A look at the Premier League’s most expensive summer signings so far

With the European Championships drawing to a close last weekend, all of the attention will now be turned to the Premier League’s looming return.

Watching Manchester City make more domestic history last season as they got their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, we look set for another rollercoaster adventure from across England’s elite.

With the action getting underway on August 16th, we currently find ourselves at the heart of another frantic summer transfer window.

While a host of Premier League clubs might be seriously looking over their shoulders at potential financial breaches, we have already seen some serious investment.

Still with a month left until the 2024/25 campaign gets underway, we have taken a look at who have already been the Premier League’s most expensive arrivals so far this summer.

Leny Yoro – Lille to Manchester United (£52million)

Watching ex-Real Madrid superstar Raphael Varane leave Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer, the new hierarchy at Old Trafford made it clear that a new central defender was their top priority.

While it might have appeared almost certain that Leny Yoro had his sights firmly set on clinching a blockbuster move to Spanish icons and reigning European champions Real Madrid, Manchester United agreed what was a shock deal earlier in the week.

Desperately seeking a long-term partner for Argentina international Lisandro Martinez at the heart of their defence, United officially announced the 18-year-old for a reported fee in the region of £52million.

While Yoro might have entered the final 12 months of his deal with Lille, it was heavily reported over the past few weeks that Erik ten Hag had identified the France U21 international as his standout target.

Although Lille’s academy graduate might might only have one full season of first-team football under his belt, Yoro is regarded as one of world football’s hottest young prospects.

New city, same determination ✍️
#MUFC pic.twitter.com/8DC2zMCKh3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2024

Max Kilman – Wolves to West Ham (£40million)

Parting ways with David Moyes at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and with Julen Lopetegui at the helm in east London, West Ham face what appears to be a crucial summer behind the scenes.

While the Hammers might have secured a top-half finish under the ex-Manchester United boss last season, they did ship 74 Premier League goals and broke a string of unwanted defensive records.

With growing speculation that both Nayef Aguerd and club skipper Kurt Zouma could be forced out of the London Stadium exit this summer, it is no secret that West Ham had a new central defender at the very top of their wishlist.

With Lopetegui making it clear that a reunion with Max Kilman was his top priority this summer, the Hammers splashed out £40million for the 27-year-old earlier in the month.

Putting pen to paper on a seven-year contract in east London, the former Maidenhead defender has already been muted as a potential new West Ham captain ahead of the new season.

Kilman confirmed ✅ pic.twitter.com/QwJiwRRMNT

— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 6, 2024

Ian Maatsen – Chelsea to Aston Villa (£37.5million)

Playing a leading role as Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final last season, Ian Maatsen enjoyed what was a sensational loan stint with the German giants.

Making 16 Bundesliga appearances in rural Germany after completing a January switch from Chelsea, the 22-year-old gained a string of plaudits from across the continent and Dortmund made it abundantly clear that they wanted to make his loan switch a permanent move.

However, in what was a shock announcement last month, Aston Villa confirmed the signing of the Dutch international in a fee believed to be in the region of £37.5million.

While the former Burnley loanee might have not made a single appearance while away with Holland at this summer’s European Championships, there is a huge amount of excitement around Vila Park.

Officially signing a six-year deal in the Midlands and set to feature in Villa’s famous Champions League adventure next season, Maatsen’s arrival is considered to be a real coup for Unai Emery’s side.

Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. ✅

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 28, 2024

Joshua Zirkzee – Bologna to Manchester United (£36.5million)

Although Rasmus Hojlund might have gained plenty of plaudits around Old Trafford following his maiden Premier League campaign last season, ten Hag had made it clear that attacking reinforcements were essential this summer.

With Anthony Martial leaving the club on a free transfer and continued speculation over Marcus Rashford’s future in the red half of Manchester, the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee could prove to be a smart piece of business.

Watching Bologna spring an almighty Serie A upset last season as they secured a famous Champions League return under Thiago Motta’s guidance, Zirkzee was one of Italy’s standout performers as the 23-year-old recorded 12 domestic strikes.

Enjoying what was a breakout campaign and featuring during Holland’s charge to the EURO 24 semi-finals, the former Bayern Munich starlet also attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan this summer.

Zirkzee’s Bologna contract included a 40m euros (£33.6m) release clause, but United opted to agree a slightly increased price in order to pay the fee over a three-year period to help with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Ready to make his mark 🔥

Joshua Zirkzee: welcome to Manchester United ❤️#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2024