The 2023/2024 season has taken the football world by storm.
A lot of Premier League Clubs have spilled the cash for new transfers, but not all the new arrivals have performed well at their new clubs. These 10 ballers, however, have performed incredibly from the get-go.
As the season is approaching its grand finale, here is a list of The Football Magician’s Top 10 Premier League Transfers.
10. Joško Gvardiol
The 22-year-old Croatian defender, Gvardiol, has strongly impressed at Manchester City after successful stints with RB Leipzig and the Croatian National Team.
He’s transitioned adeptly to the left-back position under Pep’s guidance, mirroring the success of other full-back conversions like Akandji and Ake. Gvardiol embodies traits valued by Pep – speed, strength, intelligence, and ball skills – bolstering City’s treble-winning squad.
9. David Raya
Arsenal secured former Brentford goalkeeper David Raya for a crucial reason: stabilizing their goalkeeping position. While Aaron Ramsdale performed well last season, some costly errors affected their title chances.
Mikel Arteta sought a keeper adept not just at shot-stopping but also proficient in distribution to suit Arsenal’s passing style. In Raya, Arteta found the perfect fit – composed, agile, and exceptional in passing. Since Raya’s arrival, Arsenal boasts the league’s best defense, conceding only 24 goals in 31 games. While Saliba and Gabriel form a strong defensive partnership, Raya completes Arsenal’s defensive setup impeccably.
Many fans are sad to see Aaron Ramsdale on the bench, but they have to admit that Raya has been nothing but rock-solid for the Gunners. What a signing!
8. James Ward-Prowse
It was inevitable for James Ward-Prowse to seek a move to a bigger club following Southampton’s relegation, and West Ham secured his signature. Known for his exceptional set-piece skills, Ward-Prowse has elevated his game further with the Hammers, becoming a pivotal player in their midfield.
His prowess extends beyond set pieces; he boasts excellent ball control and passing ability, rivaling the best midfielders globally. Ward-Prowse’s impressive stats, including 6 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, underline his impact. His memorable goal from a corner kick against Wolves highlights his value to West Ham’s squad.
7. Wataru Endo
Liverpool’s unexpected capture of Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart for a mere £6.5 million turned out to be a stroke of genius. Although his near-relegation experience in Germany raised eyebrows, Endo quickly proved his worth.
After a period of adaptation, he emerged as a linchpin in Klopp’s midfield, delivering a standout display against Manchester City that cemented his importance. Endo’s influence transformed Liverpool into genuine contenders, making him the standout signing of the season in terms of value for money.
6. Mohammed Kudus
From his performances with Ajax and in the World Cup, it was evident that Mo Kudus possessed special talent. However, even avid followers couldn’t anticipate his explosive rise as a winger. Initially seen as a future investment for West Ham, Kudus has emerged as arguably their best player this season.
Renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills, he poses a constant threat whenever in possession. Currently in the form of his life, he’s scoring goals with ease and effortlessly bypassing opposition defenses. It wouldn’t be surprising if he garners attention from top teams after the season concludes, earning him the prestigious Number 6 spot in the Football Magician’s list.
P.S. The solo goal against Freiburg speaks more than a million words!
5. Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai’s arrival at Anfield for £70 million came at a crucial time for Liverpool’s midfield, which was grappling with age and injuries. Jurgen Klopp needed someone to bring consistency and energy to the team from the get-go, and Szoboszlai delivered exactly that.
Despite the hefty price tag for a Premier League newcomer, Szoboszlai quickly won over Liverpool supporters with his stellar performances. Intelligent, creative, and tireless, he proved himself to be a world-class talent at just 23 years old, destined to don the iconic number 8 shirt for years to come.
With his impressive long-range goals, Szoboszlai evoked memories of Liverpool’s legendary number 8, Steven Gerrard, making him a top signing in the eyes of the fans.
4. Guglielmo Vicario
After over a decade at Spurs, legendary goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris stepped down from his role due to evident signs of aging affecting his performance. Tottenham sought replacements, and found a gem in 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who impressed at Empoli.
Despite being part of an average Italian side, Vicario’s remarkable performances caught the attention of bigger clubs. Tottenham secured his signature for a mere £18.5 million, a steal considering his impact. Vicario has emerged as the standout goalkeeper in the league this season, leading in saves and earning multiple “Save of the Month” awards.
His adeptness with the ball aligns well with the playstyle under new manager Ange Postecoglou. With Vicario’s exceptional form, questions arise whether the era of Ederson and Alisson Becker is coming to an end. If Vicario maintains his level in the seasons to come, it could indeed mark a shift in goalkeeping dominance.
3. Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer’s journey at Manchester City was marked by unfulfilled potential and limited opportunities. Despite being a talented product of the Citizens’ academy, he struggled to make an impact under Pep Guardiola’s system. In a bold move before the 23/24 season, Palmer decided to leave his boyhood club for Chelsea, who secured his services for a hefty £47 million fee.
Many questioned the move due to Palmer’s lack of playing time at City. However, the young attacking midfielder has silenced doubters with a sensational breakthrough at Chelsea. With 29 goal contributions in the Premier League this season, including memorable performances such as a hat-trick against Man Utd and four goals against Everton, Palmer has been a shining light in an otherwise underperforming side under Pochettino. His absence noticeably affects Chelsea’s performance on the pitch, showcasing his significant impact.
Dubbed “Cold” Palmer, his remarkable rise has captured the imagination of football fans, and the Football Magician eagerly anticipates how far this talented youngster can go.
2. Declan Rice
Declan Rice’s rise to prominence was evident when he captained West Ham to victory in the Conference League at just 24 years old. His stellar performances made him a hot commodity, with Manchester City and Arsenal vying for his signature in a race that saw his value soar to over £100 million.
Upon joining Arsenal, Rice wasted no time in making his mark. Adaptation to Arteta’s style was seamless, instantly slotting into the heart of the Gunners’ midfield with aplomb. His presence transformed Arsenal into one of the world’s best teams.
Arguably the complete midfielder, Rice’s defensive prowess, exceptional passing, creativity, and set-piece ability are complemented by his boundless energy and leadership. With 13 goal contributions in all competitions, his impact transcends statistics. Rice’s influence is immeasurable, elevating Arsenal’s performance whenever he graces the pitch. Valued at £116 million, he proves to be a bargain for the Gunners.
1. Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister’s ascent from obscurity to stardom began with his breakthrough season at Brighton, where he emerged as a midfield leader. His pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph catapulted him into the spotlight, drawing attention from top clubs. Liverpool secured his services for a modest £42 million after activating his release clause.
Initially a number 10, Mac Allister’s transformation into a defensive midfielder under Klopp’s guidance filled a crucial void left by departures Fabihno and Henderson. His consistency and defensive improvement made him indispensable, despite his playmaking roots. With 13 goal contributions in all competitions, his exquisite ball technique sets him apart as a midfielder of the highest caliber. Fans affectionately dub him “the right-footed Messi,” recognizing his elite attributes. Mac Allister’s impact on one of the world’s strongest teams makes him the Football Magician’s top pick for the 23/24 season.
