The 2022/23 Premier League season is fast approaching and fans across the country are increasingly excited to see their new signings in action.
The summer transfer window has been ridiculous so far, with just about every club splashing out and bringing in new signings.
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Could this be the year of Jack Grealish?
But what about some of the star signings from last summer’s window?
The likes of Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho arrived with much fanfare but may not have lived up to their high prices.
With that in mind, talkSPORT.com took a look at five players signed last summer who are set to make a huge impact this year…
Jack Grealish: £100m – Manchester City
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Now Erling Haaland is at Man City, expect to see Grealish flourish
Grealish is Man City’s record signing, and by far too, but his performances last season appeared to be subdued.
The 26-year-old was known at Aston Villa for signing players and making things happen with his quick feet and football smarts.
In his final season at Villa, he scored six times in 26 Premier League appearances and created 12 more. But he has only been directly involved in six goals in the same number of appearances for the Citizens.
Now, stats aren’t the be-all and end-all, and Pep Guardiola was happy with Grealish’s performance.
However, we all know there is so much more to unlock and there are several reasons why this will be the year Grealish becomes indispensable.
The arrival of Erling Haaland will give City a focal point and someone for Grealish to feed on. They have already combined in pre-season and could become a superb partnership.
Raheem Sterling is also gone which means he should get more playing time.
This is the year we might see the Grealish we all know and love again.
Jadon Sancho: £73m – Manchester United
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Sancho has looked good in pre-season
After a year of chasing Sancho, the Red Devils finally got their man last summer.
But his signing was overshadowed by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo and his confidence seemed to vanish under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 22-year-old’s debut season in the Premier League saw him score three goals and provide three assists despite his performances in many games being subpar.
At Borussia Dortmund, Sancho has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the world and capable of wreaking havoc against any team.
And it’s the Sancho we should see at Old Trafford this year.
The England international has started all four pre-season friendlies and scored three goals.
He goes into the box more and looks like a guaranteed starter under Erik ten Hag.
Sancho has the talent to propel the Red Devils into the Champions League places, he’s that good.
Leon Bailey: £25m – Aston Villa
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Bailey was one of the best wingers in the Bundesliga
Of all the summer signings from Aston Villa last year, Bailey proved to be the biggest disappointment.
The winger has made a good start to life in England with one goal and two assists in his first four games.
But a thigh problem robbed him of a good part of the matches and he often found himself on the bench afterwards.
However, the Jamaican winger is very talented and has had a full pre-season to get up to speed.
Steven Gerrard even claimed Bailey was a ‘different player’ and his recent display against Man United was thrilling.
Joe Willock: £25m – Newcastle
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Willock scored three goals in pre-season for Newcastle
Willock became an instant hero on Tyneside after his goals while on loan in the 2020/21 season kept the Toon going.
Newcastle then spent the whole summer trying to get Willock before completing the deal in August.
But the 22-year-old has struggled for fitness and form under Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe.
There was a brief resurgence at the start of the year, but a few minor injuries caused him to lose his place in midfield.
However, after a full pre-season with Howe and more stability behind him with Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier, we should see Willock stepping into the box and reaching his 2020/21 levels.
Patson Daka: £22m – Leicester
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Daka had a good start to life in England
Daka scored 27 goals in 28 league games for RB Salzburg in the 2020/21 campaign, which prompted the Foxes to get going.
He finished the season with five goals in 23 PL appearances, which isn’t bad, but after a season of adaptation, we can expect a lot more end product.
Jamie Vardy isn’t getting any younger, so this could be the year he’s slowly been stumped with Daka, a natural successor.
The 23-year-old is quick and clinical in front of goal, and with James Maddison and Harvey Barnes providing the ammunition, Daka could easily score 15-plus goals for the Foxes.
We wouldn’t be surprised if Daka surprised a lot of people this year.
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