Managers often live and die by their recruitment, with an ability to unearth and sign top talent crucial to success.
As we reach the conclusion of the 2024/24 campaign, we’ve picked out five of the best new signings in the Premier League this season.
Five of the best Premier League signings of the 2024/25 season
Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth
Bournemouth snapped up the services of Dean Huijsen from Juventus last summer, agreeing a £12.8m deal to bring in the teenager. Huijsen had impressed on loan at Roma but was deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus in a decision the club’s board must surely regret.
Huijsen has been outstanding for a Bournemouth side who have impressed under Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard has formed an excellent understanding with llya Zabarnyi and leads all u-21 players in Europe’s top five leagues for clearances this season.
Dean Huijsen 🌟#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/oD99a0SSua
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) May 17, 2025
Huijsen ranks in the top 5% of Premier League centre-backs for interceptions and clearances per game and in the top 10% for progressive carries. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Huijsen earning a Spain debut in March and attracting significant interest. Expect his £50m release clause to be triggered.
Liam Delap – Ipswich Town
Liam Delap was the shining light in an otherwise tough campaign for Ipswich Town. While The Tractor Boys are heading back to the Championship after relegation, Delap is unlikely to join them. A healthy return of 12 goals in his first full season in the top flight has made Delap a man in demand.
Chelsea and Manchester United are frontrunners to sign the 22-year-old, who has a relegation release clause of £30m in his contract. With next season a World Cup year, the right move could catapult Delap into the senior squad.
Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest were one of several sides involved in the multi-trade mayhem last summer, as clubs sought to navigate Premier League Profit and Sustainability concerns. Forest capitalised on Newcastle’s need to sell to snare Anderson and he’s delivered on a price tag most felt was inflated at the time.
Most duels won in the Premier League this season:
◉ 233 – Elliot Anderson
◉ 230 – Bruno Guimarães
◎ 224 – Moisés Caicedo#NUFC‘s past and present dominating midfield. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/4lXWP6Ht7H— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 14, 2025
The 22-year-old has been brilliant in a Forest side that exceeded all expectations, emerging as a combative ball-winner and excellent carrier in possession.
Such has been his level, Anderson will be on Thomas Tuchel’s radar with England. Scotland are ready to tempt the midfielder if England do not offer an opportunity.
Nikola Milenkovic – Nottingham Forest
Perhaps the most transformative signing of the Premier League season. Nikola Milenkovic was considered a coup when Nottingham Forest landed the Serbian centre-back last summer and it’s proven to be the case.
The towering Milenkovic has been the out-and-out defender Forest so badly needed, providing a real presence in both boxes.
218 contested duels ⚔️
152 won ✅
70% success rate 🤯
The best success rate in the Premier League 👏Nikola Milenkovic has been a rock for Nottingham Forest this season. 5 goals to go with it too ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/v581E5PuiJ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 19, 2025
Only one player has won a higher percentage of their aerial duels than Milenkovic, who has fortified the Forest backline and proved the perfect complement to Murillo. For just £12m, there’s arguably been no better value deal in the division.
Emmanuel Agbadou – Wolves
Wolves badly needed a lift in the January transfer window and backed new manager Vitor Pereira with signings. Emmanuel Agbadou arrived from Reims and was crucial in taking a Wolves team in the relegation places rapidly up the table.
The Ivorian is excellent in defensive duels, athletic, and good on the ball, with Wolves emerging as a different team under Pereira’s management.
The best win% among defenders in the Premier League this season
Emmanuel Agbadou has won 28/29 fifty-fifty duels 🤯#WWFC pic.twitter.com/snG1S9Xtzf
— PFF FC (@PFF_FC) May 22, 2025
Pre-Agbadou’s arrival, Wolves had averaged 0.8 points and 2.25 goals conceded per game. With him, their points-per-game average has swelled to 1.5, while Wolves have conceded only 1.25 goals per game.
Agbadou has busted the myth that there’s no value in January.
Read – Five Premier League players underused in 2024/25
See more – The best goals of the 2024/25 Premier League season
