This summer, Premier League clubs’ expenditure on strikers and forward players in general has been notable, increasing the competition for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland for next season’s Golden Boot.
But who has moved clubs, and how much of a challenge will they bring?
The Transfers
Out of the ‘big six’ clubs, three of those clubs have acquired new number nines.
The most recent of these is Viktor Gyokeres, who has moved to Arsenal. Joao Pedro has recently made the move to West London to join Chelsea, and Liverpool has acquired the services of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, all for sizable fees.
In addition to this, some of the teams in the lower half of the table have acquired strikers that have required a sizeable fee. Thierno Barry is an example of this, joining Everton for around thirty million euros, with bonuses taking the deal up to 35 million euros.
In addition to this, clubs including Manchester United have bolstered their forward lines with additions who have scored goals frequently in the Premier League. The Red Devils have acquired the services of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, with the former scoring twenty goals last season.
Clubs may not be done spending just yet, however, with the saga of Alexander Isak potentially provoking a move to Liverpool for the Swede.
This means that Newcastle may make a big addition to their forward line as Yoanne Wissa or Benjamin Sesko may fill the void left by Isak.
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What May These Additions Bring to the Premier League?
For a long while, Arsenal fans have been asking for a striker to complete their team. Gyokeres is currently regarded as one of the most complete strikers in Europe and has formed a feared international partnership with Alexander Isak.
The Swede, although he has not yet featured in the Premier League, has proved deadly in the Champions League for Sporting Lisbon and should carry that form on against Premier League defences.
Although Manchester United have not acquired a striker, the likes of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo scored 35 goals between them in the Premier League last season.
Both players will add much-needed firepower to Ruben Amorim’s side and should propel them up the league, whilst taking some of the responsibility off talisman Bruno Fernandes.
Young striker Thierno Barry is representative of the ambition displayed by Everton this summer as they look to spend an increased amount of money to improve on last season’s league finish.
Although the move to the Premier League may take some acclimatisation for the player, Barry has been prolific for both Basel and Villarreal and joins the Premier League with a good track record.
The Golden Boot Race
In conclusion, many will believe that the forward lines of various Premier League teams will look different going into next season.
Big names have been acquired from Europe, and quality players within the league have made the move to some of the bigger clubs, setting up a potentially enthralling Golden Boot race for the upcoming season.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 11.05.2025