After a fortnight-long break, the Premier League action resumes this weekend, with teams eager to unveil their latest signings from the summer transfer window. Liverpool, the reigning champions, are particularly spotlighted as Alexander Isak is poised to potentially make his first appearance for the club in their upcoming clash at Burnley on Sunday.
Across England’s top division, an astonishing £3 billion was invested by the 20 clubs, much of which was concentrated in the final hours of the transfer deadline as teams strengthened their rosters for the season ahead. Liverpool’s acquisition of Isak, a prolific Swedish striker, came after a protracted and tense exit from Newcastle United, culminating in a British record transfer fee of £125 million.
Despite not featuring for Newcastle this season due to being sidelined, the 25-year-old did make a brief substitute appearance for Sweden in their recent match against Kosovo. While a starting role at Turf Moor seems unlikely, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot is expected to grant Isak some playing time as the team aims to extend their flawless start to the campaign with a fourth consecutive victory.
Isak may have been the marquee signing, but other Premier League clubs are also eager to integrate their new talents. Arsenal, for instance, is anticipated to hand Eberechi Eze his first start in their home fixture against Nottingham Forest. The visitors, who bolstered their squad on deadline day with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Dilane Bakwa, and Cuiabano, also ushered in a new era by appointing Ange Postecoglou as their manager, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
Postecoglou, formerly at Tottenham Hotspur, faces a challenging return to north London, especially with Arsenal still recovering from their recent defeat to Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Manchester United prepare for the weekend’s headline derby. City, managed by Pep Guardiola, currently trail their rivals in the league standings and will be under scrutiny regarding their goalkeeper choice following the last-minute signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
United, who have accumulated four points thanks to a dramatic late victory over Burnley, may also introduce a new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who joined on deadline day. Aston Villa, struggling with just one point and no goals from their opening three matches, are expected to feature their recent signings in their away game against Everton on Saturday. Jadon Sancho, arriving on loan from Manchester United, is set to inject much-needed creativity into Villa’s attack, while Harvey Elliott, deemed surplus to requirements at Liverpool, could also be in the starting lineup.
