Six €100m+ Premier League New Signings Debut: Who Is the Best Value, Enzo or Rogers?

To be honest, this summer's football transfer market has been extremely competitive. Six transfers with reported fees above €100 million have captured the attention of countless fans. Some expect them to become key players for their teams, while others question whether the money was well spent. Now that all six have appeared, it is time to discuss their true level.

First, let's talk about Enzo. With a reported fee of €145 million, he is undoubtedly the most expensive of this group of new signings. His statistics in this match were solid — 94 touches, 71 completed passes out of 78 attempts, a success rate of 91%, one key pass, and two shots on target. These numbers would be considered excellent for any midfielder, but Enzo has yet to find his rhythm in terms of goals or assists.

However, there is no need to rush to conclusions. It takes time for a player to adapt to a new tactical system, especially when Manchester City's midfield is already filled with top-quality players. A 91% passing accuracy rate shows his fundamentals are not a problem; the key question is when he can truly become a 'playmaking core' rather than a 'safe defensive midfielder.'

Now look at Chelsea's Rogers. With a fee of €138 million, he has already made three appearances for the Blues, recording one goal and one assist, and has started every match since the beginning of the season. This efficiency places him among the top tier of billion-euro-level new signings. His debut goal came in the opening round, when he received Lacroix's assist and finished with his right foot inside the box in a decisive manner; in the second round, he delivered a brilliant cross from the left to assist Neto's goal.

Rogers has a rare quality about him — young but composed. €138 million is a huge investment, but his performances so far have justified the spending. Chelsea's management has not wasted this money, at least up to this point.

Manchester City's other new signing, Elliott Anderson, also deserves mention. At €135 million, he has actually received the most playing time among the six players. Including the Community Shield and three Premier League matches, he has accumulated 295 minutes, and his performance in this match was outstanding. He led the entire game in passes and completed passes, while also recording the most successful dribbles and fouls won for his team.

To be honest, Elliott Anderson has already produced a performance at a 'main creator' level. Passing, dribbling, and creating chances — he has influenced the match in almost every aspect. The €135 million signing is not a showpiece player, but an engine capable of truly carrying a team. In my view, Manchester City may have found a gem with this deal.

Liverpool's Barcola is a more unusual case. He joined the Reds for €125 million and has so far only appeared as a substitute for 26 minutes in the league. The numbers look limited, but one detail stands out — during his brief appearance, he reached a sprint speed of 35.9 km/h, becoming the fastest player in the Premier League this season. What does this data show? It shows Liverpool value his speed and explosiveness; even with limited minutes, he can create danger whenever he comes on.

Barcola needs patience. Klopp's tactical system has always emphasized high pressing and quick transitions, and a pace-based winger in such a system can often change the outcome of a match in a single moment. Twenty-six minutes is too little, but a speed of 35.9 km/h has already left a strong impression.

Real Madrid's Jan Diomande is the only non-Premier League player among the six. He joined the club for €125 million and has appeared in each of La Liga's first four rounds, but only as a substitute. Real Madrid's left flank is currently occupied by Vinicius and Guler, and Diomande has played 87 minutes without a goal or an assist.

But this does not mean he has failed. Spanish media reports say Mourinho is creating a special plan for him, with the aim of reducing pressure and avoiding rushing the process. A club like Real Madrid has always been patient with new signings, and Diomande only needs to wait for his opportunity. After all, didn't Ancelotti's 'take it slowly' approach eventually produce results?

Tonali joined Tottenham for €108 million. He started all three Premier League matches and was rested in the League Cup. His usage already shows Tottenham's level of trust in him — a core role has been given. However, Tottenham's recent record of two defeats and one draw in their last three matches has not looked good, which has partly hidden Tonali's adaptation process.

The match against Forest in this round could be considered Tonali's best performance: one successful aerial duel, six successful ground duels, four tackles, one clearance, one goal-line clearance, and one interception. He made major defensive contributions while working to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Tottenham fans may want to give him more time; after all, with the team's overall results being poor, it would be unfair to place all the blame on him.

Looking at all these statistics together is interesting. Among the six billion-euro transfers, some have been highly efficient, some are still adapting, some are waiting for opportunities, and some have contributed despite being less noticeable. We cannot simply judge them by whether they are 'worth it,' because the logic of the transfer market has never been about immediate returns, but rather long-term investment.

Of course, the Premier League's competition never waits for anyone. As the season progresses, these players will face greater pressure while also having more chances to show themselves. It may be better to look further ahead and review whether these six deals were worthwhile during the winter window or even at the end of the season, when the judgment will be more convincing.

The story of football has only just begun. What kind of chapters can these six players write? Let us wait and see.