The new Premier League season, which began only on August 11, is already abuzz with talk of possible winners and losers and players likely to shine or stumble in the fierce competition. We look at three young Premier League players signed on for millions of pounds by three top clubs. Will the young guns deliver?
The Premier League came back to life with defending champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal again expected to be the strongest contenders for the title. But all the Big Six clubs except Manchester City, which won 3-0 against Burnley, struggled in their season openers. The Premier League, one of the toughest in the world, challenges teams and players because the competition is so fierce. Even the most talented footballers may take time to settle in the Premier League. Jack Grealish, arriving at Manchester City in 2021, had a challenging time before finding his form in the last season.
Here are three players who might face struggles at their new clubs this season
1. Kai Havertz
Used as a striker by the former Chelsea coaches Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter but playing as an attacking midfielder for Germany, Kai Havertz was snapped up by the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for £65 million from Chelsea. The 24-year-old played as a striker in the Community Shield win over Manchester City but as a midfielder in the League opener, which the Gunners won 2-1 against Nottingham Forest.
Questions still persist over his position in the team. The arrival of Declan Rice and the presence of Jorginho and Martin Odegaard could deprive him of a midfield slot. But he is not the most prolific goal scorer. He scored 19 goals in 91 appearances in three seasons with Chelsea. So he may not be an automatic choice as a forward even when Gabriel Jesus is injured and out of action. In Gabriel Jesus’ absence, Nketiah and Trossard have successfully split the workload. £
2. Nicolas Jackson
After a difficult season, finishing 12th in the League, Chelsea have signed on the former Villarreal striker Nicholas Jackson for£32 million. But some are perplexed by the decision. It may be part of the club’s policy to recruit young talent, but the 22-year-old Senegal international needs more experience at the top club level. He has played only 34 games in La Liga and scored 12 times. He will be under pressure to deliver with Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku out of action. Nkunku is recovering from surgery after a knee injury playing against Borussia Dortmund during the Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States.
3. Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund’s lucrative departure from Atlanta has generated both hope and scepticism. Did Manchester United pay too high a price for the 20-year-old Danish forward? United paid £64 million plus £8 million in add-ons to get him from Atlanta. Hojlund was the Italian club’s backup striker who scored 10 goals in 34 games. Hojlund’s physique and pace have led to comparisons with the Norwegian Erling Haaland, but the Manchester City striker is a goal machine while Hojlund is yet to make his mark in the Premier League.