As melhores contratações de sempre dos clubes promovidos à EPL: Uma recapitulação

Kyle Walker is the latest high-profile name to sign for a newly promoted club, joining the ranks of Alan Shearer, Nicolas Anelka, and Raphinha as major talents who moved to top-flight newcomers.

At EPLNews, we revisit some of the most significant and attention-grabbing signings made by clubs that had just secured promotion to the Premier League. For these teams, survival is the top priority. Consequently, the transfer window becomes a vital period to strengthen the squad that secured their elevation from the Championship.

Occasionally, circumstances align for a marquee signing to take place. Below are some of the most iconic examples, from past decades to the present day.

Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers)

Considered one of the finest strikers in Premier League history, Alan Shearer made headlines when Blackburn Rovers paid a British record fee to sign him from Southampton in July 1992. The move came right after Blackburn had gained promotion to the inaugural Premier League season.

In four seasons at Ewood Park, Shearer netted 112 goals in 138 Premier League matches. He formed a deadly strike partnership with Chris Sutton and played a pivotal role in Blackburn’s title-winning 1994/95 campaign under Kenny Dalglish.

Shearer was named in the PFA Team of the Year every season he spent at Rovers, collected two PFA Player of the Year awards, and was the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for 1993/94.

Juninho (Middlesbrough)

Middlesbrough pulled off a coup in 1995 by signing Juninho Paulista from São Paulo. The Brazilian attacking midfielder, known for his flair and creativity, quickly became a fan favourite and earned the nickname “The Little Fella”.

Though he left following Boro’s relegation, Juninho returned for a loan spell and then permanently in 2002. He played a key role in the club’s League Cup triumph in 2003/04 and wrapped up his Premier League career with 125 appearances, 29 goals, and 18 assists.

Nicolas Anelka (Manchester City)

Nicolas Anelka returned to England in the summer of 2002, joining newly promoted Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain. Following a productive loan spell at Liverpool, the French forward became an integral part of Kevin Keegan’s side.

He starred in City’s final derby at Maine Road and was the club’s top scorer in consecutive seasons. One standout moment was his goal in the 2004 victory over Chelsea, handing José Mourinho his first Premier League defeat.

Edwin van der Sar (Fulham)

In 2001, Fulham made headlines by signing legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar from Juventus. The Dutch international kept 42 clean sheets in 127 league matches, including 15 in his debut season when Fulham comfortably avoided relegation.

Before moving to Manchester United, van der Sar helped the club secure the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002.

Kyle Walker (Burnley)

Burnley, under Scott Parker, shocked many by signing Kyle Walker from Manchester City. The experienced fullback, a former teammate of Parker’s at Tottenham Hotspur, brings vast pedigree, including six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown.

At 35, Walker still possesses the ability to deal with the fastest attackers, despite a natural decline in pace, and is expected to be a key figure in Burnley’s 2025/26 campaign.

Raphinha (Leeds United)

In 2020, Leeds United signed Raphinha from Rennes, and the Brazilian winger proved to be a perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s dynamic style. Capable of scoring, creating chances, and pressing relentlessly, Raphinha helped Leeds stay up in both of his seasons.

With 17 goals and 12 assists from 65 Premier League matches, he moved to Barcelona in 2022, having firmly established his reputation.

Joao Palhinha (Fulham)

Fulham’s return to the Premier League in 2022 was marked by the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Sporting. The Portuguese defensive midfielder dominated the league’s tackling charts in both of his seasons.

Palhinha helped Fulham secure top-half finishes and reach the EFL Cup semi-finals in 2023/24. He made 68 appearances, scoring seven goals.

Raul Jimenez (Wolves)

Raul Jimenez joined Wolves on loan from Benfica in 2018, later making the move permanent for a then-club-record fee. The Mexican striker scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in his first season.

Although a head injury impacted his later years, Jimenez recorded 40 goals and 18 assists in 135 league games before joining Fulham in 2023.

Christian Eriksen (Brentford)

In January 2022, Christian Eriksen resumed his career by joining newly promoted Brentford after recovering from cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. His impact was immediate and profound.

Between his debut and season’s end, only De Bruyne and Ødegaard created more chances than Eriksen’s 30. Though he moved to Manchester United later in 2022, his six-month spell was transformative for Brentford.

Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)

In 2022, Morgan Gibbs-White signed for newly promoted Nottingham Forest after an impressive loan at Sheffield United. Over three seasons, he evolved into the club’s main creative force.

He finished the 2024/25 campaign with seven goals and eight assists. His influence has helped Forest secure European football for the first time since 1995/96.

Joao Moutinho (Wolves)

After winning Ligue 1 with Monaco, Joao Moutinho joined Wolves in 2018. Although he lacked Premier League-level physicality, his intelligence and technique were instrumental.

He scored his first goal in a draw at Old Trafford and formed a strong partnership with Ruben Neves, helping Wolves qualify for the Europa League. Moutinho played 175 Premier League games, with five goals and 18 assists.

Yakubu (Portsmouth)

Yakubu was vital in securing Portsmouth’s Premier League safety after joining on loan in 2003. He scored 16 goals in their debut top-flight campaign, finishing as the club’s top scorer.

Though his tally dropped to 12 in the second season, his 28 goals remain a club record in the competition.

Esteban Cambiasso (Leicester City)

Esteban Cambiasso joined Leicester City in 2014 after leaving Inter Milan. He scored on his debut in a 5-3 win against Manchester United and played a key role in Leicester’s late-season survival.

In 31 appearances, he scored five goals and was named the club’s Player of the Season.

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United)

Hatem Ben Arfa arrived on loan from Marseille in 2010 and signed permanently in January 2011. Though plagued by injuries early on, he blossomed in 2011/12.

Famous for his mesmerising dribbling, Ben Arfa produced 13 goals and 10 assists in 76 appearances before departing in 2015.

Teddy Sheringham (Portsmouth)

Teddy Sheringham joined Portsmouth at 37 in 2003 and exceeded all expectations. The veteran striker scored nine goals and provided four assists, playing a key role in helping the club avoid relegation.

Youri Djorkaeff (Bolton Wanderers)

World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff signed for Bolton in 2001, kicking off their era of “Galactico” signings under Sam Allardyce. He contributed 19 goals and nine assists in 78 Premier League appearances.

His creativity helped Bolton reach the 2003/04 EFL Cup final.

Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Pascal Gross joined Brighton in 2017 following their promotion to the Premier League and quickly became central to the team’s setup under Chris Hughton.

In 228 appearances, he scored 30 goals and assisted 45. Only Kevin De Bruyne created more chances (602 to Gross’s 508) during that span. He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2024.

Christophe Dugarry (Birmingham City)

Christophe Dugarry joined Birmingham on loan from Bordeaux in 2003 and delivered when it mattered most. A member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning side, he scored five goals in four critical matches to help the club avoid relegation.

His charisma and flair left a lasting legacy, despite a short stay.

Attilio Lombardo (Crystal Palace)

Attilio Lombardo, with multiple major titles under his belt, shocked fans by joining Crystal Palace in 1997. He made 24 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals and assisting six.

Nicknamed “The Bald Eagle,” he remains a cult hero and was named in Palace’s centenary XI in 2005.