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Wind. Rain. Michael Buble songs on Spotify. The countdown to Christmas has truly begun, and with the celebrations in full swing, summer might seem like a lifetime ago.
But just as the festive season is all about checking what you’ve got, half way through the Premier League season is just as good a time to reflect.
Namely, which of the huge, numerous acquisitions of the summer transfer window have impressed so far.
Here are five pieces of work that seem to have, well, gotten the job done.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 22, 2024
Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest)
At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Milenkovic is hard to miss. But the Serbian defender’s impact since signing for Forest from Fiorentina has been just as significant.
While Chris Wood has grabbed the headlines for his goals this term, Milenkovic has been a colossus for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at the other end of the pitch with his physical presence and no-nonsense defensive style.
Along with Murillo, Milenković was the foundation on which Foresti made their way to fourth place in the table.
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
Palace may have had a largely unremarkable season so far, but centre-back Lacroix has given Eagles fans plenty to shout about.
The Frenchman has been a major part of Oliver Glasner’s defense this term and the 24-year-old is rapidly gaining fans for his mix of physicality and composure.
£21m (plus add-ons) from Wolfsburg already looks like a shrewd deal.
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
Fifty big from Everton could, at least initially, seem like a big price to pay for the 23-year-old Belgium international this summer.
But Onana has more than lived up to his price tag with his stellar performances in the holding midfielder position, which has largely impressed Villa so far this season.
In an age of social media clutter, sharp problem solving and a relentless work ethic can often go unnoticed. However, these are the qualities in which Onana excels; attributes that allow Unai Emery’s more attacking midfielders like Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers to thrive.
I feel so good 😌 pic.twitter.com/E97OInjpbV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 21, 2024
Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)
The rise and fall of Jadon Sancho. Like Harry Potter and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, it’s a story that many people know well.
But what about the rise and fall and rise again of Sancho? It certainly seems like that could be the case if the winger’s start at Chelsea is anything to go by.
The 24-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, has impressed as Enzo Maresca’s side look increasingly like genuine title contenders. A revival at Stamford Bridge, perhaps?
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)
At just 20 years old, Minteh has all the makings of a star in the making. Quick, skilful and hard-working, the Seagulls, who have a knack for honing young talent before selling on for big bucks, could have another moneymaker on their hands.
The Gambian scored 10 goals and provided five assists in just 27 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, and given his services were snapped up for just £25m, Brighton already seem to have bought themselves a bit of a steal.
