Which deal stands out? Ranking the 15 best value Premier League deals of the 2025/26 season, with the top spot not taken by Liverpool or Arsenal.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, GiveMeSport ranked the 15 best Premier League signings of the 2025/26 season after 17 matches, evaluating transfer fees, on-field performance, and value compared to expectations.
In the pre-season transfer window, over 150 Premier League moves totaled a massive £3.19 billion. Currently, Arsenal lead the table, closely followed by Manchester City in second, while newly promoted Sunderland have stunned fans by rising to sixth place.
Here are the top 15 Premier League signings of the 2025/26 season as ranked by GiveMeSport.
15. Jordan Henderson (Brentford)
The former Liverpool captain moved on a free transfer from Ajax at age 35, yet his experience has helped Brentford secure a comfortable mid-table position, including assists in big games against Manchester United and Chelsea.
14. Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
The 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper arrived quietly but has become a key figure in Sunderland's defense.
13. Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur)
Signed for £55 million from West Ham, while Spurs sit 14th, Kudus has been the true standout with 2 goals and 6 assists.
12. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
A major change in City's goalkeeper position, the Italian shot-stopper has consistently delivered reliable saves, pleasing manager Pep Guardiola.
11. Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
The 20-year-old midfielder, bought for £15 million from Belgium, has become a vital cog driving Sunderland's current impressive form.
10. Estevao (Chelsea)
The 18-year-old Brazilian winger has made a bright start to life in England, contributing to 6 goals across 21 appearances in all competitions.
9. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
A highly skilled playmaker with 6 assists in just 555 minutes, Cherki has quickly become Erling Haaland's trusted partner.
8. Nick Voltemade (Newcastle)
The towering 6-foot-6 striker, Newcastle's record signing at £69 million, has swiftly proven his worth with 7 goals in 14 matches, effectively replacing Alexander Isak.
7. Jack Grealish (Everton)
A loan move that revived his career, Grealish has regained his flair under David Moyes, already tallying 2 goals and 4 assists.
6. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
The best signing of the Amorim era, Mbeumo has scored 6 league goals, helping rescue United from their 15th-place finish last season.
5. Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland)
A versatile defender playing with strength and priced at just £9.5 million, Mukiele's long throw-ins disrupt opponents, making him a bargain with European champion quality.
4. Malik Thiaw (Newcastle United)
Malik Thiaw has been central to Newcastle's defensive transformation since joining from AC Milan in the summer for around £31.3 million. He is regarded as the smartest and most valuable defensive signing in the league this season.
3. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
While Isak has yet to replicate his Newcastle form, Hugo Ekitike has impressed with 8 Premier League goals (11 in all competitions), quickly emerging as a new attacking hope under manager Arne Slot.
2. Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)
Zubimendi has adapted seamlessly to Arteta's system. His excellent positioning has unlocked Declan Rice to play more offensively, helping Arsenal maintain their current top spot.
1. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
The former captain of the Bundesliga's unbeaten champions joined newly promoted Sunderland for £13 million and took the captain's armband. He has barely missed a minute of play and has been the catalyst transforming Sunderland from relegation battlers into European contenders.