Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey – 2021/22 Premier League summer signings to watch after difficult debut seasons

The Premier League 2022/23 season is nearly upon us and fans up and down the land are growing excited about seeing their new signings in action.

The summer transfer window has been ridiculous so far, with pretty much every club splashing out and bringing in new recruits.

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Could this be Jack Grealish’s year?

But what about some of the star signings from last summer’s window?

The likes of Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho arrived to much fanfare but perhaps failed to live up to their lofty price tags.

With that in mind, talkSPORT.com looked at five players signed last summer who are ready to make a huge impact this year…

Jack Grealish: £100m – Manchester City

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Now Erling Haaland is at Man City, expect to see Grealish flourish

Grealish is Man City’s record signing, and by a long way as well, but his displays last season appeared to be subdued.

The 26-year-old was known at Aston Villa for taking players on and making things happen with his quick feet and football intelligence.

During his last season at Villa, he scored six times in 26 Premier League appearances and created 12 more. But he was only directly involved in six goals in the same number of appearances for the Citizens.

Now, statistics aren’t the be-all and end-all, and Pep Guardiola was happy with Grealish’s performances.

However, we all know there is so much more to be unlocked and there are several reasons why this will be the year Grealish becomes indispensable.

Erling Haaland’s arrival will give City a focal point and someone for Grealish to feed off. They have already combined in pre-season and could become a superb partnership.

Raheem Sterling has also left, meaning he should get more game time.

This is the year we could see the Grealish we all know and love once again.

Jadon Sancho: £73m – Manchester United

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Sancho has looked good in pre-season

After a year-long pursuit of Sancho, the Red Devils finally got their man last summer.

But his signing was overshadowed by the returning Cristiano Ronaldo and his confidence seemed to disappear under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 22-year-old’s first season in the Premier League saw him score three goals and provide three assists, while his performances in many games were below standard.

At Borussia Dortmund, Sancho earned the reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the world and capable of causing havoc against any side.

And that is the Sancho we should see at Old Trafford this year.

The England international has started all four pre-season friendlies and has scored three goals.

He is getting into the box more and seems like a guaranteed starter under Erik ten Hag.

Sancho has the talent to propel the Red Devils into the Champions League spots, he is that good.

Leon Bailey: £25m – Aston Villa

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Bailey was one of the Bundesliga’s best wingers

Of all Aston Villa’s summer signings last year, Bailey proved to be the biggest disappointment.

The winger made a decent start to life in England with one goal and two assists in his first four games.

But a thigh problem robbed him of a good chunk of matches and he often found himself on the bench after that.

However, the Jamaican winger is very talented and has had a full pre-season to get up to speed.

Steven Gerrard even claimed Bailey is a ‘different player’ and his recent display against Man United was exciting.

Joe Willock: £25m – Newcastle

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Willock has scored three goals in pre-season for Newcastle

Willock became an instant hero on Tyneside after his goals during his loan in the 2020/21 season kept the Toon up.

Newcastle then spent the whole summer trying to get Willock before sealing the deal in August.

But the 22-year-old struggled for fitness and form under both Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe.

There was a brief resurgence at the beginning of the year, but a few niggly injuries saw him lose his place in the midfield.

However, after a full pre-season with Howe and more stability behind him with Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier, we should see Willock getting into the box and hitting his 2020/21 levels.

Patson Daka: £22m – Leicester

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Daka had an OK start to life in England

Daka scored 27 goals in 28 league games for RB Salzburg during the 2020/21 campaign, which tempted the Foxes to splash out.

He ended the season with five goals in 23 PL appearances, which isn’t bad, but after a season of adapting, we can expect much more end product.

Jamie Vardy isn’t getting any younger, so this could be the year in which he is slowly fazed out with Daka, a natural successor.

The 23-year-old is quick and clinical in front of goal, and with James Maddison and Harvey Barnes providing the ammunition, Daka could easily get 15 plus goals for the Foxes.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Daka takes quite a lot of people by surprise this year.