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Five summer signings already looking like bargains this season

Premier League clubs no longer bat an eyelid at making big-money transfers – but the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Wolves have shown this season you can still sign good players at bargain prices.

Clubs are often criticised for splashing the cash on unproven players in an inflated market, but it is still possible to complete smart business.

We’ve taken a look at five players who have already made their transfer fees look like bargains.

Xherdan Shaqiri

Liverpool’s front three may be struggling to recapture their stunning 2017-18 form, but, unlike last season, the supporting cast are ensuring Mo Salah and co’s profligacy has not been costly.

Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have helped reinforce a defensive steel, James Milner continues to defy age – and logic – in midfield, and Daniel Sturridge and Shaqiri have come up with timely interventions in attack.

The £13million signing from relegated Stoke City may not impress The Brothers Grimm Neville, but the Switzerland international has already provided three assists despite starting just twice in the Premier League, while he also offers a game-changing option off the bench.

His ongoing feud with Charlie Adam is also incredibly entertaining, too.

Matteo Guendouzi

The most unheralded arrival at Arsenal this summer, Guendouzi joined the Gunners in a £7million move from Ligue 2 outfit Lorient amid little expectation or fanfare.

But the 19-year-old was thrust into the side as fellow summer signing Lucas Torreira took a while to get up to speed after the World Cup and was one of the few bright sparks as Unai Emery lost his first two Premier League games in charge.

Guendouzi has since been rotated in and out of the side with Torreira now fully fit, but the youngster already has 10 appearances in all competitions to his name – and far more fans among the Arsenal support.

Joao Moutinho

Wolves have taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water, but it should come as no surprise given the calibre of their central midfield.

Ruben Neves had already inspired Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to promotion and was joined by his compatriot Moutinho in the summer, with Wolves managing to land the experienced Portugal international for just £5million.

Has a newly-promoted side ever had such a classy midfield duo?

David Brooks

One of the young Football League players we highlighted in the summer who could make the step up to the Premier League, Brooks left Sheffield United for Bournemouth in a £12million move after an excellent breakthrough season at Bramall Lane.

The 21-year-old, who was on the books at Manchester City’s academy, broke into Wales’ senior side last season and has continued his progression in the Premier League with two goals in his first eight appearances at that level.

If Brooks improves under Eddie Howe to the same extent as many of his new team-mates, he’s going to be worth a lot more in the future.

Martin Montoya

Few players in the Premier League, especially outside of the top six clubs, can boast an honours list to match Montoya’s, which consists of seven trophies won with Barcelona, including three league titles and a Champions League.

The right-back was close to joining Fulham in the summer but instead opted for Brighton in a £6million move from Valencia on deadline day.

And while Fulham have conceded the most goals in the Premier League, only seven sides have conceded fewer than Brighton’s 12 so far this term.

Montoya, 27, missed the entirety of pre-season but has established himself in Chris Hughton’s side since making his debut in the 3-2 win over Manchester United, although he missed their victory at Newcastle.


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