Presented below is a compilation of the top 10 signings made during the course of the 2022-23 season, highlighting their contributions and influence on the league.
Erling Haaland: Manchester City
Kicking off our list is the man of the moment, Erling Haaland. There is little left to be said about the Premier League's top scorer, player, and young player of the season, Erling Braut Haaland. The Norwegian arrived with immense reputation and sky-high expectations, and he effortlessly lived up to the hype, amassing a collection of well-deserved accolades throughout the season.Haaland's exceptional feat of breaking the all-time Premier League record for goals in a single season stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent. His remarkable tally of 36 league goals has never been achieved before, even during the era of 42 games per season. Furthermore, his overall goal count of 52 across all competitions establishes a new club record, coming tantalizingly close to surpassing Dixie Dean's all-time English record of 62 goals.
As the FA Cup and Champions League finals lie ahead, Haaland's season may become even more extraordinary if he can guide his team to a treble triumph. Regardless, there is no denying that he has already cemented his place as one of the greatest overseas signings in the history of English football.
Nick Pope: Newcastle United
Newcastle United undoubtedly emerged as the most improved team in the 2022-23 Premier League season. Despite being embroiled in a relegation battle for a significant portion of the previous season, they remarkably secured a fourth-place finish, earning a spot in the prestigious Champions League. The transformation was largely attributed to their astute managerial decisions and player acquisitions.Following Burnley's relegation the previous year, Newcastle swooped in and successfully acquired goalkeeper Nick Pope at a bargain price. Pope's arrival proved to be a masterstroke as he played a pivotal role in their impressive top-four achievement.
In addition to Pope's contributions, the signings of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes in January significantly bolstered Newcastle's success. However, it was the comprehensive defensive reinforcements made during the summer transfer window that truly fortified the team. This shrewd defensive work resulted in Newcastle boasting the joint-best defensive record in the league for the season.
Remarkably, only Manchester City could rival Newcastle's outstanding defensive performance, with both teams conceding a mere 33 goals throughout the campaign. The Magpies achieved an impressive tally of 14 clean sheets, with Pope standing tall in every one of those matches.
Casemiro Henrique: Manchester United
Following two dismal defeats to Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season, Manchester United decided to take bold action and made a marquee signing by bringing in Casemiro from Real Madrid, garnering attention as one of the standout transfers of the summer.The impact was instantaneous, leading to a remarkable turnaround in the team's fortunes. United successfully secured a top-four finish and clinched a significant trophy by winning the EFL Cup at Wembley. Casemiro's commanding presence in midfield played a vital role in this achievement.
Under Erik ten Hag's management, the team demonstrated resilience by remaining unbeaten in all domestic home matches following the defeat against Brighton. Furthermore, they still have an FA Cup final to look forward to.
Interestingly, Casemiro's influence was most pronounced when he was absent from the pitch due to two red cards for violent conduct. During his suspension, the Red Devils notably struggled, suffering a defeat against Newcastle, settling for a draw against Leeds United at home, and narrowly scraping past a nine-man Fulham in the FA Cup, relying on a stroke of fortune.
Overall, Casemiro's arrival provided a significant boost to Manchester United, transforming their season and elevating their performances. His absence highlighted the team's reliance on his contributions and the challenges they faced in his absence.
Morgan Gibbs-White: Nottingham Forest
Upon their return to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest displayed an erratic and haphazard approach in the summer transfer window. However, amidst their scattergun strategy, the acquisition of Morgan Gibbs-White proved to be a stroke of genius that ultimately secured their survival in the top flight.In the previous season, Gibbs-White found himself on the losing side as Forest triumphed over Sheffield United in the Championship playoffs. Recognizing his exceptional talents as one of the standout players in the division, manager Steve Cooper made the decision to bring in the gifted midfielder, breaking the club's transfer record in the process.
Gibbs-White played a pivotal role in Forest's ability to retain their Premier League status in their first season back after a staggering 23-year absence. He contributed significantly to the team's goal-scoring efforts, netting five goals and providing eight assists throughout the campaign, despite the team only managing to score 38 goals in total.
Remarkably, the majority of Gibbs-White's goal contributions occurred during the crucial stages of the season when Forest were fighting desperately for survival. The 23-year-old proved instrumental in helping the club amass 11 vital points from their last six games, showcasing his immense value to the team.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: Arsenal
Arsenal defied expectations by emerging as unexpected title contenders against Manchester City in the current season, and the acquisition of Oleksandr Zinchenko from their eventual conquerors played a significant role in their impressive campaign.Having already secured four Premier League titles at the Etihad, Zinchenko made the decision to seek new horizons. Joining Arsenal, he became an integral part of the team that led the title race for the majority of the season, only to suffer an unfortunate collapse in the final stages, allowing City to seize the opportunity.
As a left-back, the Ukrainian international consistently earned a spot in the starting lineup, edging out Kieran Tierney for the majority of the season. Zinchenko's leadership qualities, coupled with his exceptional skills on the pitch, played a crucial role in Arsenal's successful fight for top honors.
Despite experiencing a few below-par performances during Arsenal's challenging period in April, Zinchenko's overall season was highly productive. His contributions were instrumental in guiding the club to secure a coveted Champions League spot, marking their return to the prestigious tournament for the first time since 2016.
Andreas Perreira: Fulham
Fulham, once again, exceeded all expectations that were set for them at the beginning of the season, largely due to their exceptional business in the summer transfer window.Andreas Pereira, who had struggled to establish himself at Manchester United since his teenage years and experienced lackluster loan spells across Europe and Brazil, found a new opportunity with Fulham at the age of 27.
This gamble paid off tremendously as Pereira made a significant impact, contributing to 10 goals throughout the season. His contributions played a vital role in Fulham comfortably securing a top-half finish, a remarkable achievement considering they were initially considered strong contenders for relegation.
Unfortunately, Pereira's season was cut short due to a severe ankle injury, which halted his influential presence on the field. Fulham eagerly anticipates his return ahead of the next campaign, as they recognize his crucial role as an attacking midfielder in their lineup.
Manuel Akanji: Manchester City
Once again, Manchester City asserted their dominance by securing a third consecutive Premier League title, and amidst their remarkable array of attacking talent, the acquisition of Manuel Akanji proved to be a brilliant piece of business for the reigning champions.Despite having been a consistent starter at Borussia Dortmund for four and a half years, Akanji's move to City flew somewhat under the radar. However, he swiftly established himself as one of Pep Guardiola's most crucial players throughout the season.
Akanji's versatility has been a tremendous asset to the team, perfectly aligning with Guardiola's dynamic tactical approach. He seamlessly adapts to various positions, comfortably slotting in on either flank and excelling in the center of a back three or back four.
The Swiss defender has made 46 appearances for the club so far this season, and his involvement is expected to continue in the forthcoming FA Cup and Champions League finals, underscoring his significance to City's quest for further glory.
Joao Paulinha: Fulham
In addition to Fulham, Manchester City stands as the only other club to have two players featured on this prestigious list. This accomplishment speaks volumes about Fulham's remarkable transfer strategy implemented last summer, which has paid dividends.The acquisition of Joao Palhinha immediately caught attention due to his prior experience as a Portugal international, and he seamlessly adapted to the demands of the Premier League with his tenacious and intelligent style of play.
Despite significant financial investments in the past, Fulham had struggled to retain their top-flight status in their previous three Premier League campaigns. However, Palhinha's exceptional performances elevated him as a standout player in an impressive Fulham side that consistently challenged for European qualification throughout the season.
With the notable contributions of players like Willian and Bernd Leno, who also arrived last summer and had outstanding seasons, Fulham now possesses a squad that appears well-equipped to compete in the top half of the table in the upcoming season. Retaining talents like Palhinha will be crucial to their ambitions for continued success.
Pervis Estupinian: Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion's signing of Pervis Estupinan last summer serves as a prime example of why they are widely regarded as one of the best-run clubs in England.Following the departure of Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for a hefty £60 million fee, Estupinan was swiftly identified as the ideal replacement and acquired from Villarreal for a modest sum of just over £15 million.
While Cucurella has encountered difficulties at Stamford Bridge, Estupinan has thrived on the South Coast, showcasing his dynamic abilities as a left-back with his energetic forward runs, providing an excellent outlet for his team.
With an impressive tally of five assists already, Estupinan further underlined his impact by scoring a goal in Brighton's resounding 3-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates. This result, along with other notable achievements, played a significant role in securing European qualification for the first time in the club's history, a testament to their remarkable season.
The astute signing of Estupinan highlights Brighton's ability to identify and acquire talents who flourish within their system, solidifying their reputation as a well-managed and forward-thinking club.
Alex Moreno: Aston Villa
Rounding off our list is Alex Moreno from Aston Villa, an under-the-radar signing who pleasantly surprised many with his impressive performances throughout the season.Following a challenging start to the campaign, Villa made the decision to part ways with manager Steven Gerrard and brought in Unai Emery, the former Villarreal coach, as his replacement. Emery's arrival had an immediate impact on the team's fortunes.
Notably, Emery, who hadn't been a keen admirer of Lucas Digne during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain, opted to recruit Alex Moreno from Real Betis in January. The talented left-back seamlessly adapted to his new surroundings and quickly established himself as a regular starter.
With three assists to his name, Moreno played a pivotal role in Villa's resurgence, propelling them from the brink of relegation to securing a spot in European competition. Under Emery's guidance, the team garnered an impressive 49 points in his 25 games in charge.
So! there's my list of the top 10 signings made in the premier league this season, other names worthy of mentions include;
- Taiwo Awoniyi: Nottingham Forest
- Sven Botman: Newcastle United
- Julian Alvarez: Manchester City
- Cody Gakpo: Liverpool
- Ben Mee: Brentford
- Amadou Onana: Everton
- Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal
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