5 most influential transfers of the 2016/17 summer transfer window

The transfer market is finally over and there have been some absolute blockbuster moves this year. The Premier League sides have spent over 1 billion in the transfer market while the Serie A sides have also not backed away from making some big money moves. Teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich have made some interesting signings, but these players improved the squad depth rather than becoming stars for their respective teams.

However, some signings have stood out for the impact they have on their team and how well they have adjusted to the manager’s and the club’s demands and philosophy. Without much ado let us take a look at 5 transfers which have had the most impact this season:

#5 Sadio Mane

Many eyebrows were raised when Sadio Mane was bought from Southampton for a fee over 30m by Liverpool. However, if the first few performances of Mane are anything to go by, the Senegalese international is worth every penny.

Full of pace and running, Mane looks like the perfect Klopp signing, The Liverpool forward has shown electric pace, outstanding skill and good dribbling abilities in his first few matches and Liverpool look like a completely different team when Mane plays.

The player who most epitomises the Jurgen Klopp style in Liverpool, Mane could prove to become one of the best signings of the summer transfer window.

Why is he important? - Key player for Jurgen Klopp’s pressing and counter-attacking style of play

#4 Dani Alves and Gonzalo Higuain

Juventus might have lost out on Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata this summer, but they have made some shrewd acquisitions this transfer window, making them one of the strongest squads in Europe.

The Old Lady play with a very distinctive 3-5-2 formation and the key to its success is their flying wing-backs. Dani Alves moved for free to Juventus from Barcelona this season and it is already proving to be a genius move.

The Brazilian is one of the best attacking full-backs in the world and he already looks like a perfect fit for Allegri's side. Add to the mix one of the best number 9s in the world in Gonzalo Higuain and Juventus are ready to win the Serie A and pose a real challenge to the Champions League crown this season.

Why are they important? – Dani Alves makes Juventus’ 3-5-2 formation tick while Gonzalo Higuain is definitely a step up on Alvaro Morata

#3 John Stones

Pep Guardiola was determined to get a ball playing centre-back and the arrival of John Stones at Manchester City would have delighted the supremely successful Spanish manager. Guardiola’s sides always have a certain style of playing and John Stones is crucial to implementing the style at Manchester City.

To any ordinary supporter, John Stones might not have had as much impact as Sergio Aguero or even Raheem Sterling, but to a more discerning eye, Stones is the backbone of the Guardiola philosophy.

The former Everton man might have made only 3 appearances for the Citizens so far, but his ability to play out from the back has made City implement Guardiola’s blueprint to the hilt in the Premier League.

Why is he important? – John Stones is the ideal ball playing defender and is crucial to Pep Guardiola’s philosophy at Manchester City.

#2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Manchester United needed to rediscover their swagger back after a few poor seasons and the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has done just that for the Red Devils. The enigmatic Swedish striker has provided a reference point to the Manchester United attack and has settled in wonderfully at the Premier League.

A truly world class attacker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already scored crucial goals in the Community Shield and the opening two matches of the Premier League. With 4 goals in 4 games, Zlatan has already proven why he is considered to be one of the greatest players of this generation.

The Swedish superstar has bought the fear factor back to Manchester United again and with his superb record of winning League titles in whichever side he plays, United fans for the first time since Sir Alex left can have realistic hopes of the Premier League title.

Why is he important? – Zlatan Ibrahimovic brings the fear factor back to Manchester United and makes them genuine title contenders once again

#1 N’golo Kante

N’golo Kante has had a whirlwind 14 or so months. He played a key role in Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League triumph last season and this season he is already looking like Chelsea’s main man in midfield.

When Chelsea splashed 30m on one of the game’s premier central defensive midfielders, they knew exactly what they were getting and the Frenchman has added much-needed steel and energy to Antonio Conte's midfield. The pairing of Fabregas and Matic looked very fragile last season, but Kante’s signing has ensured Conte can implement his philosophy completely at Stamford Bridge.

The man who is most important for Conte to implement his tactics, Kante is one of the main reasons if not the main reason for Chelsea’s much-improved start to the Premier League this season

Why is he important? – N’golo Kante provides much-needed steel to Chelsea’s midfield and allows the likes of Hazard and co to play with freedom.