As the 2015/16 Premier League season kicks into action this weekend, and with the transfer window drawing to a close, most clubs would have liked to have completed the majority of business in preparation for the coming season. Like any transfer window, the summer has been full of rumours, some more ridiculous than others, of incomings and outgoings in the English Premier League. With the totaliser of spending by Premier League clubs reaching £500 million already with still four weeks left, the Premier League has once again attracted exciting, foreign quality in abundance. Here are a few of the Premier League new boys to keep an eye on for the coming season.
Premier League summer transfers: New players to watch
Memphis Depay — £25 million, PSV Eindhoven-Manchester United
After being included in Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands squad at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Memphis Depay quickly became one of the most highly sought after attackers in Europe. At the age of just 21, Depay has already had large success with his former team PSV Eindhoven in Holland.
In the 2014-15 season, Depay finished top goalscorer of the Eredivisie, scoring 22 goals in 30 games. The majority of his goals predominantly came from the wing. Subsequently, Depay’s goals helped PSV win their 22nd Eredivisie title. The right footed player, who likes to play on the left, attracted many of Europe’s giants with his superb pace, agility, free kick taking and skills.
It was Manchester United who secured Depay’s services for a fee around £25 million. An excellent player with huge potential, he could be a pivotal part in United’s coming Premier League season as they look to bounce back from a couple of below-par seasons. However, Depay’s attitude could cause a problem if he lets it get out of hand. For a youngster, Depay possesses a lot of confidence, understandably so when having so much talent, but he will need stay grounded. Suffering from over confidence might ruin what could be a glittering career, as happened with Mario Balotelli.
Roberto Firmino — £29 million, 1899 Hoffenheim-Liverpool
Another highly sought after youngster comes in the shape of Brazillian forward Roberto Firmino. At the current age of 23, Firmino has spent the majority of his career at German club 1899 Hoffenheim where he has plied his trade for four years. Predominately an attacking midfielder, Firmino has enjoyed a couple of very successful seasons for the Bundesliga side.
The 2013-14 season saw Firmino finish as the Bundesliga’s fourth highest goalscorer, with 16 goals, as well as picking up 11 assists in 33 games. In the 2014-15 season, Firmino wasn’t as successful as the previous year, but still finished with a very respectable 10 assists and seven goals in 33 games.
It was at the start of 2014-15 season in which Firmino earned his first international cap with Brazil in a 4-0 win over Turkey. With excellent dribbling, good shooting and a “humble mentality”, according to his former team-mate Ryan Babel, Firmino is certainly one to watch for Liverpool as they push on to regain Champions League status in the coming Premier League season.
Jordy Clasie — £8 million, Feyenoord-Southampton
After the loss of Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United, Ronald Koeman and Southampton were in the market for a like-for-like replacement. Since Koeman took over the club last summer, Southampton have been linked with his former captain who, coincidentally, has a very similar style of play to Schneiderlin.
Clasie, who was given the captaincy at Feyenoord at the start of last season, has been touted as the ‘Dutch Xavi’ as his excellent passing range and tenacious qualities have seen him earn 11 caps for Dutch senior team. He will, however, bring something different to Schneiderlin as he will look to cement his place in the Southampton starting 11. For £8 million, as an intial payment, Clasie could well become the bargain of the summer.
Georginio Wijnaldum — £14.5 million, PSV Eindhoven-Newcastle
So far, this list seems to be filling up with Dutch players as Georginio Wijnaldum is the next one to watch. Similarly to Depay, Wijnaldum spent the last few seasons at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and was also included in the squad at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. After a couple of very succesful seasons, midfielder Wijnaldum has moved to the Premier League in the shape of Newcastle United for a hefty fee of £14.5 million.
The price tag could very well be justified in the coming season. He led PSV to the 2014-15 Eredivisie title as captain at the age of just 23. Furthermore, Wijnaldum was named Dutch Footballer of the Year after that season. With his array of attacking and defensive qualities from centre midfield, Wijnaldum could be an important part of Steve McClaren’s new-look Newcastle side.
Dimitri Payet — Undisclosed, Marseille-West Ham
West Ham seemed to have acquired a fantastic player in Dimitri Payet, who has joined the club from French outfit Marseille. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Payet conjured up 17 assists and seven goals in 35 league appearances for his side last season. His fantastic passing, strong shooting and good set pieces have already been showcased in West Ham’s pre season friendlies and the start of their Europa league campaign.
Payet seems to be the exact sort of player West Ham have been lacking in the previous few seasons, someone who will pick the ball up and make things happen, whether it be a shot at goal or some tricky intricate pass that may set up his team-mates. Despite the lack of defensive work that Payet is likely to do, he could really light up the Premier League in his maiden season.
Jordan Veretout — Undisclosed, Nantes-Aston Villa
Frenchman Jordan Veretout may not be a household name, but definitely has the talent to make a name for himself in the Premier League. A target of Liverpool, amongst other big clubs, Veretout has been playing the last two seasons at French club Nantes, and now the 22-year-old midfielder has made the move across the English Channel to the Midlands outfit of Aston Villa.
Picking up seven goals and six assists in 36 games last season from central midfield, Veretout will be looking to fill the void that Fabian Delph has left after his move to Manchester City. The French U-21 international will be looking to spray balls all over the park in order to boost Aston Villa’s chances of rising up the league. Certainly a player for the future, but Jordan Veretout will be looking to make an instant impact as he starts the new Premier League season playing in front of the Holte End.
