Explore the fascinating journeys of Premier League clubs and their acquisition of players who have tasted championship glory, revealing unexpected connections and the diverse roles these celebrated individuals played upon joining new teams.
The Illustrious Last Premier League Champion Signed: A Club-by-Club Chronicle
Arsenal: The Unfulfilled Promise of a Champion Winger
Mikel Arteta heralded the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, emphasizing their championship mentality. While this duo proved pivotal in transforming Arsenal into title contenders, the impact of another City title-winner, Raheem Sterling, who joined the Gunners, was notably less significant for the club.
Aston Villa: The End of an Era for a Returning Hero
Ashley Young, a player who twice returned to Aston Villa under different managers, was a consistent presence in their plans. However, Unai Emery chose not to extend his contract, citing tactical decisions, despite Young's considerable contribution and his ascent into the top nine all-time Premier League appearances for Villa.
Bournemouth: A Veteran Defender's Final Flourish
Gary Cahill retired having achieved remarkable success, including multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. His stint at Bournemouth, where he contributed to their promotion, marked a fitting end to a decorated career, highlighting his consistent ability to impact teams even in his twilight years.
Brentford: Welcoming a Champion Midfielder
Brentford experienced a significant summer, marked by the departure of Thomas Frank and, more notably, the arrival of Jordan Henderson. Historically, the Bees had not signed many Premier League winners, with Paul Davis being a rare exception. Henderson's transfer, following soon after Caoimhin Kelleher's arrival, signals a new chapter for Brentford in attracting players with championship pedigree.
Burnley: The Pursuit of Elite Experience in Defense
Burnley aimed for top-tier experience in their defensive ranks, considering players like Kyle Walker, who boasts an impressive collection of Premier League medals. The club's focus was on leveraging the insights and professionalism that such seasoned players bring, particularly hoping for Walker to draw upon his earlier, successful years at Manchester City.
Brighton: Nurturing Talent with Veteran Leadership
Brighton has excelled not only in player development but also in integrating experienced, trophy-laden players. Figures like Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck have offered invaluable mentorship, with James Milner standing out as a true leader and role model, emphasizing rigorous preparation and continuous self-improvement, even extending his contract due to his enduring fitness.
Chelsea: The Young Champion's Emergence
Chelsea's transfer strategy often leans towards young, promising talents. The signing of Cole Palmer, a Manchester City treble winner, somewhat blended these philosophies. Despite not being a regular starter, his contributions were significant, and he quickly became a key player for Chelsea, with potential for more major honors on the horizon.
Crystal Palace: A Belgian Striker's Loans
Michy Batshuayi, despite his scattered loan spells, provided a decent goal return for Crystal Palace during his two tenures. While Nathaniel Clyne also had ties to a title-winning Liverpool side, his last Premier League appearance for the Reds preceded their championship. Batshuayi's journey, even through European leagues, highlights his consistent presence on the field.
Everton: The Backup Goalkeeper's Unsung Title
Asmir Begovic, despite not meeting the appearance threshold for a winner's medal, values Chelsea's Premier League title as a significant career achievement. His return to the Premier League with Everton as a backup goalkeeper reflects a player seeking stability and purpose, even if it meant a less prominent role.
Fulham: The Enduring London Connection
Willian, a player with a deep affinity for London clubs, has maintained an unusual but seemingly amicable arrangement with Fulham, being released and then re-signed each summer. This pattern underscores his comfort and preference for staying in the city, continuing to contribute to the Premier League.
Leeds: A Goalkeeper's Quest for a Winner's Medal
Stuart Taylor's memorable pursuit of a Premier League winner's medal under Arsene Wenger illustrates the strict criteria of the time. Despite Arsenal already securing the title, he needed to make his tenth appearance on the final day, a moment he eventually achieved as a substitute. His subsequent move to Leeds in 2014 adds another layer to his unique career path.
Liverpool: The Unlikely Veteran Goalkeeper's Brief Stint
Alex Manninger, an Austrian goalkeeper, received special dispensation for a Premier League medal with Arsenal after proving vital as a backup. Years later, he joined Liverpool for a single season, bringing a wealth of experience, even if his playing time was limited. His arrival coincided with other notable signings like Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Manchester City: The Departure and Return of a Midfield Maestro
Manchester City’s decision to let Ilkay Gundogan leave for Barcelona was quickly seen as an error, leading to his swift return. Despite facing a demanding and sometimes frustrating season with 54 appearances, Gundogan’s commitment endured, even as opportunities in other leagues emerged.
Manchester United: Preserving Legacy with a Returning Defender
Jonny Evans plays a unique role in Manchester United's history, as his presence ensures the club continues to have a Premier League winner in their squad, a record that dates back to the 1992/93 season. His re-signing helps maintain a link to the Sir Alex Ferguson era, a connection that has dwindled over the years.
Newcastle United: An Unforeseen Partnership
The image of Sol Campbell playing alongside Andy Carroll at Newcastle United is certainly a rare and almost unimaginable sight for many football fans. This unlikely pairing highlights how diverse and sometimes unexpected player combinations can emerge in the Premier League, creating unique footnotes in football history.
Nottingham Forest: A Forgotten Loan Spell
Divock Origi, known to Liverpool fans for his crucial and often dramatic goals, had a less impactful loan spell at Nottingham Forest. His 22 appearances yielded only one goal, contrasting sharply with his memorable contributions at his former club, making his time at Forest a footnote in his career.
Sunderland: A Brief, Controversial Stint
Darron Gibson's time at Sunderland was short-lived and turbulent. His controversial remarks after a pre-season defeat, criticizing teammates' commitment, epitomized his difficult tenure. Despite joining to aid their Premier League survival, he was released within months, leaving a memorable but negative impression.
Tottenham: The Goalkeeper's Influence Beyond the Pitch
Joe Hart, once lauded by Jose Mourinho, proved to be a reliable option for Tottenham, maintaining an unbeaten record and several clean sheets in his appearances. Beyond his on-field performance, his most peculiar legacy in North London was introducing the squad to cricket, an unexpected cultural exchange.
West Ham: A Challenging Loan for a Midfielder
Kalvin Phillips' loan spell at West Ham was fraught with difficulties, with club coaches reportedly surprised by his attitude. His actions, including an incident with a fan, further complicated his time there, painting a picture of a challenging period for the midfielder.
Wolves: A Striker's Last Hurrah
Diego Costa's free transfer to Wolves provided him with an opportunity to surpass a personal goal-scoring milestone. This move proved to be a perfect fit, allowing the unretired striker to continue his career and potentially extend his legacy, possibly even becoming a future acquisition for other prominent clubs.
