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As the 2025-26 Premier League season nears its end, it's the perfect time to reflect on a campaign that has been full of drama and surprises. Arsenal ultimately held off Manchester City to claim the league crown, though the fight for European qualification and the final relegation spot is set to go down to the wire.

Like every season, new arrivals have played crucial roles for their clubs. However, discovering hidden gems has become increasingly tough for Premier League teams due to the global reach of football. Big-money signings, on the other hand, come with their own pressures, where even minor failures are heavily scrutinised.

Thankfully, several clubs in England’s top division saw their investments pay off this season. Our editorial team in the UK has come together to rank the top 20 Premier League signings of the 2025-26 season, taking into account each player’s performance, pre-transfer expectations, and value for money.

Note: Players who joined before the 2025 summer window (such as Eli Junior Kroupi) or whose previous loan spells were made permanent (like Kevin Danso) are not included in this list.

20. Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) – £15m

Sunderland’s impressive return to the Premier League owes plenty to their smart recruitment. Among their summer arrivals, midfielder Noah Sadiki has been a revelation. The DR Congo international, signed from Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise, drew comparisons to N’Golo Kante for his relentless pressing and intelligent passing. His standout performances have even sparked interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

19. Pascal Gross (Brighton) – £1.75m

After two and a half years away, Pascal Gross rejoined Brighton in January from Borussia Dortmund for a bargain price. His return has been pivotal in helping Fabian Hurzeler’s side turn their season around from a potential relegation battle to a top-six push. Even approaching 35, Gross’s work rate has been exceptional, regularly covering over 13 kilometres per match, while his set-piece prowess has added another edge to Brighton’s play.

18. Piero Hincapie (Arsenal) – loan

When Arsenal brought in Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen on loan, many questioned the need for another defender. Yet, the Ecuadorian quickly established himself as Mikel Arteta’s preferred left-back, combining strength and composure. His performances have convinced Arsenal to make the move permanent for £45 million this summer—a fee that already looks justified.

17. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) – £65m

Ex-Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo fulfilled his childhood dream by joining Manchester United, rejecting Tottenham and Newcastle in the process. Though he didn’t replicate his 20-goal season from Brentford, he still found the net over ten times in his debut campaign. His early form under Ruben Amorim was electric, but a dip later under Michael Carrick saw him spend more time on the bench. Still, his overall impact has been positive.

16. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) – £62.5m

Matheus Cunha’s start at Old Trafford was slow, but his fortunes changed under Carrick. The Brazilian scored six goals and assisted three, including a crucial winner against Arsenal and the decisive goal versus Chelsea. His adaptability across the front line has been invaluable, marking his third consecutive double-digit goal season in the Premier League.

15. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) – £69m

Amid Liverpool’s £450 million summer outlay, Hugo Ekitike has been the standout success. The French forward joined from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists before an Achilles injury ended his season in March. His calm finishing, ball control, and creativity have already made him one of the most complete forwards in the league.

14. Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) – £56m

After rejecting Liverpool the previous year, Martin Zubimendi finally arrived in England to join Arsenal. Partnering Declan Rice, he brought balance and intelligence to midfield. The Spaniard contributed five goals and was instrumental in Arsenal’s title push, even though fatigue saw him lose his starting spot late in the season.

13. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) – £55m

Viktor Gyokeres may not be Arsenal’s most technically gifted striker, but his 14 league goals speak volumes. Though some came against lower-ranked teams, they were vital in maintaining Arsenal’s momentum. His consistent finishing has helped address the club’s long-standing striker issue.

12. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton) – £24m

After a frustrating stint at Chelsea, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall revived his career at Everton. Under David Moyes, he became a key figure, tallying eight goals and six assists. His match-winning performance at Old Trafford was a highlight, and his displays even sparked discussions about an England call-up.

11. Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) – £9.5m

Sunderland’s capture of Nordi Mukiele was a masterstroke. The former PSG defender’s Champions League experience brought leadership and defensive solidity. With three goals and three assists, Mukiele has been a major contributor both defensively and offensively for the newly promoted side.

10. Anton Stach (Leeds United) – £17m

Anton Stach’s move from Hoffenheim to Leeds United proved inspired. The midfielder’s mix of physicality and technical skill has impressed, and his three direct free-kick goals have endeared him to fans. His fine form even earned him a recall to the German national team after four years.

9. Marc Guehi (Manchester City) – £20m

Manchester City capitalised on Liverpool’s failed move for Marc Guehi, snapping him up in January. The England international immediately slotted into Pep Guardiola’s backline, playing every league minute since. Despite one costly error against Everton, his composure and defensive strength have solidified City’s back four.

8. Robin Roefs (Sunderland) – £9m

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was a relatively unknown signing from NEC, but he has become a Sunderland hero. With 10 clean sheets and a 70.4% save rate—better than Raya, Pickford, and Alisson—he’s been one of the bargains of the season across Europe.

7. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City) – £26m

It surprised many when PSG allowed Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave, but City snapped him up for £26 million. While not perfectly suited to Guardiola’s possession style, his shot-stopping has been exceptional—leading the league in save percentage (72.9%) and goals prevented (5.8), with 15 clean sheets to his name.

6. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) – £62.5m

Antoine Semenyo’s explosive form at Bournemouth made him a hot property, and City triggered his release clause in January. The Ghanaian hit five goals in his first seven games for City and played a vital role in their title chase. His FA Cup-winning flick was a moment of brilliance that capped an impressive debut half-season.

5. Joao Pedro (Chelsea) – £60m

Joao Pedro carried his Club World Cup form into the Premier League, finishing the season with 15 goals and 20 goal contributions. His hold-up play and dribbling have made him a Stamford Bridge favourite, earning him the club’s Player of the Year award, though his World Cup omission remains baffling.

4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United) – free

Leeds made headlines by signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer. After years of injury troubles, the striker rediscovered his form, scoring 14 goals, including a six-game scoring streak in winter. His performances earned him a well-deserved England recall in March.

3. Senne Lammens (Manchester United) – £18m

Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been a revelation for Manchester United. Signed from Royal Antwerp, he has shown maturity beyond his years, ranking second in the league for goals prevented (4.1). His commanding presence and composure under pressure have helped stabilise United’s defence.

2. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) – £17m

Granit Xhaka’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland was one of the summer’s biggest surprises. Appointed captain immediately, the Swiss midfielder has led by example, contributing six assists and ranking among the league’s best in defensive metrics. His leadership has been vital in Sunderland’s remarkable season.

1. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) – £30.5m

Rayan Cherki’s transfer to Manchester City came with questions about his discipline and fit in a Guardiola system. However, the Frenchman has been a joy to watch, contributing 12 assists—second only to Bruno Fernandes—and four goals. At just 22, Cherki looks set to play a central role under Enzo Maresca next season, with his best football still ahead of him.