9) Sunderland: Didier Ndong – £13.6m
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Following the departure of manager Sam Allardyce, who took up the England job, Sunderland have failed to get going at the start of the season. While that has been the norm most seasons before a battle for survival in the final months, a draw and two losses in the first three games do not exactly inspire confidence.
David Moyes has come in to ensure they stay in the Premier League this season and avoid the fate of their Tyneside rivals Newcastle who were relegated last season. And he got straight down to business and signed a few players, including three youngsters from Manchester United (two permanent and Adnan Januzaj on loan).
But the club spent £13.6m to bring 22-year-old central midfielder Didier Ndong from Ligue 1 side Lorient. A midfielder with a lean and athletic build, who is both quick and powerful, he was the mainstay in midfield last season. The Premier League might be a different ball game altogether but he has the potential to learm and command the midfield as he grows older.
“It will be an honour to wear the Sunderland shirt,” Ndong said after his transfer. “And I will wear it with a true understanding of what it means.”
8) Bournemouth: Jordon Ibe – £15m
In what is Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in charge at Liverpool, he had the freedom to cull his squad and sign some fresh faces. One of those who did not have a future at Anfield was Jordon Ibe.
In spite of clocking more than 1100 minutes for the Reds last season, the competition was too intense following the arrivals of Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum. With Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho also in the mix, there was no place for Ibe.
Ibe may not be their biggest signing this summer after Arsenal agreed to loan Jack Wilshere to the Cherries. But Bournemouth spent their highest transfer fee ever to bring Ibe to Dean Court.
Ibe preferred the Cherries’ style of play under Eddie Howe and it played a crucial role in signing for the south coast club. “This is a great opportunity for me to help take another step in my career,” he said after signing a four-year contract.
