Three underrated signings in the Premier League this season

With so much money being thrown around in modern football, it can become hard keeping track of all the new summer signings. In total, the Premier League spent over £1.3 billion in the recent summer transfer window, with teams at both ends of the table splashing the cash in order to set themselves up for the season. From Manchester City’s purchase of Erling Haaland, now crushing several individual records after a flying start to the campaign, to Nottingham Forest signing 22 new players under Steve Cooper in a quest for survival, the spending has been off the charts in England’s top flight.

Indeed, with the season in full swing and the table looking to finally take shape, we can assess who invested their money wisely and who signed a flop. Due to the sheer volume of transfers, there are always going to be players that slip under the radar and never seem to get the credit they deserve. Whether it’s down to the system they play in or their team perhaps performing below par, they are the players that have joined a new club and not gotten the recognition for their efforts thus far. With that in mind, read on as we look at three Premier League signings that have been massively underrated so far.

Sven Botman – Newcastle

Looking back to the start of last season, things were bleak for Newcastle United. The Magpies were heading for relegation until their takeover and despite manager Eddie Howe keeping the club afloat, they still looked leaky at the back. For too long had Newcastle been without a defender worth getting the St. James’ Park crowd out of their seats, until Sven Botman arrived from Lille this summer.

The Netherlands centre-back, who arrived on a five-year deal for £35 million, has all the makings of a top defender, forming a formidable partnership with Fabian Schär that has been let down by their side’s inability to turn draws into wins. Three clean sheets in seven games has been good work from Botman, especially considering Howe’s side has already faced Liverpool and Manchester City and at just 22 years old, there’s plenty of time for him to become a legend at his new club.

João Palhinha – Fulham

Not many would have predicted Fulham to make the flying start they have done to the new Premier League season. If the Betfair welcome offer bet 10 get 30 had been available at the start of the season, Marco Silva’s side would have been a favourite for relegation, but after some good form early on, the west Londoners are flying in the dizzy heights of mid-table.

A large part of their good work has been the industrial running of João Palhinha, who sits in front of the defence and breaks up play, providing balance for Silva’s goal scorers. Arriving from Sporting Lisbon for just £20 million, the 27-year-old has slotted straight into a side that needed a pivot, and despite perhaps lacking a bit of discipline with five yellow cards so far this season, he looks a relative steal if his performances are the difference between Fulham staying up or facing another relegation.

Luis Sinisterra – Leeds United

When Raphinha left Leeds United for Barcelona this summer it looked as if the Brazilian would be impossible to replace. One of the saving graces in an otherwise mediocre side, Jesse Marsch was left scratching his head finding someone to match the productivity of their star man. Fortunately, Luis Sinisterra has made a great start to life at Elland Road. The Colombian, who impressed in Europe with Feyenoord, has found the back of the net twice already for Leeds and his blend of pace and dribbling ability has proven to be a nightmare for defenders. The 23-year-old has bags of potential and if he can perform on a regular basis, Leeds should beat the drop.