Best value-for-money Premier League deals in 2013

At a time when most players come at a premium, some Premier League managers managed to buy quality on the cheap. And these shrewd purchases could prove to be as equally important as big-money transfers.

Below is a list of the best value-for-money deals of the 2013 summer window:

Nathan Redmond (C) battles with James Ward-Prowse (L) and Adam Lallana (R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on August 31, 2013 in Norwich, England. (Getty Images)

Nathan Redmond | Birmingham to Norwich City for £3m

The 19-year-old, who worked under Chris Hughton during his time at St. Andrews, should thrive if given the opportunity at Carrow Road.

Championship players like Blackpool’s Tom Ince and Derby County’s Will Hughes are valued at around £10m, so at his price, the England U-21 is a steal.

Redmond will offer a different dimension to the Canaries attack, as the winger has the potential to terrorise defenders with his pace and dribbling skills. He showed exactly that when he opened his account in Norwich’s first win of the season against Southampton.

Dejan Lovren looks on during a friendly match between Southampton FC and UE Llagostera at the Josep Pla i Arbones Stadium on July 17, 2013 in Girona, Spain. (Getty Images)

Dejan Lovren | Olympique Lyon to Southampton for £8.5m

The Saints made all the right moves in the market having signed the likes of Daniel Osvaldo and Victor Wanayama. But the signing of 24-year-old Lovren is one that could have the most impact on the side.

The centre-back has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign and has already formed a rock-solid partnership at the back with Jose Fonte.

The Croat, who has outshone the other two big-money signings, even scored the winner in the team’s win away at Liverpool.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel celebrates after scoring during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Everton at Carrow Road on August 17, 2013 in Norwich, England. (Getty Images)

Ricky van Wolfswinkel | Sporting Lisbon to Norwich City for £8.5m

Norwich proved to be extremely astute negotiators in the summer and pulled off yet another piece of good business by signing the 24-year-old striker.

The Dutchman is an extremely versatile and is equally good at finding the back of the net with both his feet and his head.

In his two years in Portugal, Wolfswinkel scored 45 times, and has already got his Norwich career off the mark by rescuing a point for Canaries in a 2-2 draw against Everton.

Steven Caulker (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with team-mate Gary Medel (L) during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Cardiff City at Craven Cottage on September 28, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Steven Caulker | Tottenham Hotspur to Cardiff City for £8m

A surprise departure from White Hart Lane, the centre-back is a decent acquisition for the newly-promoted Welsh side.

The 21-year-old, who has worked his way into the national set-up, will not only shore up the backline but will also bring his leadership qualities to the side.

Caulker has already produced some calm and assured displays this season, and scored in his side’s away win to Fulham. The Englishman could prove to be a crucial addition if the Bluebirds avoid the drop.

Marco Van Ginkel controls the ball during the exhibition match at Rajamangala National stadium in Bangkok on July 17, 2013. (Getty Images)

Marco van Ginkel | Vitesse Arnhem to Chelsea for £8m

A standout performer at the Under-21 European Championships in Israel this summer, it is quite a pity that the 20-year-old is out for six (to nine) months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

A box-to-box player midfielder, the Dutchman showed flashes of his brilliance prior to his injury and with a five-year deal to serve out, there is enough time for him to fulfil his immense potential.

And upon his return, van Ginkel won’t have the burden of a massive price tag on his shoulders, as Chelsea got themselves a really sweet deal.

Simon Mignolet gives instructions during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on September 29, 2013 in Sunderland, England. (Getty Images)

Simon Mignolet | Sunderland to Liverpool for £9m

The 25-year-old shot-stopper moved to Anfield after a brilliant season on Wearside. And he began his Liverpool career in similar fashion, recording three clean sheets in his first three starts.

The Belgian custodian even saved a Jonathan Walters penalty on debut to preserve his side’s lead and earn them the three points.

Brendan Rodgers has slowly but surely been steadying the ship in the red half of Merseyside, and the addition of Mignolet to his squad could be crucial if Liverpool are to break in to the top four once again.

Christian Eriksen (R) celebrates scoring with Kyle Naughton (L) during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Tromso IL at White Hart Lane on September 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Christian Eriksen | Ajax to Tottenham Hotspur for £11m

The 2011 Danish player of the year is by far the best value-for-money deal in the Premier League. Why no other big team cashed in on him – when he was especially available on the cheap – is a mystery.

The 21-year-old is a pure number 10 in every sense and provided an assist on his debut for Spurs, while he opened his account in with a superbly taken goal in a 3–0 win over Tromso in the Europa League.