With the first three games wrapped up and a long campaign ahead, fans and pundits alike are speculating on who will step up, falter and which summer signings will shape the season. Here are some names I think are worth keeping an eye on this season: 

Alexander Isak (Liverpool) 

Newcastle were unwilling to sell, tensions flared, and Isak skipped pre-season training…

One of the final deals to be finalised this summer following a dramatic transfer window, Alexander Isak’s record breaking move to Liverpool, at over £125m, made him the most expensive signing in English football history. The Swedish striker was instrumental at Newcastle, helping them to secure their first domestic trophy in 70 years with their stunning win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in March. In 42 appearances across all competitions last season, he scored and assisted an impressive 33 times.  

Isak’s exit turned messy. Newcastle were unwilling to sell, tensions flared, and Isak skipped pre-season training, reportedly opting to train individually at his previous club, Real Sociedad. The saga split the Newcastle fanbase, with many criticising his stance and his refusal to play for the club he was contractually obliged to play for, whilst some others sympathised with him and expressed gratitude for his contributions last season. 

Now at Anfield, he joins Liverpool’s other new arrival, Hugo Ekitike, looking ready to bolster Liverpool’s front line and build on last season’s title-winning ways. 

João Pedro (Chelsea) 

Making an instant impact at Chelsea, Pedro, bought from Brighton for £55m with £5m in add-ons in July, has been spectacular to watch. His performances over the summer at the Club World Cup in the US salvaged Chelsea’s dashed hopes on several occasions and ultimately led them to victory in New York against PSG. With two goals and two assists in his first three PL games, Pedro already looks to be transformative.

Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) 

Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s deal to sign Eze from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £60m with another £7.5m in add-ons. Arsenal fans were celebrated to his boyhood club after enduring a drawn-out will-they-won’t they over the summer. His creativity is undeniable, contributing 25 goals and assists across 43 games in all competitions, and he could reshape Arsenal’s attack.

Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) 

…scoring and assisting 27 times in 38 games

Mbeumo starred for Brentford last season, scoring and assisting 27 times in 38 games. He along with his counterpart, Yoane Wissa, tormented defences, helping Brentford maintain one of the best home records in the league. Now at Manchester United, he has revitalised their attack and lifted fans still reeling from last season’s struggles. 

Tijani Reijnders (Manchester City) 

…wasted no time making an impression

City’s midfield already boasts world-class talent, but Reijnders has wasted no time making an impression. In just three appearances he has scored and assisted twice, slotting seamlessly into Guardiola’s system and fortifying the squad further. 

Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur) 

Tottenham struggled in the transfer market, but pulled off a coup by stealing Xavi Simons from under Chelsea’s nose. With 17 goal contributions in 25 games for RB Leipzig last season, he brings energy and creativity to Spurs as they return to the Champions’ League. With the departure of Son to LAFC over the summer, Simons is expected to be central in their attack.

Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) 

…could provide the clinical edge Arsenal have lacked. 

All eyes are on Gyökeres to solve Arsenal’s long standing striker problem. After scoring 54 times in 53 matches across all competitions last season, he arrives with huge expectations. His start has been stop-start, but if he finds consistency, he could provide the clinical edge Arsenal have lacked. 

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