Top 10 Summer Transfers That Have Been Instant Successes

Top 10 Summer Transfers That Have Been Instant Successes highlights the footballers who made an immediate impact after moving clubs during the summer transfer window. Every season, clubs invest heavily in new signings, hoping they adapt quickly and deliver results on the pitch—and in EA FC 26, or real life, some transfers exceed expectations right away. This list celebrates players who didn’t need time to settle, quickly becoming key contributors for their new teams. From creative midfielders and explosive forwards to rock-solid defenders, these signings have already proven their value.

The summer window often comes with uncertainty, as players adjust to new leagues, teammates, and tactical systems. But the stars featured in this Top 10 list hit the ground running, producing goals, assists, and standout performances that show why their clubs invested in them. Some transfers are high-profile, generating headlines instantly, while others are hidden gems who quietly transform their squads. Career Mode managers and Ultimate Team enthusiasts can take notes from these success stories, understanding which signings can turn the tide of a season.

Whether it’s a proven superstar adapting seamlessly or a young talent making waves, these instant-impact transfers demonstrate the perfect blend of skill, confidence, and timing. Top 10 Summer Transfers That Have Been Instant Successes captures the excitement, drama, and immediate rewards of the transfer market.

10. Xavi Simons (Tottenham)

Xavi Simons’ transfer to tottenham has been a statement of intent for both the club and the young Dutch midfielder. Known for his creativity, dribbling, and vision, Simons has immediately added a spark to spur’s midfield. In just a handful of appearances, he has provided key passes, assists, and intelligent movement that disrupt opposition defenses, showing maturity beyond his years.

His stats reflect his influence: averaging 2.5 chances created per 90 minutes, completing multiple dribbles, and maintaining a high passing accuracy. Simons is comfortable in tight spaces and excels in transitional play, making him invaluable in counter-attacking situations. His ability to combine with spur’s attacking rhythm remains fluid and unpredictable.

Beyond the statistics, Simons’ confidence and composure make him stand out. He shows excellent decision-making in possession, linking defense to attack seamlessly while maintaining control in high-pressure moments. Spur’s coaching staff have praised his work ethic and professionalism, indicating that he is already considered a key contributor. This summer transfer highlights how youthful talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can deliver immediate success and provide long-term value.

9. Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal)

Martín Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal has been a masterstroke, adding stability and intelligence to the midfield. The defensive midfielder has become a lynchpin in the team, orchestrating play from deep positions while providing solid defensive coverage. His positioning, tactical awareness, and passing range make him a key component in both attacking transitions and defensive solidity.

Zubimendi’s stats underline his importance: winning multiple duels per game, maintaining high passing accuracy, and consistently breaking up opposition play. He averages several interceptions and tackles per 90 minutes, showing that his influence extends beyond simple possession, actively contributing to controlling the tempo of matches. His ability to read the game allows teammates to express themselves more freely in attacking areas.

Off the ball, Zubimendi demonstrates leadership and composure, guiding younger players and ensuring cohesion in midfield. His seamless adaptation to Arsenal’s style reflects his versatility and football intelligence. For a team aiming to compete in premier league and Europe, Zubimendi provides a foundation of consistency and reliability. His early performances prove that this summer signing is already making a measurable difference, exemplifying how a strategically chosen midfielder can elevate a squad immediately.

8. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)

Viktor Gyökeres’ move to Arsenal has been a revelation, quickly transforming the Gunners’ attacking options. Signed to add depth and pace up front, the Swedish striker wasted no time making his presence felt. In early appearances, Gyökeres has scored crucial goals and consistently pressured opposition defenses, showing that he can thrive in the Premier League’s fast-paced environment. His intelligent runs and finishing ability make him a constant threat in and around the box.

Statistically, Gyökeres has impressed with over two shots per 90 minutes, creating chances for teammates while completing several successful dribbles each game. His combination of height, agility, and movement allows him to stretch defenses, creating space for other attackers like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. Arsenal’s tactical setup suits him perfectly, enabling him to exploit wide areas and contribute to build-up play.

Beyond numbers, Gyökeres’ work rate and tactical awareness have earned the trust of his manager. He presses effectively, links play intelligently, and adapts quickly to different roles in attack. His seamless integration into the squad has given Arsenal more flexibility, and his early performances suggest he could be a major factor in the club’s Premier League and European ambitions. Gyökeres’ impact proves that the right signing can make an immediate difference.

7. Son Heung-min (LAFC)

Son Heung-min’s transfer to LAFC has generated excitement across MLS and the global football community. Known for his exceptional attacking ability, Son has quickly shown glimpses of his quality, registering a goal and an assist in his early appearances. While LAFC are still adjusting their tactics to fully utilize him, the underlying numbers demonstrate his dominance: nearly six shots per 90, over four chances created, and frequent involvement in key attacking sequences.

Even with limited time to settle, Son averages close to ten potential goal involvements per match, a level of output usually associated with elite players like Lionel Messi. His intelligence on the ball, timing of runs, and combination play make him a constant threat, and once he completes a full pre-season with the team, his goal contributions could easily exceed 25 in a campaign.

Son’s influence extends beyond raw statistics. His experience, professionalism, and ability to inspire teammates immediately raise the overall level of LAFC. He provides a focal point in attack, capable of turning matches with a single decisive action. In both Career Mode and real life, Son’s presence elevates team performance, ensuring LAFC not only compete but challenge for top honors while providing fans thrilling displays of skill, pace, and finishing prowess.

6. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

Granit Xhaka’s transfer to Sunderland is a statement signing, bringing Premier League experience and leadership to a newly promoted side. For an initial £13million, Sunderland acquired not just a midfielder but a player with title-winning pedigree, immediately elevating the squad’s quality. Xhaka has been central to the team’s promising start, helping secure six points from the first three matches, thanks to his composure, vision, and control in midfield.

The numbers reinforce his impact. Xhaka is winning duels, breaking lines, and creating chances while providing stability in both offensive and defensive transitions. His presence allows the team to retain possession under pressure, orchestrate attacks, and maintain discipline in high-intensity matches. For a promoted team, his ability to influence the midfield makes the difference between struggling and thriving at the top level.

Beyond statistics, Xhaka’s leadership is invaluable. He organizes teammates, communicates effectively, and brings a calm authority that allows younger players to perform with confidence. Sunderland now has a midfield heartbeat capable of dictating games, and Xhaka’s professionalism ensures he remains a consistent performer. If his early form continues, this signing could prove to be one of the smartest and most impactful of the summer, providing both immediate results and long-term stability.

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5. Joao Pedro (Chelsea)

Joao Pedro’s move to Chelsea for £55million has made an immediate impact, proving that the Blues’ investment was well-placed. Thrown straight into the Club World Cup, Pedro responded with four goals in three games, including a brace against his boyhood club Fluminense and a crucial strike in the final against PSG. His quick adaptation to a new environment demonstrates both his technical quality and mental strength, allowing him to perform at the highest level from the outset.

In the Premier League, Pedro has continued his hot streak, opening the season with two goals and three assists in just three appearances. Averaging nearly three shots per game and winning close to seven duels per 90 minutes, he combines scoring ability with work rate and intelligence. Pedro’s presence has strengthened Chelsea’s attacking depth, giving managers more tactical flexibility and adding unpredictability to the frontline.

Beyond statistics, Pedro’s professionalism sets him apart. His dedication to training, nutrition, and physical conditioning ensures he can maintain consistency across multiple competitions. For Chelsea fans, Pedro’s arrival offers optimism: a young, talented forward capable of influencing games and contributing immediately. If he continues at this pace, he could quickly become a cornerstone for the club, delivering performances that justify his price tag and adding a spark to Chelsea’s attacking ambitions.

4. Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Ritsu Doan’s arrival at Eintracht Frankfurt has already proven to be a masterstroke. The Japanese international was brought in to fill the scoring void left by Hugo Ekitike, and he has answered that challenge emphatically. In just three matches, Doan has scored four goals and added an assist, immediately becoming a key figure in Frankfurt’s attacking plans. His ability to unbalance defenses, create chances, and finish clinically has given the team an edge in a competitive Bundesliga start.

Beyond the headline numbers, Doan averages over two shots and two chances created per 90 minutes, showcasing his consistent threat on the ball. He’s not just a scorer but a complete forward who can link play, make intelligent runs, and contribute in multiple phases of the attack. Eintracht’s perfect start to the season reflects how well he has integrated into the squad, and his early impact suggests the club is poised for another strong European campaign.

Doan’s performances demonstrate the value of targeted transfers. Frankfurt identified their need for an immediate attacking solution and acquired a player capable of delivering from day one. In both Career Mode and real life, his speed, technical skill, and composure under pressure make him one of the most exciting summer signings.

3. Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)

Luis Diaz has seamlessly transitioned from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, quickly justifying the €75million investment. After a stellar 17-goal campaign in the Premier League, Diaz was expected to deliver immediately in the Bundesliga, and he hasn’t disappointed. He scored on his Supercup debut and added two more goals in his first three league matches, proving he can adapt to a new league and maintain his attacking threat. Diaz’s pace, agility, and precision on the ball make him one of Bayern’s most dangerous wide forwards.

Statistically, Diaz is performing at an elite level. He averages a goal per 90 minutes, takes 3.5 shots, creates 2.5 chances, and completes three dribbles per match. These numbers highlight his direct impact on games, showing that he’s not only scoring but also contributing to overall attacking play. Diaz is exactly what Bayern needed: a player capable of delivering instant results while integrating quickly into the team’s tactical system.

In-game and in reality, Diaz represents a perfect blend of speed, technical skill, and consistency. His early performances suggest that he will continue to thrive in Munich, and his presence immediately elevates the team’s offensive options. This transfer demonstrates how a high-profile signing, when executed correctly, can provide both immediate impact and long-term value.

2. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s €95million investment in Hugo Ekitike reflects high expectations for the French striker. After a mixed spell at PSG, Ekitike rebuilt his reputation with 15 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt, proving he could score consistently in a top European league. Early signs at Liverpool suggest he is ready to continue that form, scoring on his Community Shield debut and following it with a goal and assist against Bournemouth and another strike at Newcastle.

Ekitike may average fewer than two shots per game, but his clinical efficiency—0.78 goals per 90 minutes—demonstrates a sharpness in front of goal that makes him highly valuable. While Liverpool are still optimizing their build-up play to fully exploit his talents, the striker’s ability to find the net and create chances in limited opportunities highlights his potential impact.

In addition to raw numbers, Ekitike brings versatility, movement, and intelligent positioning. His ability to link up with teammates and exploit spaces behind defenses makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s dynamic style. As the season progresses, if the supply lines are perfected, Ekitike could become a central figure in the club’s attacking plans, proving why he commanded such a significant fee. His early performances indicate he is already capable of influencing outcomes and providing instant returns for the Reds.

1. Jack Grealish (Everton)

Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton has been nothing short of a renaissance. After his £100million move to Manchester City failed to fully ignite, the English winger has quickly reminded fans why he was once one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents. In just 196 minutes on the pitch, Grealish has already contributed four assists, proving decisive in tight matches against Wolves and Brighton. His vision, creativity, and flair have injected a new energy into David Moyes’ side, who previously lacked a reliable creator in the final third.

The numbers back up what the eye test shows. Grealish is averaging 2.3 chances created per 90 minutes, completing nearly three dribbles and winning over four fouls per game. These statistics underline his influence, showing that he’s not just a flashy name but a true game-changer. Everton’s style has allowed him to shine, with more freedom to pick his moments, take on defenders, and influence play across the attacking line.

Beyond statistics, Grealish’s impact is felt in the locker room and on matchdays. His ability to draw defenders and create space opens up opportunities for teammates, making Everton more dynamic overall. This loan spell could prove to be the turning point in his career, revitalizing a player who thrives when trusted to dictate play and create chances.

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