Who are the new star signings ready to take the Premier League?
Who are the new star signings ready to take the Premier League by storm on opening weekend.
London, Thursday
Even in this condensed summer between seasons, the impact of new signings are going to be the main talking points of the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.
The vast majority of the top-flight sides in England take to the field once again on September 12 - just seven weeks after the 2019-20 season came to a close.
Several Premier League sides have been busy in the transfer market, which closes on on October 5.
Sportsmail takes a look at the new buys who are likely to light up the first weekend of the top-flight.
£47.5m
Timo Werner - Chelsea
Position: Striker
First match: Brighton (A), September 14
It’s all change at Chelsea as Frank Lampard has made a £200million overhaul of his squad to turn them into potential title challengers.
And after the inconsistencies of Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi up front, the Blues finally have a striker they can rely on in the form of Germany international Timo Werner.
The 24-year-old scored 34 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for RB Leipzig last season and the pacy, clinical forward will be looking to get off to the perfect Premier League start against Brighton on Monday night.
Werner found the net just minutes into Chelsea’s pre-season tie against Brighton in August and could do the same at the Amex on the opening weekend.
Free
Willian - Arsenal
Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
First match: Fulham (A), September 12
Brazilian winger Willian made the shock switch across London to Arsenal after turning down a lucrative new contract at Chelsea.
While the 32-year-old was regularly used as a winger at Stamford Bridge, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that Willian could be used in a more attacking midfield role in north London.
The Brazilian will return to west London for his first Premier League match in the red and white of Arsenal against Fulham and will be looking to get off to a positive start.
£25m
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - Tottenham Hotspur
Position: Midfielder
First match: Everton (H), September 13
Spurs have been needing a reshuffle in midfield for some time and ex-Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is hoping to be the breath of fresh air Jose Mourinho needs in the middle of the park.
The Danish midfielder is expected to be the ball-winning option out of the midfield three in order to compliment the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli going forward. Hojbjerg can break up play while also play simple yet effective passes going ahead.
His opening match for Spurs against Everton will not be an easy contest, but he is expected to be a major factor as to whether Mourinho’s men get off to a winning start.
Free
Thiago Silva - Chelsea
Position: Centre-back
First match: Brighton (A), September 14
While Chelsea will have new attacking starlets such as Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz in their squad, Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva will play a vital role in the Blues’ success this term.
The 35-year-old may be hitting the twilight of his career but he will provide the leadership and defensive astuteness that Lampard’s side desperately lacked last season.
Fresh off the back of an impressive Champions League final performance, Silva’s prospective debut against Brighton should not be too difficult a test.
£11m
Mohammed Salisu - Southampton
Position: Centre-back
First match: Crystal Palace (A), September 12
Young defender Mohammed Salisu had an impressive season at Real Valladolid last term, now he’s getting a try at some top-flight action in England.
The 21-year-old is expected to be the reliable defensive option in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s relentless attacking team and his displays will be crucial in determining his how far the Saints improve from last term.
Good with his feet and possessing frightening pace, Crystal Palace’s forward will need to be on the top of their game if they want to get past Salisu on the opening day.
Free Jeff Hendrick - Newcastle United
Position: Midfielder
First match: West Ham (A), September 12
Irish midfielder Jeff Hendrick impressed at Burnley but can now project similar levels of performances at Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United.
The 28-year-old is an excellent ball carrier and could be the all-important link which connects the Magpies’ midfield to their forward line.
With Newcastle facing a West Ham side who are yet to make any transfers this summer, this is an opportunity for Hendrick and Newcastle to start the season on the front foot.- AFP
