Outside of the obvious names grabbing the headlines like Erling Haaland, we look at the signings that have gone under the radar this summer that could have a significant impact on the season.
During the first few weeks of the transfer window in the Premier League, no side has acted as swiftly and been as smart as Aston Villa. Philippe Coutinho has signed permanently, Diego Carlos has also joined the squad, and Robin Olsen comes in as a backup keeper. Boubacar Kamara, however, could be the signing of the season.
Bouba. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/j5TRhbtuFY— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 11, 2022
Bouba. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/j5TRhbtuFY
The defensive midfielder is just 22 years old, already has three France caps, and has established himself as one of the best U23 players in the world in his position.
It’s incredible how a club who finished in the bottom half of the table have managed to prize a young talent away from his boyhood side.
At 25 years old, Marc Roca is yet to make himself known to fans of European football, despite two years at Bayern Munich. The Spainard joins from the German giants on a four-year deal, and with Leeds United surviving by the skin of their teeth this past season, Roca is another name who could well be the shining light for his club on his debut campaign.
He’s physically astute at 6ft tall, is known for his passing ability, and although he only has nine career goals in 196 appearances, Roca is expected to fit like a glove into Leeds’ fast-paced system.
Southampton have seriously struggled on the defensive front the past two seasons with them conceding the most goals from those who survived in the league on both occasions. To patch things up, they’ve signed Armel Bella-Kotchap from Bochum.
The defender is onl 20, is arguably Germany’s main defender at U21 level, and he already has 74 appearances spread across time in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. If he lives up to expectation, it could be an almighty purchase.
Moving back to Villa, and the signing centre-back Carlos from Sevilla could be a dream move for the Villa Park faithful. The Brazilian is now 29, is vastly experienced in La Liga and France, and he already has a Europa League medal to his name.
Alongside either Tyrone Mings or Ezri Konsa, it could be a fantastic partnership in the making.