The 2025-26 European domestic seasons are well underway, and after a record-breaking summer of transfer activity, there’s been huge attention on some of the biggest movers.
However, not all new additions have been able to hit the ground running at their new clubs, with Liverpool’s signings Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all struggling to adjust to life in the Premier League.
Still, a smooth transition to a new club can often be a promising indication for a positive season ahead, with some new stars in the Premier League immediately showing that they have what it takes to shine at the highest level. So, who have been the top five transfers so far this season?
Martin Zubimendi
There was an expectation that Arsenal’s signing of Viktor Gyökeres would take them to the Premier League title. However, it could be argued that the standout star for Mikel Arteta’s side so far in 2025-26 has been Martin Zubimendi.
Since arriving from Real Sociedad, the defensive midfielder has immediately struck up a dynamic partnership with Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield, while also offering world-class defensive cover to the back four.
Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal so far.
Our signing of the season. pic.twitter.com/u65CavsXBO
— Uzumaki Tony (@thearsfamily97) October 7, 2025
Zubimendi is a key player in the engine room for the Gunners, averaging a staggering 60.96 passes per 90 minutes and accumulating a pass accuracy of 89%. The Spanish star has been part of the team that have allowed just 0.46 goals per match this season, and he averages 2.13 tackles and 3.96 winning ground duels per game.
Mohammed Kudus
Tottenham agreed to pay a hefty £55 million ($74.7 million) to pry Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer. Their decision to do so has been vindicated thus far.
The winger has formed an integral part of Thomas Frank’s new-look Spurs and has been a constant threat in every match he’s played. Kudus has already racked up a club-high six assists, and his ability to pick up the ball and travel at pace is as important to Tottenham in a defensive regard as it is offensively.
Mohammed Kudus vs Leeds United (A) – REUPLOAD pic.twitter.com/fWuhkXGilX
— 🎟️ (@PS3SZN) October 7, 2025
The Ghanaian averages 8.12 dribbles per game this season with an eye-catching success rate of 53%. However, it’s also his defensive contributions that indicate that he’s a team player under Frank, with 2.03 tackles and 7.97 ground duels won per fixture. Kudus will be an integral factor if Tottenham are to maintain their push for a Champions League spot.
Jack Grealish
There have been few better sights in the Premier League this season than Jack Grealish being back to his very best. After an ill-fated stay with Manchester City, the winger has rediscovered his form on loan with Everton.
Grealish has accumulated a joint league-high of four assists in 2025-26 and has been a pioneering figure in the Toffees’ strong start to the season. David Moyes has encouraged the winger to return to his roots, as he’s averaging more dribbles and shots than he recorded in any of the last three seasons at City.
When Jack Grealish scored his stoppage time winner, The Hill Dickinson Stadium apparently recorded 159db level – the loudest in Premier League history!
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) October 6, 2025
Grealish’s tally of four assists has been accumulated from xA of 3.36, and he’s averaging 35.06 passes per 90 minutes. It’s been over a year since his last England appearance against Finland, but if his form continues, Thomas Tuchel may find it difficult to overlook the winger for the World Cup next summer.
Adrien Truffert
Including last season’s first-choice goalkeeper, Bournemouth have lost four of their back five from last term. However, that only makes it all the more remarkable that they’re enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League season.
The Cherries have an excellent ability to turn over players and remain competitive, and extra credit should be given to their recruitment team. A standout signing has been Adrien Truffert, who already appears to be performing at a higher level than Kerkez did during the 2024-25 season.
Adrien Truffert among Full Backs and Wing Backs in the Premier League this season:
Total Distance Covered: 2nd
Sprinting Distance: 3rd
High-Speed Running Distance: 2nd
Sprints: 3rd#afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/hdcRq517vu— Gradient Sports (@Gradient_Sports) October 1, 2025
The Frenchman arrived at the club from Rennes in the summer and has already amassed excellent defensive stats.
Truffert is averaging 2.00 tackles per game and a very impressive 4.57 ground duels won per 90 minutes. Like his predecessor, he also boasts fine attacking metrics, completing 40 passes along with 0.86 key passes and 5.0 crosses per appearance.
Granit Xhaka
One of the more unusual summer signings saw Granit Xhaka return to the Premier League with Sunderland after a two-year stay with Bayer Leverkusen. As expected, there was huge excitement surrounding the move, as the experienced Swiss star was a key figure in the Bundesliga-winning team under Xabi Alonso.
Xhaka has quickly adapted to life back in the Premier League and has eye-catchingly registered the joint-second most assists in the competition this season.
Granit Xhaka has assisted all 3 of Sunderland’s last Premier League goals 🎯
Pure class 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qE1Mm1CgCG
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2025
The midfielder’s ability to dictate the play in the middle of the field has been a trademark of Sunderland’s excellent start to the campaign. The Swiss player has posted 1.71 tackles, 1.29 interceptions, and 2.43 aerial duels won per appearance.
Meanwhile, his natural ability on the ball ensures that Sunderland have a proven world-class operator to dictate the pace. This is indicated by the fact that he averages 55.14 passes per game with a completion rate of 84.2%.
