Best-value buys of the season: Calvert-Lewin and Xhaka headline season’s best deals | OneFootball

Premier League clubs have more money than their European rivals, but it doesn't mean England's elite don't love a bargain.

In the ever-inflating world of footballtransfers, it feels extra satisfying to land value. We've picked out some of the best-value deals in the Premier League this season.

All were purchased for less than the cost of one Andy Carroll in 2011...

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Leeds (Free)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was at a crossroads in his career in the summer. A chequered fitness record and just three league goals forEverton last season meant the list of suitors was shorter than he might have imagined as a free agent.

In stepped newly-promoted Leeds, and it's proven to be a perfect fit. Calvert-Lewin's aerial threat has suited Daniel Farke's robust side down to the ground, whilehe's scored nine Premier League goals.

Having not been capped since 2021, an unforeseen England recall could be on the cards.

Rayan Cherki - Manchester City (£30.5m)

When you watch Rayan Cherki, it's a head-scratcher howManchester City got him for a little over £30m.

The Frenchman is an outstanding talent and has combined aesthetic with end product this season. Cherki has averaged a goal or assist every 89 minutes across all competitions in 2025-26. That's elite.

Jordan Henderson - Brentford (Free)

At 35, Jordan Henderson might have picked an easier next challenge than a return to thePremier League from Ajax. But Henderson's inner-drive was what helped him turnaround a faltering Liverpool career to become a Champions League and Premier League-winning captain.

He's been an excellent addition forBrentford, adding leadership to a side that lost several big-name players in the summer. The best bit? He didn't cost a penny.

Adrien Truffert - Bournemouth

Bournemouth barely miss when it comes to recruitment at the moment. Despite losing Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarni and Milos Kerkez in the summer, and Antoine Semenyo in January, the Cherries have continued to compete this season.

While Kerkez has struggled somewhat atLiverpool, his replacement has caught the eye on the south coast. Truffert's endless endeavour to overlap has been a feature of Bournemouth's campaign.

Gianluigi Donnarumma - Manchester City (£26m)

Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the world's best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or awards.Manchester City snapped him up from Paris Saint-Germain for just £26m in the summer.

The Italian might not have Ederson's expansive passing range and technical quality, but when it comes to the art of shot-stopping he's among the very elite. A giant of a man who has brought plenty of presence to Pep Guardiola's side.

Robin Roefs - Sunderland

Sunderland have exceeded all expectations this summer and their brilliant recruitment has been the foundation for that.

Among their best business was the signing of Robin Roefs, a goalkeeper who represented somewhat of a gamble given he had just one full season of Eredivisie experience.

It's a roll of the dice that has paid off, with the young Dutchman catching the eye in the North East.

Nordi Mukiele - Sunderland

Discarded at PSG after a fairly forgettable loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Nordi Mukiele needed a fresh start. His move toSunderland was one some doubted but it has been a perfect match.

The Frenchman has been fantastic inSunderland’s super start, as the Black Cats have dared to dream in the top tier. After almost a decade away, the newly-promoted side are targeting a shock European place.

Malick Thiaw - Newcastle (£34m)

Much was made about Newcastle’s summer. The Magpies missed out on a wealth of targets, particularly in attacking areas, as names including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, and Hugo Ekitike all chose other destinations.

Nick Woltemade has impressed in flashes, but it’s Malick Thiaw who has been the best buy. The German has been a near faultless presence at centre-back, having cost a little over £30m in the summer.

Martin Dubravka - Burnley (£2m)

Picked up for just £2m in the summer, the addition of the experienced Martin Dubravka has been brilliant business fromBurnley.

The Clarets remain mired in trouble, but the Slovakian shot-stopper has at least ensured thatBurnley still have a fighting chance. He's kept them in games repeatedly this season.

Estevao - Chelsea (£29.1m)

This one might slightly be cheating, as Estevao looks likely to hit the heights required to trigger several add-ons in this deal.

Chelsea have a gem on their hands with Estevao.. Having thrown the fishing net far and wide in search of emerging talent in recent years, Chelsea have landed a potential superstar in the Brazilian.

He might be just 18, but Estevao is already establishing himself in the Brazil set-up and as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. Hit potential is sky high.

Granit Xhaka - Sunderland (£17m)

Granit Xhaka’s decision to swap Bayer Leverkusen forSunderland was one of the surprises of the summer. After two outstanding seasons in Germany that included an unbeaten league title and back-to-back Team of the Year inclusions, the ex-Arsenal midfielder was lured back to England.

It’s an addition that has helped transformSunderland from a hopeful promoted outfit to a genuine competitive force. Xhaka’s metronomic presence and leadership have glued together a side largely strung together in the summer.