5 bargain Premier League signings who look like steals in 2025–26

Last Updated on 27 November 2025

Every summer, Premier League clubs throw absurd amounts of money at transfers. But tucked between the £100 million splurges and eye-watering wage bills are the quieter deals that end up defining the season.

These are the signings nobody paid enough attention to at the time. The under-the-radar additions, the cut-price gambles, the “wait, they got him for how much?” moments.

Here are five Premier League bargains who already look like absolute steals this season.

5 – Robin Roefs – £11.5 million (Sunderland)

The Dutch have been producing superb goalkeepers, as of late. And, if the first 12 gameweeks are any indication, Robin Roefs might be the best of the bunch.

Sunderland signed Roefs for only £11.5 million from NEC Nijmegen. While it was a world-record fee for the selling club, the 22-year-old has already established himself as one of the best goalies in the league.

As per FBref, no other goalkeeper has a higher save percentage than 79.2% that Roefs boasts. And, only Martin Dubravka has made more saves than the youngster. With four cleansheets already, Roefs might be the difference for Sunderland in staying up.

4 – Jordan Henderson – free (Brentford)

There were a lot of doubts over this signing but Jordan Henderson has been the perfect replacement for Christian Norgaard.

The former Premier League champ has been a vocal leader in Brentford’s much-changed side. He has helped steady the ship and has put in some very big performances in the middle of the park for the Bees.

Signed on a free after his contract expired at Ajax, Henderson has been one of Brentford’s best players, this season.

3 – Gianluigi Donnarumma – £30 million (Manchester City)

£30 million might seem like big money for a goalkeeper but when you factor in Gianluigi Donnarumma’s CV, it’s a bargain.

There were a lot of questions over Manchester City’s style of play and whether the Italian will be able to adjust. Fact is, he immediately displaced James Trafford and has been a superb presence in the box for City.

He may not offer the same skills with the ball that Ederson did, but saving goals is just as important.

2 – Adrien Truffert – £14.4 million (Bournemouth)

Regardless of the price tag, Adrien Truffert is one of the best signings made by any Premier League team, this season.

And when you factor in the fee, £14.4 million is a bargain. Truffert has looked at home with the Cherries from his first appearance, comfortably replacing the outgoing Milos Kerkez at left-back.

Like always, Bournemouth’s superb recruitment deserves the plaudits because Truffert seems like the perfect fullback for their system.

1 – Granit Xhaka – free (Sunderland)

Sunderland’s summer business was spectacular. Yet, their best signing was convincing Granit Xhaka to leave Bayer Leverkusen for a second spell in England.

Made club-captain, Xhaka has been excellent on his return to the Premier League. He has been a true leader for the Black Cats and looks the part in helping buck the trend of promoted sides struggling.

Xhaka was also the perfect profile Regis Le Bris needed in his midfield, next to the likes of Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki. And, he has done more than just make up the numbers.