Wayne Rooney identifies Hugo Ekitike and Granit Xhaka as the Premier League best signings this season after winter transfer window

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has identified Hugo Ekitike and Granit Xhaka as the standout signings in the Premier League this season, following the close of the winter transfer window on Monday.

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Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney praised the performances of the Liverpool forward and Sunderland midfielder for their immediate impact. “Ekitike and [Granit] Xhaka at Sunderland have probably been the two best signings in the Premier League. I really enjoy watching Ekitike play,” Rooney said.

Ekitike joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in last summer’s transfer window and has quickly become a key attacking outlet. His pace, intelligent movement, and composure in front of goal have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike.

Meanwhile, Xhaka returned to English football with Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen and has provided leadership and tactical intelligence in midfield. His experience has helped stabilise Sunderland during crucial stages of the campaign.

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Rooney’s comments highlight the influence that carefully chosen signings can have on team performance, even amid the broader flurry of activity across Premier League clubs in the summer and winter windows.