Revealed: The quickest-starting Premier League signing of the summer

2 Sept 2021 14:55 BST
3 min read

Demarai Gray, Everton, Premier League — © ProShots

The Premier League’s Player of the Month award for August nominees have been announced, with just a single new signing among the five names on the shortlist.

Of course, in-form West Ham attacker Michail Antonio is one of those to have caught the eye, while Mason Greenwood of Manchester United is among the quintet.

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However, the sole new addition on the list is a figure that went relatively unheralded when he joined his new club.

Demarai Gray's electric star

Demarai Gray arrived at Everton this summer from for just €2m from Bayer Leverkusen, where he had experienced an ill-fated spell following his move from Leicester in January.

Although he was the Toffees only cash signing of the summer, the expectations for the 25-year-old were low.

This was largely caused by an entirely forgettable 2021/22 season. He featured only once for Leicester in the Premier League, playing a mere 18 minutes as a replacement, but it was hoped a move to Leverkusen might reinvigorate him.

He started well in Germany, getting a goal on debut and following that up with assists in Mainz and Augsburg before falling away.

Gray has started the Premier League season in similarly quick fashion. He might not have made an instant impact on debut, but he has scored against both Leeds and Brighton as Rafael Benitez’s men have made an unexpectedly quick start to the season.

Gray has been rewarded with a nomination for the Player of the Month award, and as the only signing on the five-man shortlist, he is therefore officially the new addition who has settled into his club best so far this summer.

Meanwhile, he faces stern competition to take off with the award. Antonio may be favourite while Greenwood has also started the season in explosive fashion for Man Utd. Meanwhile, the other names on the list are Antonio’s West Ham team-mate Said Benrahma and Tottenham defender Eric Dier.