospects like Lucas Bergvall and Dean Huijsen, each player brings unique qualities to their respective teams. The Premier League is known for its competitiveness, and these players will be eager to prove themselves on this grand stage. Fans can look forward to witnessing their performances and the impact they will have on their teams’ fortunes throughout the season.