The transfer window has seen plenty of comings and goings across the English top-flight, but which new arrival will have the biggest impact?
After an epic summer of sport, you might have been forgiven for not realising that the new Premier League season kicks-off this week. And so while teams are still finessing their transfer business and making final tactical tweaks, everything is pretty much in place for the 2024-25 campaign to begin.
That means its predictions season, and here at GOAL we're no different. Over the next week our writers will be giving their takes on all the biggest issues, from the teams who are likely to be scrapping for survival to those who will be fighting for top-four finishes and the title, and everything in between.
Today, we've taken a look at potential biggest disappointments, and which teams are most likely to underperform relative to expectations over the next nine months:
Getty Images'Neutrals will enjoy watching Savinho'
Mark Doyle: Riccardo Calafiori should prove an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad. The classy and versatile Italy international is the kind of technically-gifted player that Mikel Arteta absolutely adores. Expect Calafiori to impress no matter whenever he plays, and wherever he plays – whether it’s at centre-back, left-back or even in midfield. However, the most exciting addition to the Premier League could well be Savinho, the Brazilian box of tricks that Manchester City have brought in following his loan spell at Girona. Even neutrals should enjoy watching Savinho and Jeremy Doku tormenting full-backs with their devastating dribbling skills.
AdvertisementGetty'Hutchinson can win matches on his own'
Amee Ruszkai: This is a tough one because it hasn't been that eye-catching a transfer window from Premier League teams, and perhaps the fact I'm going to choose a loan-turned-permanent deal best sums that up, as I'll say Omari Hutchinson's £18m move to Ipswich. The former Chelsea and Arsenal youngster absolutely lit up the Championship last season to help the Tractor Boys win promotion, and keeping hold of him could go a long way to helping them stay up on their top-flight return, as he has the ability to win matches on his own.
(C)Getty Images'Calafiori the best of the bunch'
Stephen Darwin: Riccardo Calafiori looked the part at Euro 2024 and he should command a place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI from the off, with left-back having been a problem area in the Gunners' failed title pursuit. Solid defensively and comfortable on the ball going forward, he'll complement the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard perfectly when he is played on the left, while he's also just as adept at slotting in at centre-back. In what has been a pretty uninspiring transfer window so far, Calafiori to Arsenal looks the best of the bunch.
Getty Images'City paid £30m for a £100m player'
Richard Martin: Savinho spearheaded Girona's unlikely La Liga title bid last season, ravaging defences down both the left and right wing with his unpredictable runs, notching nine goals and 10 assists as the Catalans finished third to gatecrash the Champions League. The Brazilian has been compared to Vinicius Jr for his dribbling ability and is set to lead the Selecao's attack alongside the Real Madrid star for many years to come. He has been valued as a £100-million ($127m) player, but Manchester City signed him for £30m ($38m) from sister club Troyes thanks to their multi-club model. If Pep Guardiola can add tactical discipline to the 20-year-old's toolkit, then City will have another formidable forward among their armoury.