Top 10 'Like A New Signing' Players for 26/27 Season: Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs Stars

Summer means transfers, bringing fresh hope that’s often misplaced. Yet, nothing quite matches the thrill of a player returning to action after a long absence—what we call a Like A New Signing. It’s the buzz of spotting a solution hiding within your existing squad, whether a player recovers from injury or returns from a loan spell.

Does it always work out? Usually not, but there’s hope for these ten players making their comeback this season.

10) Fabio Carvalho (Brentford): The former Liverpool winger suffered an ACL injury last November and had only six Premier League appearances before then. He’s just returned in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Brentford’s B team, marking his first steps back.
9) Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool): Liverpool’s centre-back situation is tricky with several injuries and loans. Leoni was signed as Van Dijk’s future replacement but tore his knee on debut. Now back to solo training, he aims for a September return, a full year after his setback.
8) Stefanos Tzimas (Brighton): After a £21m transfer from Germany, Tzimas showed promise but suffered an ACL injury on his first Premier League start. Back in training now, he could help fill the gap left by Danny Welbeck’s move to Chelsea.
7) Levi Colwill (Chelsea): Chelsea’s defence struggled heavily last season, partly due to Colwill’s long injury absence. Returning late last season, he offered glimpses of stability. With a new manager onboard, Chelsea has several players who fit this 'Like A New Signing' mold.
6) Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United): De Ligt started the season strong but a back problem required surgery in May. Though his return date is uncertain, the many changes at United since he last played make him feel like a fresh addition.
5) Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham): Long injured, Kulusevski may be back in training after 15 months sidelined by a knock. His return would ease Spurs’ attacking woes, although manager Roberto De Zerbi cautions against rushing his rehab.
4) Cheick Doucoure (Crystal Palace): Once Palace’s player of the year, Doucoure has battled through nearly three years of injuries, including a torn Achilles and knee problems. Pre-season signs suggest he’s regaining fitness to support Pierre Sage’s squad.
3) Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea): Jackson must remain at Chelsea to qualify here. Despite ups and downs, he impressed alongside Cole Palmer last season and got pre-season minutes under new coach Xabi Alonso, showing potential for a strong season.
2) Alexander Isak (Liverpool): After a difficult first season marred by injuries and poor form, Isak hasn’t yet felt like a true Liverpool player. With a new manager and fresh start, he could finally make an impact in the Premier League.
1) Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): The ultimate 'Like A New Signing.' Rashford was loaned out during Ruben Amorim’s tenure but is now back under Michael Carrick’s management. Wearing a new squad number, he symbolizes a fresh start and hope for the club.