Football

Premier League 2025/26: Best XI of New Summer Signings

The 2025 summer transfer window broke all records, with Premier League clubs spending over €3.5 billion on fresh talent. With so many high-profile arrivals, building the perfect XI from new signings is no easy task. But based on quality, potential, and impact, here’s the best lineup you can create from this summer’s blockbuster deals.

Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)

Gianluigi Donnarumma
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Manchester City’s late swoop for Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the biggest surprises of the window. The Italian shot-stopper arrives from PSG with world-class pedigree and is expected to be a game-changer between the posts. With his reflexes and commanding presence, he instantly becomes one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

Right Back – Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)

Jeremie Frimpong
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Jeremie Frimpong was one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe, and Liverpool secured his signature this summer. Despite picking up an early injury, his attacking runs and explosive pace make him a massive upgrade on the right side. Once fit, he’s expected to play a crucial role in Liverpool’s system.

Center Back – Piero Hincapié (Arsenal, loan)

Piero Hincapié
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On loan from Bayer Leverkusen, Piero Hincapié brings Champions League experience and composure on the ball to Arsenal’s backline. He’s a progressive defender who excels at building from the back while staying solid defensively. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.

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Center Back – Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Malick Thiaw
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Newcastle landed Malick Thiaw to strengthen their defense, and the young German has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League. Physically dominant and comfortable under pressure, he’s already showing signs of becoming a leader at the back. His experience at AC Milan and in European competitions gives Newcastle extra stability.

Left Back – Milos Kerkez (Liverpool)

Milos Kerkez
Vasiljevic Dimitrije / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool secured Milos Kerkez to add energy and attacking depth down the left flank. While the Hungarian defender has faced early adaptation challenges, his potential is undeniable. Once he settles, Kerkez is expected to thrive in Jürgen Klopp’s high-intensity setup and become a key part of Liverpool’s defense.

Central Midfield – Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester United)

Tijjani Reijnders
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Manchester United’s new midfield maestro, Tijjani Reijnders, offers the perfect balance between control and creativity. His ability to dictate the tempo and make late attacking runs adds a fresh dimension to Erik ten Hag’s system. After impressing on his Premier League debut, fans expect even bigger performances ahead.

Central Midfield – Martín Zubimendi (Manchester City)

Martin Zubimendi
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Manchester City’s capture of Martín Zubimendi could prove one of the smartest deals of the summer. A master of positioning and ball control, the Spaniard brings balance to Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Zubimendi’s calmness under pressure and defensive awareness make him the ideal anchor for City’s possession-based style.

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Attacking Midfield – Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

Florian Wirtz
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Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool with huge expectations after his exploits in the Bundesliga. While his Premier League start has been relatively quiet, his creativity and vision make him one of the most exciting young playmakers in Europe. Klopp trusts that Wirtz will soon unlock his full potential at Anfield.

Right Wing – Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)

Bryan Mbeumo
By ESTAC Troyes - YouTube: Coupe|Mbeumo : " L' aborder comme un match de championnat – View/save archived versions on archive.org and archive.today", CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157491976

Bryan Mbeumo’s move from Brentford to Manchester United has already paid off, with the winger scoring two goals in his first four games. Known for his sharp finishing and relentless work rate, he brings both pace and precision to United’s attack. His partnership with United’s frontline could be one of the season’s most exciting stories.

Left Wing – Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Eze
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Eberechi Eze’s arrival at Arsenal has injected flair and unpredictability into their attack. The former Crystal Palace star thrives on cutting inside and creating chances, making him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s possession-heavy style. If he maintains his form, Eze could become one of Arsenal’s most dangerous weapons.

Striker – Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

Alexander Isak
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

After a long transfer saga, Alexander Isak finally completed his big move from Newcastle to Liverpool. The Swedish forward is clinical in front of goal and perfectly suited for Klopp’s attacking system. However, with Hugo Ekitike already impressing, Isak will need to hit the ground running to secure the number nine spot.

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Read also: Premier League Summer 2025/26: The Biggest Spenders Revealed

Rasmus Kristensen

Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.