10 Premier League Players Who Could Feel Like New Signings in 2026/27
The summer transfer window is usually dominated by new arrivals, big fees and excitement about what fresh signings can bring.
But clubs do not always need to spend huge amounts to improve their squads.
A player returning from a serious injury, coming back from a loan spell or simply getting another opportunity under a new manager can sometimes have a similar impact to a new signing.
Ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, several players could give their teams exactly that kind of boost.
Here are 10 players who could make a major difference after spending significant time away from the spotlight.
10. Fabio Carvalho – Brentford
Fabio Carvalho has an opportunity to make a fresh start at Brentford after a difficult period on the sidelines.
The former Liverpool attacker suffered an ACL injury last November and had made only a handful of Premier League appearances before being ruled out.
He has now taken an important step in his recovery by returning to action in a behind-closed-doors match.
If Carvalho can regain his fitness and confidence, Brentford could benefit from having another creative attacking option available.
9. Giovanni Leoni – Liverpool
Liverpool's defensive situation makes Giovanni Leoni an especially interesting player to watch.
The young centre-back suffered a serious knee injury on his Liverpool debut in the Carabao Cup, bringing his first season at the club to an early end.
Leoni was viewed as a long-term defensive option and someone who could eventually succeed Virgil van Dijk.
He has returned to individual training and could be back around September. A successful comeback would give Liverpool another important option at centre-back.
8. Stefanos Tzimas – Brighton
Stefanos Tzimas had a frustrating beginning to life at Brighton.
After joining the club from Germany, the young striker gradually began attracting attention with impressive substitute appearances and eventually scored his first Premier League goal.
Unfortunately, his first league start ended with an ACL injury.
Tzimas has since returned to training and could have an important role to play for Brighton, particularly after Danny Welbeck's move to Chelsea.
If he can reproduce the promise he showed before his injury, Brighton may feel like they have gained another attacking player without making another major signing.
7. Levi Colwill – Chelsea
Chelsea will hope Levi Colwill can finally enjoy a full season without injury problems.
The defender missed most of the previous campaign before returning toward the end of the season.
His absence was particularly costly for a Chelsea side that struggled defensively during difficult periods of the campaign.
With a new manager in Xabi Alonso and changes throughout the squad, Colwill could become an important part of Chelsea's plans.
A fully fit Colwill would give the Blues greater stability at the back.
6. Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United
Matthijs de Ligt could also provide Manchester United with a significant boost.
The Dutch defender started the season regularly before a back problem eventually ended his campaign. He later underwent surgery and spent months recovering.
He has now returned to training and is working toward full fitness.
There have also been major changes at Manchester United since De Ligt last played regularly, including a change in manager.
A healthy and confident De Ligt could therefore feel like a major addition to the squad for the new campaign.
5. Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham
Tottenham supporters have been waiting a long time to see Dejan Kulusevski back at full fitness.
The Swedish international has been away from action for around 15 months after suffering a serious injury.
Tottenham's attacking options could certainly benefit from his return.
The club has already worked to strengthen other areas of the squad, but another fit and creative Kulusevski would give the attack a completely different dimension.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has also expressed hope that the midfielder can return as soon as possible, although the club does not want to rush his rehabilitation.
4. Cheick Doucoure – Crystal Palace
Cheick Doucoure is perhaps one of the biggest comeback stories on this list.
The midfielder was once one of Crystal Palace's most important players and even won the club's Player of the Year award.
However, a succession of serious injuries has kept him out for much of the past two seasons.
Doucoure has made only a limited number of Premier League appearances since late 2023.
Early signs from pre-season suggest he could finally be ready to contribute again.
If he stays fit, his return could provide new manager Pierre Sage with an experienced and powerful option in midfield.
3. Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson's future at Chelsea remains an important part of the story, but if he stays at Stamford Bridge, he could have another chance to change perceptions.
The striker has experienced plenty of criticism during his Chelsea career despite showing flashes of genuine quality.
His partnership with Cole Palmer has also been highlighted as something that could benefit both players.
With Xabi Alonso now in charge, Jackson has received opportunities during pre-season and has reportedly looked sharp.
If he can rediscover his confidence and improve his consistency, Chelsea could get much more from him than they did previously.
2. Alexander Isak – Liverpool
Alexander Isak is one of the most intriguing names on this list.
Liverpool invested heavily to bring the Sweden striker to Anfield, but his first season was disrupted by injuries and inconsistent performances.
That means supporters have still not seen the best version of Isak in a Liverpool shirt.
The striker already has extensive Premier League experience, so he should not need a long adaptation period.
Liverpool have also entered a new era under manager Andoni Iraola, giving Isak another opportunity to establish himself.
If he can return to the level he showed at Newcastle, Isak could become one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League once again.
1. Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
Marcus Rashford is arguably the clearest example of a player who could feel like a new signing.
After loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford is back with Manchester United as the club prepares for the new season.
A lot has changed since he was last a regular part of the United squad.
Ruben Amorim is no longer in charge, with Michael Carrick now managing the team. Carrick also knows Rashford from their previous time together at Manchester United.
Rashford has reportedly been reintegrated into the squad and has been given a new squad number.
For a player who has already shown he can score and create goals at the highest level, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs.
If Rashford can rediscover his best form, Manchester United may feel as though they have made a major attacking signing without bringing another player through the door.
Which Player Could Make the Biggest Impact?
The 2026/27 season could produce several impressive comeback stories.
Rashford has perhaps the biggest opportunity because of his history with Manchester United and the changes surrounding the club.
Isak is another obvious candidate. A fully fit and confident version of the Liverpool striker could transform the champions' attack.
Kulusevski, De Ligt, Colwill and the other returning players could also have important roles to play.
Sometimes the biggest improvement to a squad is not found in the transfer market. It can come from getting an important player fit, confident and ready to perform again.