Johan Manzambi
He is probably the player arriving with the greatest amount of confidence. Johan Manzambi took his career to another level during the 2026 World Cup. At just 20 years old, the Swiss player established himself as one of the tournament’s breakout stars, scoring three goals and providing two assists in four appearances. Initially introduced as a substitute, the Freiburg player quickly convinced Murat Yakin with his speed, power and ability to drive forward. Unfortunately, a knee contusion ruled him out of the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
His performances were enough to convince Aston Villa to spend around €60 million to sign him. It is a significant investment for a player who had made only 58 professional appearances for Freiburg before leaving the club. Versatile, Manzambi can play in midfield as well as in a more attacking position, but his greatest strength is arguably his ability to move the ball forward quickly after winning possession.
At Villa Park, competition for playing time will inevitably be intense, particularly with the club competing in the Champions League. But that European campaign could also provide him with more opportunities. His explosive profile fits perfectly with a transition-based style of play, and Aston Villa could quickly become the ideal platform for him to prove that his World Cup performances were no fluke.
Mamadou Sangare
If there is one player who already knows the physical demands of soccer at the highest level, it may be Mamadou Sangaré. The 24-year-old Malian is coming off an exceptional season with Lens, which finished second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France. In just one year in northern France, he went from promising signing to established leader and proven international.
His box-to-box midfield profile is particularly intriguing. Left-footed and capable of playing either as a defensive midfielder or a more advanced No. 8, Sangaré combines defensive work rate, running power and the ability to carry the ball forward. With Lens, he recorded 207 recoveries, the most in Ligue 1, as well as 52 tackles, also the highest total in the league. He was particularly effective at winning the ball back in the opposition half.
Brentford did not hesitate to spend heavily to bring him in, paying €48 million. That made him both the most expensive sale in Lens’ history and the most expensive player in the history of the Bees. He will notably replace Jordan Henderson in midfield.
His new manager, Keith Andrews, sees him as a player capable of operating both as a No. 6 and a No. 8. For a team that relies heavily on intensity and transitions, Sangaré therefore appears to possess all the qualities needed to succeed.
Bazoumana Touré
At just 20 years old, Bazoumana Touré already has an impressive career trajectory. The Ivorian exploded onto the scene at Hoffenheim after moving to Germany from Hammarby. His 2025-26 season confirmed his enormous potential: five goals and nine assists in 32 appearances for a Hoffenheim team that finished fifth in the Bundesliga.
His profile is difficult to defend against. Touré is an explosive player capable of attacking space, beating his opponent and creating differences in one-on-one situations. With Ivory Coast, he also experienced the 2026 World Cup, featuring in three matches.
Newcastle quickly identified his potential and did not hesitate to invest €50 million to bring him to England. He signed a contract through 2031 and is expected to help compensate for the departure of Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona for around €80 million.
The comparison with Gordon will inevitably be difficult to avoid. Touré obviously does not yet have the England international’s experience, but Newcastle appears convinced that he possesses the qualities to become one of the club’s new attacking faces.
His main challenge will be adapting to the pace of the Premier League. In Germany, Touré was already playing in a physically demanding league, but English soccer will require greater consistency from him, particularly when it comes to defensive tracking and physical duels.
Christos Tzolis
Christos Tzolis is a somewhat unusual case. The Greek already knows the Premier League, having played for Norwich during the 2021-22 season. This is therefore not truly his first experience of the league, but rather a return to England in a completely different situation.
At 24, Tzolis arrives at Arsenal with a significantly different reputation from the one he had during his first spell in England. After stints at Twente, Fortuna Düsseldorf and, most notably, Club Brugge, the winger completely revived his career. Across two seasons in Belgium, he scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances. He was also named the Belgian league’s Player of the Year after helping Brugge win the title in 2026.
Arsenal paid around €40 million to bring him in and make him Leandro Trossard’s replacement after the Belgian’s move to Besiktas. His attacking production explains that level of confidence: during his final season in Belgium, Tzolis scored 17 goals and provided 23 assists in league play.
Mikel Arteta will expect him to provide explosiveness on the left wing, but also a genuine threat in front of goal. The Greek also possesses impressive crossing and final-ball ability. Above all, his move gives him a second chance in England after a first spell at Norwich that failed to live up to expectations.