Premier League fans far and wide have been gripped by the summer transfer window over recent months, as clubs scramble to assemble their squad ready for the challenges ahead.
The future of Alexander Isak and the blockbuster transfers of Florian Wirtz and Joao Pedro may have stolen the spotlight. But it’s important not to sleep on those hidden gem buys that may have slipped beneath your radar.
We’ve scoured the top-flight squads and picked out those newcomers who have the potential to be game-changers for their new team.
These astute acquisitions could transform their team’s fortunes and elevate their aspirations for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Maxim De Cuyper- Brighton and Hove Albion
Throughout their lengthy and uninterrupted stint in the Premier League, Brighton and Hove Albion have become known for their ability to unearth unknown talent. Their £17.5m capture of Belgium full-back Maxim De Cuyper could be the latest new addition to flourish at the AMEX Stadium.
The 24-year-old was a spearhead in the Club Brugge side last season, where he made 54 appearances in all competitions. He also contributed 4 goals and 7 assists as an attacking full-back.
His starring moment came when he scored his first Champions League goal in the last 16 against Aston Villa. His performances have already earned him 10 caps for the Belgian senior squad.
El Hadji Malick Diouf- West Ham United
A section of West Ham United supporters appears to be feeling a sense of trepidation about the 2025/26 campaign. Their opening day humbling at the hands of newly promoted Sunderland only fuelled their fears, but the attacking volition of new left wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf provided some cause for optimism.
The Hammers acquired the Senegal defender for a fee in the region of £19 million. It’s an area of the pitch that Graham Potter needed to reinforce, due to the departures of Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal.
The 20-year-old has reportedly been on the West Ham radar for a while. He contributed 7 goals and 4 assists for Slavia Prague last season, helping them to the Czech title.
Adrien Truffert- AFC Bournemouth
The arrival of Adrien Truffert is of particular necessity to Bournemouth after the sale of Milos Kerkez to Liverpool. As the two clubs met for the Premier League curtain raiser, the 23-year-old Frenchman proved himself to be an able replacement.
The Cherries will eventually pay a fee rising to around £14.4m for Truffert. He possesses strong leadership abilities, proven by his appointment as Rennes captain last season.
The left-back was part of the France squad that won silver at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
Borna Sosa- Crystal Palace
In the midst of an uncertain summer at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace were able to secure the services of Croatia defender Borna Sosa for just £3m.
Not many players with 26 senior caps for their country are available at such a friendly price. Especially when one of those caps came in a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
As Palace prepare to play in the Europa Conference League this season, squad depth is of high importance to Oliver Glasner. Having the experience of the 27-year-old to call upon is a significant coup for the Eagles.
Granit Xhaka- Sunderland
It isn’t just full-backs that have generated bargain deals in this window, despite the abundance in this list. The eyebrow raising transfer of former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka to Sunderland has the potential to be a seriously shrewd piece of business by the Black Cats.
So much so that the Swiss midfielder has immediately been given the captain’s armband on Wearside, with Regis Le Bris citing his instantly obvious leadership qualities as influential in his decision.
The opening day win at the Stadium of Light has made everyone sit up and take notice. Xhaka’s unsung yet crucial role knitted everything together in the middle of the park, giving an early indication as to his importance to Le Bris this season.
Thierno Barry- Everton
A key priority of Everton’s this summer was to bring in another centre forward to fill the void left by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. They appear to have done so by signing Frenchman Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
Despite having a reported £34.5m release clause in his contract, the Toffees were able to negotiate a price of £27m for the 22-year-old.
They begin life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton, and the arrival of Barry provides competition for established frontman Beto. He scored 11 times in LaLiga last season and has the potential to add more potency to David Moyes’ attack.
Sean Longstaff- Leeds United
In Sean Longstaff, Leeds United have bought a combative midfielder with extensive Premier League experience. In his time at his boyhood club Newcastle, the Geordie found himself at the centre of relegation battles as well as Champions League campaigns.
It’s a move that provides Longstaff with a well-timed fresh challenge and Daniel Farke with a midfielder who will put his heart and soul into everything he does.
For £12m, the Leeds faithful can be very happy with the purchase of a fearless competitor who will fight for the badge.
