Will the Premier League’s 2025 Summer Signings Impress in 2025/26

This summer’s transfer market, where the Premier League is concerned, has been nothing short of electrifying. All the top clubs have been active in looking to improve their squads, and teams are still looking to make further additions before the window shuts. But the age-old question is: how many of these signings will have what it takes to impress?

Big-Money Moves and Ambitious Targets

Liverpool, Premier League champions last season and the likely winners again with Premier League betting online, have spent upwards of £200 million so far and counting on new recruits that include Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. Their ambition is clear: make it back-to-back successes.

Chelsea, as expected, have also been spending big once again, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap two of the big-money signings to arrive. Manchester United and Arsenal have also been active in the market, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko heading to Old Trafford and the Gunners finally acquiring a number nine in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, among other signings.

Who Looks Poised to Deliver

Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) brings world-class potential at just 22 years old. Wirtz is the Premier League’s record signing, so expectations are high. Manager Arne Slot was keen to bring in an elite-level playmaker, and Wirtz fits the bill.

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) is another big-money signing for Liverpool. For now, Ekitike is likely to lead the line for the Reds, but that could change if Alexander Isak heads to Anfield too. Ekitike has already shown his class in the Community Shield with a well-taken goal.

Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) held out for a move to Old Trafford, and he immediately solves a problem for manager Ruben Amorim. Mbeumo slots nicely into Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation on the right wing and adds a goal threat.

Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) was the first major signing this summer in Amorim’s revolution. He starred for Wolves from the left last season, and not only does he bring goals, but he’s also a fantastic ball carrier.

Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) is the number nine and central striker Arsenal and Mikel Arteta believe is the missing piece to the puzzle. There’s a belief that his goals will lead to silverware, as soon as this season.

Risks and Challenges

Liverpool’s depth in certain positions remains a concern, particularly in defense, where injuries or suspensions could quickly expose vulnerabilities. While their starting eleven is arguably the strongest in the league on paper, questions linger about the quality and experience available on the bench should first-choice players be unavailable. Furthermore, their defensive line, although talented, showed signs of inconsistency in key matches last season. To truly dominate and secure the title, Liverpool might need to reinforce these areas before the transfer window closes, ensuring they have the squad depth to compete on multiple fronts and handle the rigors of a long campaign.

Manchester United have recruited well, and more arrivals are likely. However, the team may need time to gel so that everyone becomes familiar with Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Chelsea won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup, as well as qualifying for the Champions League, so they’ll be expected to do well in 2025/26. But again, the incomings and outgoings may not lead to an understanding on the pitch.

Final Verdict

The reality is, every club expects their new signings to hit the ground running and to impress, but the transition to a new team and league can be challenging. Factors such as adaptation to a new environment, pressure from high expectations, language barriers, and the physical demands of the Premier League often mean that even highly-rated transfers need time to settle. While Manchester United’s latest arrivals, Cunha and Mbeumo, are already showing their quality thanks to their proven experience at the top level, not all signings are guaranteed immediate success. For those new to the league, such as Wirtz at Liverpool or Gyokeres at Arsenal, it may take several months to adjust to the pace and intensity of English football. Clubs and fans alike must be patient, as history shows that some of the league’s best players needed an adjustment period before making a real impact.