The 2025 summer transfer window has closed with Premier League clubs spending over three billion pounds, a record-breaking spree that underlined the league’s financial dominance. Liverpool grabbed the biggest headlines by paying 125 million pounds for Alexander Isak and 100 million pounds for Florian Wirtz, but the most expensive moves are not always the most interesting. Across the division, several signings slipped in under the radar and could prove just as influential. Here are nine players worth watching.
Nick Woltemade left Stuttgart for Newcastle in a deal worth 75 million pounds. While that fee places him among the most expensive transfers of the window, he still feels like a less obvious addition compared with the superstar names. At 6ft 6in, Woltemade brings unusual height for a striker, yet he combines it with outstanding footwork, vision and creativity. In his only full Bundesliga season, he averaged nearly three shots per game and also created close to two chances per ninety minutes, a remarkable balance of scoring and playmaking. Adapting to the Premier League’s physical intensity may take time, but his all-round qualities make him a fascinating player for Eddie Howe to shape.
West Ham turned to Slavia Prague for El Hadji Malick Diouf, investing around 20 million pounds in the 20 year old left back. Diouf quickly showed why the club were willing to take the risk. He is an adventurous runner down the flank, regularly providing an outlet in wide areas, and his accuracy from crosses is already paying dividends. His assist for Callum Wilson in the 3–0 win against Nottingham Forest demonstrated his ability to deliver in the final third. Although still raw, he has the energy and confidence to establish himself quickly in England.
Everton splashed up to 40 million pounds on Tyler Dibling after Southampton’s relegation, resisting the temptation to let him continue his development in the Championship. Dibling has been compared to Jack Grealish for his dribbling style, short socks and knack for drawing fouls. Last season, he averaged more than five take-ons per ninety minutes, ranking among the best in the league, and only a handful of players beat more defenders in one-on-one situations. At just 19, he has the flair and courage to become a key figure for Sean Dyche’s side.
Harvey Elliott finally secured a loan move away from Liverpool on deadline day, joining Aston Villa to gain regular minutes. Long blocked by Mohamed Salah in his preferred position, Elliott lit up the European Under-21 Championship during the summer and now has the chance to prove himself in the Premier League. Villa’s blend of quick transitions and structured build-up play suits his skill set. He is excellent at finding pockets of space, carrying the ball through midfield and linking with forwards. Over the past two league seasons, only a handful of players combined shots and chances created at a higher rate than Elliott. A full campaign at Villa Park could be the breakthrough he has been waiting for.
Brentford continued their smart recruitment with the permanent arrival of Michael Kayode from Fiorentina. He has already impressed with his defensive aggression, ranking among the team’s leaders for tackles and pressures in the defensive third. His duels are fierce, his recovery runs tireless, and he is also brave enough to carry the ball forward into attacking areas. An added weapon is his long throw, which has already produced scoring chances. Brentford have built a reputation for exploiting set pieces, and Kayode’s ability to launch the ball into the box adds yet another dimension.
Bournemouth looked to Ligue 1 for Adrien Truffert, signing him from Rennes. The French international is highly rated in his homeland and had previously been called up to the national team. Last season he created 39 chances in Ligue 1, attempted 145 crosses and won possession more than any other Rennes player. On his Premier League debut at Tottenham he stood out with his tackling and duel-winning ability while also offering a constant threat down the left wing. Bournemouth have shown a knack for spotting undervalued talent, and Truffert could follow Milos Kerkez in turning into a star.
Promoted Leeds United pulled off a smart move for Anton Stach from Hoffenheim. The German midfielder has a reputation as one of the best ball-winners in Europe, leading the Bundesliga in interceptions two years ago. He also ranked among the top players for overall possession regains. Stach wasted no time showing his quality in England, creating chances and dictating play against Everton on his debut and again looking influential against Newcastle. His blend of defensive discipline and progressive passing could prove crucial in keeping Leeds competitive.
Sunderland moved for Robin Roefs, a 22 year old goalkeeper from NEC who prevented more goals than any other Eredivisie keeper last season according to advanced data models. He kept ten clean sheets in 32 league games and quickly justified Sunderland’s faith by saving a penalty against Brentford and keeping a clean sheet on his Premier League debut. Already he looks ready to compete with Anthony Patterson for the number one shirt and could become one of the bargains of the summer.
Nottingham Forest replaced Anthony Elanga with Dan Ndoye from Bologna, and the Swiss international has immediately impressed. He scored on his debut with a fine header against Brentford and followed up with an assist for Callum Hudson-Odoi against Crystal Palace. Last season in Serie A he attempted more dribbles than anyone else in the Bologna squad and scored eight goals. His willingness to carry the ball, commit defenders and create from wide areas echoes Elanga’s style, but Ndoye may prove even more efficient in the final third.
These nine players may not have commanded the fees or headlines of Isak or Wirtz, but each carries the potential to influence the Premier League in meaningful ways. From youthful prospects like Dibling and Diouf to experienced internationals such as Stach and Truffert, they represent the next wave of signings who could shape the story of the 2025–26 season.
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