Strikers in the Premier League have been making waves with big-name signings during the summer transfer window, as clubs looked to bolster their attacking options. From Everton’s Thierno Barry to Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, the high-profile moves have certainly caught the attention of football fans worldwide. But how have these new additions fared so far in the season? Let’s take a closer look at nine of these strikers to see how they have been performing on the pitch.
Thierno Barry – Everton
Thierno Barry, a 22-year-old striker signed from Villarreal for £27m, has had a tough start at Everton. Despite scoring 11 La Liga goals last season, Barry is yet to find the back of the net in nine games across all competitions. With only one chance created and zero goals or assists in the Premier League, Barry has been struggling to make an impact at his new club.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United
After scoring 57 goals for Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin made a move to Leeds United on a free transfer. The 28-year-old England international has started in four of Leeds’ Premier League matches, scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 win against Wolves. However, with only one goal in five appearances, Calvert-Lewin will be looking to improve his goal-scoring record as the season progresses.
Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike has been a standout performer since his £69m move from Eintracht Frankfurt. With three goals and one assist in six appearances, Ekitike has quickly become a fan favorite at Anfield. However, his red card for celebrating a late winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup raised some eyebrows, as fans wonder how he and fellow striker Alexander Isak will fit into the team together.
Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres, the Sweden international signed for up to £64m from Sporting, has been a vital part of Arsenal’s success this season. With three goals in seven appearances, including a brace against Leeds and another goal against Nottingham Forest, Gyokeres has been a constant threat in front of goal. His off-ball runs and touches in the opposition’s box have set him apart as one to watch in the Premier League.
Alexander Isak – Liverpool
Alexander Isak’s transfer saga from Newcastle to Liverpool finally came to an end with a British record fee of £125m. The 26-year-old Sweden striker has made a slow start at Anfield, with no shots on target in his first three Premier League games. Despite registering an assist and scoring in the Carabao Cup, Isak will be looking to find his form in the league as Liverpool aim for success this season.
Igor Jesus – Nottingham Forest
Brazil international striker Igor Jesus joined Nottingham Forest in a £10m move from Botafogo and has scored four goals in cup competitions. However, his Premier League goal-scoring drought continues, with no goals in six appearances for Forest. With a new manager in Ange Postecoglou, Jesus will be hoping to turn his fortunes around and find the back of the net in the league.
Joao Pedro – Chelsea
Joao Pedro’s £60m move from Brighton to Chelsea has seen the Brazil forward make an immediate impact. With two goals and three assists in seven appearances, Pedro has been leading the line for the Blues in the absence of injured strikers. Despite a goal-scoring dry spell in recent games, Pedro’s contributions have been crucial for Chelsea’s success on the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United
Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko, signed for £73.7m from RB Leipzig, has had a mixed start to his career at Old Trafford. With two goals in seven appearances, Sesko’s highlight was scoring in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland. However, a disappointing Carabao Cup exit and criticism for his penalty miss have put pressure on the young Slovenia international to deliver consistent performances for the Red Devils.
Nick Woltemade – Newcastle United
Nick Woltemade, signed from Germany for a club record fee, has already made an impact at Newcastle with three goals in four appearances. The 23-year-old striker’s aerial prowess has been evident, with two headed goals in the Premier League. As Newcastle look to climb the table, Woltemade’s goal-scoring ability will be key to their success this season.
In conclusion, the big-name striker signings in the Premier League have had varying degrees of success so far this season. While some have hit the ground running and made immediate impacts, others are still finding their feet in new surroundings. As the season progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on these strikers to see how they continue to perform on the pitch.
