Top 5 Premier League signings of the season: From relegated striker to England midfielder

The 2020/21 Premier League season draws to an end in less than a fortnight, with supporters due to be in attendance at each match in the penultimate and final round of games. 

Although Manchester City’s third title in four years was confirmed after Manchester United’s defeat to Leicester on Monday night, there is still plenty to play for with the top four spots still up for grabs.

Chelsea looked to be in a commanding position to qualify for the Champions League after beating City on Saturday, but defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday evening has given both West Ham and Liverpool hopes of leapfrogging the Blues and securing the final place.

With the season drawing to its conclusion, we have looked at the signings that have impressed the most this term. Below is out top five signings of the season.

Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa (£20 million from Arsenal)

The Argentine ‘keeper broke into Arsenal’s first-team after Bernd Leno suffered an injury towards the end of last season, and was instrumental in the Gunners’ FA Cup final triumph. His form attracted the interest of Villa, and the 28-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic debut season at Villa Park. Martinez has kept 15 clean sheets in 35 league games and has played a key role in the club’s impressive season.

Edinson Cavani – Manchester United (Free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain)

Cavani’s current deal has the option for a further 12 months

Veteran Uruguayan striker Cavani left Paris Saint-Germain last summer after a spectacularly successful spell in the French capital. Since arriving at United, the 34-year-old has scored 15 goals in all competitions, and put in a man of the match performance, scoring twice and assisting another three, as the Red Devils cruised to a 6-2 first-leg lead in their Europa League semi-final against Roma in April. His form of late has impressed enough for the club to offer him a 12-month extension on his initial deal, and having cost the club absolutely nothing to sign from PSG, he looks like one of the best signings in years.

Ruben Dias – Manchester City (£61 million from Benfica) 

The latest expensive acquisition to City’s backline, Dias has looked to be worth every penny as he has solidified Pep Guardiola’s side’s previously inconsistent defence. Hotly tipped to win the Player of the Year award, Dias has been instrumental in City’s pursuit of a fifth Premier League title and, at the age of 23, could have a healthy future at the club. Despite Guardiola’s relentless rotation, Dias has played more minutes in the league than any outfield City player this term and his ability at the back was epitomised by his man of the match performance in their Champions League semi-final second leg tie against PSG.

Callum Wilson – Newcastle United (Undisclosed fee from Bournemouth)

Part of the Bournemouth side relegated at the end of the 2019/20 season, Wilson was one of a number of the club’s players who attracted interest and the Englishman was eventually snapped up by Newcastle, along with Cherries teammate Ryan Fraser. Wilson got off to a flyer this season, scoring seven times in his first nine league games for the Magpies. He hasn’t been as prolific in the second half of the season, largely due to a recurring hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for the entirety of March, but still has 12 goals to his name. Wilson’s impact has been huge for Newcastle and his goals may well have kept the club in the division.

Jesse Lingard – West Ham United (Loan from Manchester United)

Lingard arrived in East London in January having scored just nine goals in the previous two seasons. With expectations of the midfielder relatively low, he looked like a completely different player and equalled his nine goal tally in just 10 games. His scintillating form for the Hammers, which started with a brace on his debut against Villa, pushed Lingard back into the frame for the England squad and he was recalled by Gareth Southgate for the international break at the end of March. While United are reportedly keen to recall the player and give him another chance next season, Lingard is apparently keen on making his move to the London Stadium a permanent one.