Sport
The summer transfer window is open and deals are being struck across the Premier League. Manchester United have splashed the cash on Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee while Arsenal are reportedly close to landing Riccardo Calafiori.
However, some of the best deals are the ones that have flown under the radar. Here are five transfers that might not have drawn much attention, but could have a big impact on the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)
Enzo Maresca’s approach requires centre backs capable of bringing the ball out from the defence and this is where Tosin Adarabioyo could play an important role for Chelsea this season. Signed as a free agent after leaving Fulham last term, the 26-year-old also helps the Blues fulfil their homegrown requirements.
Of course, Adarabioyo will face stiff competition for a starting spot in Maresca’s team with Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashille and Trevor Chalobah all vying to play in the centre of defence, but the 26-year-old is an accomplished performer and is ready for the next step in his promising career.
Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
While Ipswich Town were extremely impressive as they won promotion from the Championship last season, there was a spot up for grabs in Kieran McKenna’s team in the centre forward position. This is why Liam Delap has been signed from Manchester City with the young striker costing The Tractor Boys a transfer fee of £15m.
Delap scored eight goals in 26 appearances in the Championship for Hull City last season. The 21-year-old has excellent off-the-ball movement in the penalty box and should benefit from playing for an Ipswich team that has a lot of creativity in the attacking third. Portman Road could be the perfect place for Delap.
Flynn Downes (Southampton)
Southampton spent £18m on the signing of Flynn Downes with the midfielder returning to the club he played for on loan from West Ham last season. Russell Martin’s approach is a possession-heavy one and Downes is a high-volume passer of the ball who gives the Saints control in the centre of the pitch.
Downes’ underlying numbers show that he is also capable of progressing possession, not just keeping it. His strong defensive positioning and spatial awareness will also give Southampton some much-needed structure with the Saints likely to play against the ball more this season than was the case in the Championship.
Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace)
Oliver Glasner made an immediate impact upon his appointment as Crystal Palace manager last season and the Eagles have made further adjustments to suit the German. The addition of left-sided centre back Chadi Riad will give Glasner the freedom to implement the back three system that has worked for him throughout his career.
Riad is press resistant and is capable playing out from the back. Defensively, the Moroccan international is comfortable defending open spaces which will be crucial for Palace as they continue to adopt a bolder, more attack-minded approach under Glasner. Riad could prove to be a bargain at just £15m.
Mats Wieffer (Brighton)
Brighton have earned a reputation for being one of the shrewdest operators in the transfer market in recent years and the addition of Mats Wiefer could add to that reputation. The 24-year-old midfielder has joined the Seagulls from Feyenoord in a deal worth £25m with Wiefer expected to be a key figure this season.
Wiefer is known for his passing ability in the centre of the pitch, but is also extremely useful on the defensive of the ball. New Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler likes to set up his team to build up play from deep in midfield and this is where Wiefer could prove a valuable addition to the squad at the Amex Stadium.
