New, Old Signings
With the transfer market more bloated than ever, unexpected impact from existing squad members is priceless. These players bring the excitement of a new signing without any additional cost. Emiliano Buendía provided the perfect example last year with Aston Villa. After missing the entire 2023/24 season due to injury, he struggled to get minutes in 2024/25 and spent time on loan in Germany. In the 2025/26 season he returned as a fully-firing, healthy version of himself. He played 54 games for Villa – his career high for a season – and had 20 goal contributions. In a season where Aston Villa faced financial limitations, the revival of Buendía lifted huge burdens for the attack and the whole squad. As we start a new season, everyone is looking for their own Emi Buendía to spark the squad from within. Here are a few guys who could bring that impact this season:
Chadi Riad – CB, Crystal Palace
The 23-year-old Moroccan defender joined the Eagles from Real Betis two years ago. After only three appearances in his first season, he made twelve appearances in his second, including starting the UEFA Conference League final. He stepped up in the absence of Chris Richards last season and now with Maxence Lacroix officially gone to Chelsea, Riad will be the likely candidate to fill his shoes. His performances last season for Palace as well as his four starts for Morocco at the World Cup indicate that he is more than ready for the responsibility.
Conor Bradley – RB, Liverpool
Liverpool suffered at right-back last season. Dominik Szoboszlai put in some great shifts but missing him in the midfield wasn’t worth it. Likewise, Jeremie Frimpong and Curtis Jones did the job but lacked defensive solidity. The return of Conor Bradley couldn’t come at a better time. After suffering a long-term injury in January, the Northern Irish man is expected to return early in the season. He offers Liverpool a tireless engine and most importantly, he’s a master of duels in a way no other Liverpool defender is. If he stays healthy, he’ll cement the right-back position as his for the foreseeable future.
Dejan Kulusevski – RW, Tottenham Hotspur
You might have forgotten that this guy even existed. Kulusevski didn’t touch the pitch last season because of injury. You can’t ignore the uncertainty around him after a complicated knee injury; but equally, you can’t ignore that the Swede had 21 goal contributions the year before. He kept Ange’s Spurs afloat and they suffered without him. He’s smart, he’s clinical, and De Zerbi will be salivating at the chance to get him back in the team.