Premier League football returns after the international break this weekend and several stars are set for first appearances in new colours.
A number of deadline day arrivals could make their debuts this weekend and we’ve picked out five exciting signings to keep an eye on.
Five exciting Premier League signings who could debut this weekend
Raheem Sterling – Arsenal
Arsenal made one of the high-profile deals of Deadline Day after agreeing a deal to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.
Sterling was free to leave Chelsea after being informed that he did not feature in Enzo Maresca’s plans and has moved across the capital in search of a new challenge.
Player cam: Sterling 🎥
Putting in the work at Sobha Realty Training Centre 👊 pic.twitter.com/EG0xPxatI8
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 4, 2024
Despite two underwhelming campaigns at Chelsea, the 29-year-old has the ability to be a real weapon for an Arsenal side who were searching for further firepower. His debut could arrive in the fixture of the Premier League weekend as the Gunners travel to face Spurs in the North London derby. He has the chance to become an instant hero at the Emirates.
Jadon Sancho – Chelsea
Sterling’s exit freed room for Jadon Sancho to sign for Chelsea as the Blues took a punt on the out-of-favour Manchester United winger. A loan deal with an obligation to sign Sancho permanently was struck late in the window, with the 24-year-old returning to London in an attempt to kickstart a stuttering career.
Sancho was one of Europe’s most exciting young talents at Borussia Dortmund but has endured a torrid time since moving to the Premier League in 2021.
Chelsea are confident the club can coax the best from him, despite a surplus of wide talent at Stamford Bridge. Sancho, who grew up supporting Chelsea, has a point to prove.
Jadon’s first week at Cobham. 📺🎥 pic.twitter.com/2QSr1iZn37
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 6, 2024
Maxence Lacroix – Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner sought a reunion with Maxence Lacroix after Crystal Palace sold Joachim Andersen to London rivals Fulham. Glasner worked with the French centre-back at Wolfsburg, earning Champions League qualification together in 2020/21.
Still just 24, Lacroix made more than a century of Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg and now embarks on a new challenge in England. His pace adds a different dynamic to the Palace backline, where he will compete with fellow recruit Trevoh Chalobah for a place in the team.
Lacroix ranked among the leading Bundesliga players for percentage of dribblers tackled (70.7%) last season, though also received more red cards (3) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Federico Chiesa – Liverpool
Liverpool’s capture of Federico Chiesa has been called one of the coups of the summer after the Reds landed the Italy international for just north of £10m.
Chiesa has built a fine reputation in Serie A even if injury has stalled his progress and scored 10 goals in 37 appearances for Juventus in 2023/24. The 26-year-old is full of endeavour and pace, perhaps the non-negotiables to join the Liverpool frontline.
The winger chose to remain at Liverpool rather than link up with Italy this month, as he gets to work under Arne Slot. If the Reds can bring the best out in him, he’ll be a steal.
U21s head coach Barry Lewtas spoke of the beneficial ‘learning opportunity’ his side received when they were joined in training by Federico Chiesa 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 6, 2024
Manuel Ugarte – Manchester United
Manchester United spent around £51m to sign Manuel Ugarte on deadline day, the final piece from what has been a productive summer in the transfer market. The tough-tackling Uruguayan arrives with a reputation for thriving amid the less glamorous side of the game, a prolific ball-winner who often takes no prisoners.
After Casemiro’s calamitous showing in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the break, do not be surprised to see the summer signing thrust straight into the side.
Manuel Ugarte 🤳 pic.twitter.com/GWH639N0OX
— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 9, 2024
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