Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
Raymond Domenech, the former France coach, believes West Ham “are not enough” for a midfield creator who shone for an exciting Marseille side last season. At 28 the man born on the Indian Ocean island of Réunion appears near his peak. Responsible for numerous assists, he proved one of the very best players in Ligue 1 last term. Acquired for £11m, Slaven Bilic’s first major signing has impressed in pre-season and looks a more than satisfactory replacement for Stewart Downing. Domenech is convinced Payet will end up at Arsenal or Chelsea so perhaps West Ham fans should enjoy him while they can.
Cuco Martina (Southampton)
The 25-year-old former Twente right-back has become the first Curaçao international to play for Southampton. Who knows, the Rotterdam-born Martina may well inspire his new public to visit the little-known but seemingly idyllic Dutch Caribbean Island. Highly versatile he is also capable of playing at left-back, centre-half and in a defensive midfield role. Indeed, despite being signed as a replacement for Nathaniel Clyne, Ryan Bertrand’s recent knee surgery dictates Martina has operated at left-back during pre-season. His acquisition was recommended by Erwin Koeman, Southampton’s assistant manager (and the brother of their manager, Ronald) who has coached Martina in the Netherlands.
Idrissa Gueye (Aston Villa)
Alain Giresse, Gueye’s former coach with Senegal and once a France international, has said Tim Sherwood’s dynamic new box-to-box midfielder is “as good as Jean Tigana”. That is quite some compliment and Sherwood may also be happy to hear Giresse describe Villa’s £9m signing from Lille as “quiet, discreet and good in the dressing room”. Technically accomplished and blessed with excellent vision, the Dakar-born 25-year-old is a product of an academy in Senegal established by Patrick Vieira. His fans in France and west Africa are convinced Villa supporters will find him an impressive replacement for the Manchester City defector Fabian Delph. Should Gueye live up to his billing, Sherwood’s biggest problem may be hanging on to him.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle United)
Variously dubbed “the new Alan Shearer”, “the new Mario Balotelli” and “Mitro goal” the £13m Serbia international promises to liven up the Tyneside winter. After scoring 27 times for Anderlecht last season, a 6ft 3in centre-forward who does not turn 21 until next month was courted by clubs across Europe. If Steve McClaren can provide him with the right service then Newcastle’s new No45 (because four plus five equals nine) should score freely. No shrinking violet – he once headbutted an opponent in Belgium – Mitrovic seems unlikely to be bullied into submission by too many centre-halves.
Matteo Darmian (Manchester United)
Darmian’s £12.7m summer arrival from Torino may not have been the most high profile at Old Trafford in recent weeks but the Italy right-back promises to rebalance Manchester United’s starting XI while stabilising their defence. His recruitment should enable Antonio Valencia, latterly used as an ersatz full-back by Louis van Gaal, to revert to a more productive attacking role. Darmian – whose family have Armenian roots – began his career as a centre-back. If operating in the heart of the backline has done wonders for his highly regarded reading of the game, it was not until he switched to the right that he came to Azzurri prominence. Old Trafford regulars should enjoy his penchant for marauding down the flank when circumstances permit.
