Premier League best signings so far: Xhaka leads the way as Zubimendi, Ekitike and Cherki shine

Granit Xhaka has been the standout signing of the Premier League season so far, with the Sunderland skipper setting the tone at Christmas as clubs take stock after a chaotic and cash-heavy summer. With nearly half the campaign gone, the Swiss midfielder has proved you don’t need a £100m fee to transform a team.

Premier League sides once again smashed spending records, shelling out more than £3bn on new arrivals, blowing Europe out the water. Liverpool led the way with British record deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, while Arsenal quietly built a title-chasing side. But four months in, it’s the smart buys – not the headline ones – doing the damage.

At the top of the pile sits Xhaka. Signed for just £17m, the 33-year-old has dragged Sunderland into the European picture with sheer authority. Captain, organiser, creator – he’s done the lot. Xhaka leads the Black Cats for assists, chances created and distance covered, and his influence goes way beyond stats. If Sunderland finish top half, or even sneak into Europe, his signing will be the reason why.

Close behind him is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi, who has quietly changed the entire shape of Mikel Arteta’s midfield. The Spaniard doesn’t grab headlines, but his balance and bite has unlocked Declan Rice, allowing Arsenal to motor towards the title. Rice himself has admitted how much easier life is alongside him, and it’s already looking like one of the league’s best midfield pairings.

Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike makes the list despite the Reds’ struggles. Eight league goals, carrying the attack while others settle, and showing serious character even after Isak arrived for £125m. It’s been a grim title defence, but Ekitike has been one of the few bright spots at Anfield and the numbers back that up.

Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki hasn’t always been first name on Pep Guardiola’s teamsheet, but when he plays, he delivers. Six assists already, more chances created per 90 than anyone else, and a growing influence despite limited minutes. Once fully trusted, City fans reckon there’s more to come.

Elsewhere, Jordan Henderson has rolled back the years at Brentford, bringing leadership and steel after being written off. Nick Woltemade has settled fast at Newcastle, Malick Thiaw has solidified their defence, while Sunderland have also struck gold with keeper Robin Roefs and defender Nordi Mukiele.

As the season rolls towards January, transfer talk will ramp up again. But the early verdict is clear. Spending big don’t guarantee success. Smart recruitment does. And right now, no signing has made a bigger impact than Granit Xhaka.