A whole host of new faces made their Premier League debuts on the opening weekend but there’s plenty more waiting in line for their first appearances.
Here are five exciting summer signings who could make their Premier League debut this weekend.
Five exciting Premier League signings who could debut this weekend
Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori faces a tough test to break into the Arsenal side with the Gunners boasting the Premier League’s best defensive record in each of the last two seasons.
However, Mikel Arteta has brought in the Italy international for good reason and believes that Calafiori’s athleticism, adaptability and natural left-footed carry can further improve the division’s meanest defence. Arsenal have taken a patient approach to Calafiori’s integration to the side so far and the 22-year-old was an unused substitute for the win over Wolves last weekend.
Benvenuto, Riccardo Calafiori 🇮🇹
Meeting new teammates for the very first time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JbUhqOBCMN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 29, 2024
He will be itching to get going with the Gunners.
Read – Every Premier League transfer record broken this summer
Evanilson – Bournemouth
Bournemouth have reinvested the record windfall received for Dominic Solanke in Evanilson. A club-record £40m arrival from Porto, the forward made his Brazil debut in March and arrives after a fruitful spell in Portugal.
The 24-year-old scored 25 goals in all competitions last season and has proven pedigree on the biggest stage, having scored a hat-trick in last season’s Champions League against Royal Antwerp. A willing worker from the front, he will hope to fill Solanke’s shoes and lead the line for the Cherries’ counter-press this season.
Francisco Evanilson de Lima Barbosa. pic.twitter.com/nUx1ViaeOn
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 16, 2024
Georginio Rutter – Brighton
Brighton broke their transfer record to land Georgino Rutter from Leeds United, as the fire sale at Elland Road continues after missing out on promotion. Rutter endured a tough start to life in English football as Leeds were relegated in 2022/23, but bounced back to emerge as one of the stars of the Championship campaign last season.
Welcome to the Albion, Georginio! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/tZ2LamkVPV
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 19, 2024
He scored eight goals and laid on 16 assists for Daniel Farke’s side and will link-up with an exciting Brighton forward line under Fabian Hurzeler. With Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh providing pace in wide areas and Rutter working off a lone forward, the Seagulls have the firepower to trouble teams all season long.
Read – The most expensive Premier League XI of summer signings
Joao Felix – Chelsea
The latest addition for the bonkers, big-spending Blues of West London. Joao Felix has returned to Chelsea on a permanent deal, having spent the second half of 2022/23 on loan at Stamford Bridge.
The Portugal international underwhelmed during that stint but Chelsea saw enough to sanction a £45m deal this summer. Felix is full of talent but has struggled to fulfil his promise since a record-breaking move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019. He has spoken of wanting to ‘find a home’ after an up-and-down period in the Spanish capital.
Home again. pic.twitter.com/rIVHTYHCVO
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2024
Read – The players with the most hat-tricks in Premier League history
Wilson Odobert – Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou has added another option to his forward line after signing Wilson Odobert from Burnley in a £25m deal.
The teenager was part of a Burnley team that struggled in the top flight last season but showed enough for Spurs to snap him up.
🎙️| Ange Postecoglou on Wilson Odobert:
“He’s one that we identified really early on in the summer. It’s no secret we were looking for a wide player and Wilson was one of the ones we highlighted. We had to go through certain steps to get these things done. They’re not as… pic.twitter.com/5u70GnRKGG
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) August 23, 2024
Odobert scored three goals and laid on two assists for the Clarets in the Premier League in 2023/24, though it’s his underlying numbers that make the Frenchman so exciting. Across the last 12 months, he ranks in the top 2% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, successful take-ons and attacking penalty area touches per game. Grab the popcorn.
Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend
See more – Five Premier League debutants who impressed on the opening weekend
