MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM (AFP) – Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle once more in the race for the world’s best talent ahead of today’s kick-off to the 2022/23 season.
AFP Sport looks at five of the biggest signings of the summer looking to make an impact.
ERLING HAALAND (MAN CITY)
City have addressed their need for a central striker, and got one of the most highly sought after players in the world to do so, after beating off competition from around Europe for Haaland.
The Norwegian’s buyout clause from Borussia Dortmund was a bargain at GBP51 million but the reported signing-on fee, agents fees and wages over the course of a five-year contract will reportedly set City back GBP190 million.
Haaland may have had a debut to forget as he missed practically an open goal in City’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield last Saturday.
But Pep Guardiola warned his side’s challengers for the title “the goals will come”.
DARWIN NUNEZ (LIVERPOOL)
In contrast to Haaland, Nunez had the perfect start to his Liverpool career by scoring and winning a penalty against City in the Community Shield.
The Reds have banked on the Uruguayan to evolve their attacking options after the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.
Nunez cost an initial EUR75 million from Benfica, but that fee could rise to EUR100 million depending on his success at Anfield.
Luis Diaz is expected to take the place of Mane on the left of Liverpool’s front three with Nunez phasing out Roberto Firmino.
His aerial presence offers Jurgen Klopp’s men a different focal point in attack, but it could take some time for the Reds to adjust.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ (MAN UTD)
Much of the debate over United’s only big money signing has surrounded on how his diminutive five-feet-nine presence will cope with the rigours of the Premier League.
The Argentine is well-known to new United manager Erik ten Hag, who signed Martinez for Ajax.
A GBP57 million transfer fee suggests Ten Hag sees Martinez as a regular starter at Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen in what position.
Martinez played at centre-back, left-back and centre midfield during his time with the Dutch champions.
RAHEEM STERLING (CHELSEA)
A key player in City’s first two Premier League title triumphs under Pep Guardiola, Sterling found himself slowly edged out at the Etihad by the arrival of Jack Grealish and the emergence of Phil Foden.
Still a vital part of England manager Gareth Southgate’s plans in a World Cup year, Sterling has moved south to become the face of Chelsea’s new era.
The 27-year-old was the Blues’ first signing since Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club from Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea badly need a goalscorer if they are to compete with City and Liverpool for the title and Sterling is the most likely member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad to get 20 goals.
GABRIEL JESUS (ARSENAL)
Jesus was another victim of the wealth of attacking talent at City as the Brazilian hopes to relaunch his career at the Emirates ahead of the World Cup.
Despite winning seven major trophies at the Etihad, Jesus never became the successor to Sergio Aguero City hoped they were buying six years ago.
Arsenal needed a striker after the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Jesus already has the Gunners fans excited after scoring seven times in pre-season, including in the thrashing of Chelsea and Sevilla.
