Best Premier League signings of the 2023/24 season - ranked

The opening of any transfer window often comes with apprehension, but it also offers excitement as team's aim to strengthen their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.

Some new arrivals instantly took to their new surroundings last summer and in January, whereas others needed some more time to settle and have their impact.

Here, 90min ranks the ten best Premier League signings of the 2023/24 season.

10. Joao Pedro (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Joao Pedro deserves his name on this list after a fantastic return to the Premier League. Brighton snapped up the talented forward from Championship side Watford for £30m, fending off interest from Europe.

Pedro rapidly progressed and bagged 20 goals for the Seagulls. His talent even kept wonderkid Evan Ferguson off the pitch.

9. Ross Barkley (Luton Town)

Luton Town obviously suffered relegation at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, but Ross Barkley was a vital part of the squad that, at one point, had people believing they might survive another season in the top flight.

Everyone underestimated the Hatters when they arrived in the Premier League, but Barkley was there to silence any haters.

His resurgence has already prompted a move away from Kenilworth Road, with Aston Villa edging closer to signing the midfielder.

8. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

20-year-old Adam Wharton was a welcome edition to Crystal Palace and took no time to adapt to life in the Premier League after moving to the south London side in January.

Palace's second half of the season was undoubtedly better than their first, and the introduction of Wharton certainly helped that.

The quality of his passing and movement even attracted the attention of Gareth Southgate, with the England boss naming Wharton in his 33-player preliminary Euro 2024 squad.

It's still early days for the young midfielder. But, the £22.5m Palace paid to Blackburn Rovers for him looks like an outstanding bit of business.

7. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United)

Mohammed Kudus, plus Lucas Paqueta, plus Jarrod Bowen - West Ham had a pretty decent front three during the 2023/24 season.

The Hammers managed to secure Kudus at a time when many other big clubs were challenging for him, and their perserverance definitely paid off.

The former Ajax star is quick, strong and a technical genius, making him exactly the type of player that West Ham needed as they bid farewell to Declan Rice, albeit in a different part of the pitch.

Also, his bicycle kick against Manchester City on the final day of the season was genuinely spectacular.

6. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)

When you cost the thick end of £77m at the age of 21 and have already starred at a World Cup, the chances are you're going to be a pretty good footballer.

And that's exactly what Josko Gvardiol proved to be for Manchester City, particularly when they needed to put their foot down and gun for the Premier League title.

Ridiculously good at centre-back and left-back, City could rely on the Croatian in the big moments - something you'll imagine they will be doing for many years to come.

5. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur actually had a few great signings this season, but Micky van de Ven stood out for his sheer presence in defence.

His speed, confidence and aggressiveness make him both exciting to watch and a player to fear, symbolising a genuine threat for any attacking side.

With him in front of goal, and Guglielmo Vicario in it, Spurs formulated quite the defence.

Quickly a cult favourite, Van de Ven settled instantly, balancing out the Spurs side and bringing incredible recovery levels to the pitch.

4. Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

Life did not start out well at Arsenal for former Chelsea man Kai Havertz, but once Mikel Arteta transitioned him into a 'false nine role', his true power was unlocked.

His form from then on was incredible, becoming an aerial threat whilst also boasting great link-up play and admirable levels of determination.

His chant quickly became a favourite amongst Arsenal fans, with 'Kai Havertz scores again' often echoing around the Emirates Stadium. Once he got going, Havertz scored 13 Premier League goals for the Gunners, compared to 18 in three seasons at Chelsea.

3. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

It's no surprise that Alexis Mac Allister has gained interest from the likes of Real Madrid in his first season at Anfield.

The Argentine shows maturity and composure whenever he walks onto the pitch, making him a commanding presence in the Liverpool squad.

He proved versatile also, often playing deeper as a number six to cover the gap left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho's departures.

He bagged seven goals and as many assists during his debut season, impressing departing manager Jurgen Klopp.

2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Of course, Cole Palmer has made it on to this list.

He looks set to represent his national team at Euro 2024 after just one season at Chelsea, and has been a top contender for Player of the Year.

Palmer outperformed every other player at Stamford Bridge, scoring a remarkable 27 goals in 46 appearances. He also offered the team 15 assists, making him a real all-round attacking threat for the Blues.

He will be forced to play under a new manager next season, but luckily he has already cemented himself as a vital member of the squad.

1. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Declan Rice takes the top spot as the best Premier League signing of the 2023/24 season after completing his record £105m move to Arsenal from fellow London side West Ham United.

He quickly became one of the best players at Mikel Arteta's disposal, earning seven goals and nine assists on top of his elite shielding ability.

Rice might be Arsenal's best signing of the century, and is certainly one to watch as the Gunners fight to end what will now be a more than 20-year wait for the Premier League title.

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