The summer transfer market was a hotbed of activity as usual in the Premier League, and clubs saw some big names come and go. Despite spending a little less than in 2019 and 2020, according to professional network Deloitte, clubs in the league still went through a whopping £1.1 billion in a bid to sign the players they think will help to boost their chances of Premiership and club competition glory. These new signing shook up the sports betting markets all over the world including in America’s DraftKings. Below is a look at some of the biggest signings of the summer and a discussion of what they bring to their club.
Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Man City)
Manchester City were the favourites to win the Premier League in the sports betting even before Grealish made the switch, his £100 million move undoubtedly strengthened them further.
Grealish lends City versatility across the midfield and front line. He has excellent positional sense, he can pick passes accurately and retain possession. Of course, he’s also demonstrated considerable prowess when it comes to creating chances.
Not only this, but he’s adept with both feet and possesses strong dribbling skills that enable him to carve his way through the defenses of the opposition. A low center of gravity provides him with good balance that, together with a change of pace, allows him to control his runs and glide past opposition players. This dribbling prowess forces defenders and other players to commit fouls in dangerous areas as he penetrates defenses. City will be looking to take advantage of this to sharpen up their attack.
Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund to Man Utd)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jadon Sancho have waited a long time for this move, but Jadon Sancho is finally a Man Utd player, having joined the team from German giants Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth the handsome sum of £73 million.
One of Man Utd’s big attacking issues has been the left-heavy attack, but the arrival of Sancho solves some issues on the right, providing the team with more balance in their attack. Man Utd as a club has been a big fan of wingers, using them to whip balls into the box, and it’s true that Sancho can play in that role, but that’s not where his strengths lie, however.
Sancho is a dynamic player that dribbles well in tight spots, a fruit of having played so much cage football. The control is close and brilliant. His touches are small and quick, and even when he’s moving at pace, he keeps firm control of the ball, making him a joy to watch.
Utd will also be looking to capitalize on Sancho’s vision and passing ability, both of which are under-rated, as he’s able to thread the ball between defenders inch perfect and into the path of teammates running on to goal. He’s also skillful at coming inside off the left flank and bringing the ball onto his right foot to shoot on goal, especially curling the ball into the far corner of the net. Opposing teams will have to watch well and truly out for this.
Ibrahim Konaté (RB Leipzig to Liverpool)
Jurgen Klopp isn’t taking any chances and relying on Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to all be fit, which is why Ibrahim Konaté is here from RB Leipzig to support the team and add some depth, in a deal setting Liverpool back £36 million.
The 22-year-old, French defender plays a little like Van Dijk and excels in most aspects of his game. Whether it’s positional, keeping tight to a man, intercepting passes, tackling or building up an attack from the back, Konaté has proven he’s highly capable and, into the bargain, makes it look easy.
One quality Liverpool will appreciate is Konaté’s ability to stand up right up to strikers. Pacey players won’t be breezing past him, as he has plenty of pace to match them. Strikers won’t be able to bully him in the box or outside of it, either, as he has the physique to do some pushing around of his own.
Emiliano Buendía (Norwich to Aston Villa)
Aston Villa may have lost a huge chunk of creativity in the form of Jack Grealish, but they’ve recovered a huge part of it by way of signing Emiliano Buendía from Norwich. The price of the deal: £30 million. Buendía rejoins the Premiership after a season in the Championship, in which he proved himself to be head and shoulders above most of the other wingers in the division.
Buendía has long been a playmaker and has confidence in his ability. His dribbling is strong, his passing can really drive the team forward and, in general, his style of play is aggressive and productive.
However, he brings more than just creative flair to the team. The time he’s served in the Championship allowed him to show the mental toughness it takes to come back from relegation to the division and turn things around. Villa finished 11th last season in the Premiership, but Buendía’s drive may be just the thing they need to keep them out of the bottom half of the table this season.
The transfer market has been busy and, as ever, given lots of talking points. There have been some major signings that will generate immense excitement for spectators and, more importantly, carry their new teams to Wembley and to Premiership glory.
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