Mid-Season Highlights of the 2025-26 Premier League: Players Making an Impact

As the 2025-26 Premier League season reaches the halfway mark with Gameweek 19 (held on December 30 and January 1), this season has been characterized by surprising performances. Clubs like Aston Villa and Sunderland are exceeding expectations, while historically established teams such as West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves battling relegation.

The focus now shifts to the players. While some have struggled to meet preseason expectations, many Premier League players have drawn attention through their unexpected consistency and high-caliber performances, especially those who joined new teams in the summer.

With the January transfer window set to open on New Year’s Day, we highlight summer signings who demonstrate that strategic recruitment can yield remarkable benefits when the right deals are made.

Sunderland’s captain has arguably emerged as the signing of the season, having made a significant impact for the newly promoted team following his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial fee of £13 million. Granit Xhaka, 33, brings invaluable experience and the caliber that led him to win the 2023-24 Bundesliga title with Leverkusen after a seven-year tenure at Arsenal. Under coach Regis Le Bris, Sunderland is a young, developing squad, and Xhaka’s presence has proven crucial in unifying the team.

The acquisition of Noni Madueke by Arsenal for £48.5 million from Chelsea was met with skepticism from fans, prompting a petition against his signing that garnered over 4,000 signatures. Despite this backlash, Madueke has silenced critics by delivering impressive performances and scoring pivotal goals, including a stunning long-range effort in a UEFA Champions League victory against Club Brugge. He has established himself as a reliable option for manager Mikel Arteta, stepping up in support of Bukayo Saka.

When Bournemouth sold Milos Kerkez to Liverpool for £40 million, they quickly secured the services of French left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes for an initial £11.4 million. The 24-year-old, who was instrumental in France’s silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, has successfully stepped into the starting role at the Vitality Stadium, proving to be one of the standout fullbacks this season.

Sunderland’s goalkeeper, who joined from NEC Nijmegen for £9 million in August, has been one of the season’s remarkable finds. At just 22, Roefs has exhibited impressive composure and maturity in his debut Premier League season, achieving six clean sheets as of Tuesday. Although he has yet to make his senior debut for the Netherlands, he has earned a call-up and is on track to be considered for Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad if he maintains his form.

Newcastle’s signing of Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart for £69 million was initially viewed with skepticism, as he was tasked with replacing Alexander Isak following the latter’s £130 million transfer to Liverpool. However, Woltemade has thrived, scoring eight goals and quickly adapting to the Premier League’s demands.

Manchester United, in urgent need of a new goalkeeper, ultimately secured Royal Antwerp’s Lammens for £18.2 million after unsuccessful attempts to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martínez. Initially labeled as “one for the future,” the 23-year-old has proven to be a reliable presence for Ruben Amorim’s team, justifying the club’s investment in his potential.

Everton’s midfielder, after a challenging year at Chelsea, has become a pivotal figure under David Moyes following his £29 million move to Hill Dickinson Stadium. One of his highlights includes a spectacular goal in a 1-0 victory against Manchester United, which has sparked interest from the Republic of Ireland due to his heritage.

Brentford’s right-back Kayode, who was signed permanently after a loan spell from Fiorentina, has established himself as a key player in Keith Andrews’ team. His exceptional long throw-ins and athleticism down the right flank make him a standout performer, potentially earning him a first senior call-up to the Italian national team.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s journey has seen him transition from speculation linking him to a £50 million move to various top clubs to a more stable position at Leeds after leaving Everton as a free agent. The 28-year-old has regained his form, scoring eight goals in 16 appearances, reigniting talk of an England recall.

Meanwhile, the former Liverpool captain has made a surprise return to the Premier League with Brentford after unsuccessful stints abroad. At 35, he has missed only one league game and has emerged as one of the most consistent midfielders this season, leading to his return to the England squad after a two-year absence, placing him in contention for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup team.