Zhan Jun reviews the best and worst signings in the Premier League this season: Xhaka and Isak make the list.

Following 10 rounds, Arsenal leads the Premier League, in stark contrast to the past two seasons when all promoted teams were relegated. Sunderland has emerged as the standout promoted club, ranking in the top four! Well-known Premier League analyst Zhan Jun shared his choices for the season’s best and worst signings on social platforms.Zhan Jun’s picks are Xhaka (Sunderland) as the best signing and Isak (Liverpool) as the worst.

Xhaka, aged 33, valued at €12 million on Transfermarkt, joined Premier League newcomers Sunderland this summer for €15 million from Bundesliga’s Leverkusen. He immediately became a key player and captain, anchoring the midfield. He has started all 10 Premier League matches this season, scoring once and providing three assists, playing a crucial role in Sunderland’s surprising fourth-place standing. Sunderland secured a disciplined and hardworking midfielder with Premier League experience for just €15 million. Xhaka’s excellent game management and balanced attacking and defensive skills make him the true “brain” of the Black Cats.

Isak, 26 years old and last season’s Premier League Silver Boot winner, has already proven himself in the league. Valued at €140 million on Transfermarkt, he moved this summer from Newcastle to Liverpool for €145 million. However, Liverpool also signed striker Ekpitike for a high fee this summer. Isak missed the preseason and the first three league matches due to injury, limiting him to just 4 Premier League appearances (3 starts) with no goals and one assist; in the Champions League, he played 3 times (2 starts) without scoring or assisting. He is currently recovering from an injury, reportedly a long-term adductor muscle issue.

Personally, I strongly agree with Zhan Jun’s opinion: the best signing in the Premier League this season is Xhaka, while the worst is Isak. Liverpool’s recruitment seems misguided—they already have Ekpitike, yet their priority signings should have been wingers and center-backs. It appears that having more funds has led Liverpool to a rather chaotic transfer strategy.