Top 5 summer signings that have surpassed expectations 

In every transfer wind plenty of players move clubs, finding new destinations in which to play their trade. This past summer, there was a significant amount of transfer activity with plenty of big-money moves being completed. Deals to sign Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé did well to detract a lot of attention from transfers which quietly slipped under the radar.

After every acquisition, there are tendencies to always rate how good or badly they performed for their new side. Here, we take a look at five signings that have initially surprised everyone by performing better than expectations suggested they would.

#5 Maximilian Philipp - Borussia Dortmund

Maximilian Philipp agreed a five-year deal at Dortmund after BVB reached a rumoured €20m deal with fellow Bundesliga side Freiburg for his signature.

The 23-year-old arrived in June, around the same time that speculation about Dembélé's future continued to intensify. Replacing the talented French youngster was never going to be an easy task, though Philipp has thus far been a revelation for his new side this term.

He has asserted himself as a crucial piece in their attacking play and already netted five league goals to date. They've managed to unearth another great young talent who they'll hope can remain with them for many years to come and continue to assert his credentials as a first-team regular.

#4 Mariano Díaz - Lyon

Mariano agreed terms to join Ligue 1 side Lyon following six years at Real Madrid

Mariano Díaz was widely seen as Real Madrid's reserve striker, essentially third-choice, in a star-studded squad last term. Alexandre Lacazette's move to Arsenal meant the Ligue 1 side needed attacking reinforcements and the Barcelona-born Dominican has impressed while settling into unfamiliar surroundings this season.

He's already scored nine league goals and created two assists in 12 appearances for Lyon, which is a commendable achievement. They'll be hoping he can continue his goal-scoring form, not least because he's only four off the division's leading goalscorers - PSG's Edinson Cavani and Monaco forward Radamel Falcao.

He has already formed a formidable partnership alongside Nabil Fekir as they aim to take Lyon to new heights this term and beyond.

#3 Sead Kolasinac - Arsenal

Sead Kolasinac has been impressive for Arsenal this term thus far

Amid interest from a whole host of other European clubs, Arsenal's deal to sign Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke was met with some raised eyebrows.

It hinted that they were going to be more ambitious and efficient with their summer transfer business, not least having had the deal agreed in June.

Despite a forgettable start to the 17/18 campaign, Kolasinac has been one of the Gunners' few bright sparks and continues to impress.

A walking powerhouse, the 25-year-old has been defensively solid and excellent in attack too - which is increasingly common with modern-day fullbacks. Consistently performing well, Kolasinac has quickly asserted himself as a fan favourite in north London and Wenger's decision to rival other suitors for his signature has ultimately paid off.

#2 Simone Zaza - Valencia

Simone Zaza (right) has surprised everyone with his goalscoring exploits this season

Simone Zaza was on a season-long loan spell with Valencia last term and his displays were average at best. However, Juventus inserted a compulsory purchase within the deal regardless of the Italian's performances - meaning Los Che have acquired his services permanently now.

To say he has repaid their faith in him to date, is an understatement. He has exceeded early expectations and impressed with recent goalscoring form - surpassing the likes of Luis Suárez and Karim Benzema as one of the division's best.

With nine goals in eleven La Liga appearances this term, Zaza's presence has played a significant part in helping Valencia re-surge under Marcelino. They currently sit in second place, four points behind Barcelona and Zaza is only second behind Lionel Messi's 12-goal haul this campaign - so he has a target to surpass.

If players like Zaza continue their brilliant run of form in attack, Valencia can genuinely mount a serious challenge for the La Liga title this term.

#1 Paulinho - Barcelona

Paulinho has been a welcome addition in Barcelona's midfield, despite critics suggesting he would struggle

Can you remember the harsh trolls, negative comments and criticism when Paulinho was officially unveiled as a Barcelona player?

There was outrage among many as to how the Brazilian, who struggled for consistency at Tottenham could cope with the demands in one of the world's best sides.

Not even a single shirt adorning Paulinho's name was sold from the club's official store on the day of his presentation.

Fast-forward three months and the 30-year-old has gone a long way to proving his critics wrong. Providing the Barca midfield with physicality and energy that they've missed for long, he has also popped up with important goals and formed a good understanding with Lionel Messi when marauding forward.

If he continues to perform well on a consistent basis, there's no reason why he cannot remain in the side as Ernesto Valverde's squad look to earn plenty of silverware this season - not least with main rivals Real Madrid struggling at present.