Wayne Rooney signings of the season –Wayne Rooney has named Hugo Ekitike and Granit Xhaka as his signings of the season, praising the transformative impact both players have had since joining the Premier League last summer. Ekitike arrived at Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Xhaka made the move to Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen
Rooney, reflecting on the season so far on The Wayne Rooney Show, said both players have exceeded expectations and quickly adapted to English football. According to him, their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the fortunes of their respective clubs.
Rooney specifically lauded Ekitike’s versatility and natural goal-scoring instincts, describing him as a player who can operate in multiple roles across the attack. “I really enjoy watching Ekitike play.
His second goal against Newcastle, in particular, was brilliant—it reminded me of Romario. A little toe-poke goal, but completely instinctive,” Rooney said. He highlighted how Ekitike is neither a traditional number nine nor a number ten; instead, he drifts wide, gets on the ball, creates opportunities for teammates, and can score crucial goals himself.
Rooney noted that this adaptability makes Ekitike a joy to watch and a valuable asset in Liverpool’s attacking setup.
Beyond his technical skills, Ekitike has already contributed a significant number of goals and assists this season. His movement off the ball, ability to find pockets of space, and quick decision-making have allowed Liverpool to diversify their attack, keeping defenders guessing.
Rooney believes that Ekitike’s presence in the squad has not only enhanced Liverpool’s forward play but also inspired younger players to embrace creativity and spontaneity in the final third.
The former England captain emphasized that Ekitike’s performances are a prime example of a signing that immediately improves a team’s tactical flexibility and goal threat.
Meanwhile, Rooney highlighted Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland, describing him as one of the Premier League’s best signings of the season. “Granit has been outstanding. He controls the midfield, sets the tempo of games, and brings stability to Sunderland’s play. He’s a leader on and off the pitch,” Rooney said.
Xhaka has proven himself as a commanding presence, capable of breaking up opposition attacks while also initiating offensive transitions. His combination of defensive awareness and passing range has made him a cornerstone of Sunderland’s midfield strategy.
Xhaka’s performances have also contributed to Sunderland climbing the Premier League table and challenging for higher positions than many predicted at the start of the season.
Rooney’s analysis underlines the importance of experienced players who can combine tactical intelligence with consistency, a quality Xhaka has demonstrated week after week.
According to Rooney, the midfielder’s ability to read the game and influence matches from the center of the pitch makes him a model signing and a player other clubs would envy.
The former Manchester United star also reflected on the broader transfer market, noting that successful signings like Ekitike and Xhaka are rare and require careful scouting and strategic planning.
“You look at the Premier League, and there are so many transfers that don’t work out immediately. But players like Ekitike and Xhaka adapt quickly, bring immediate value, and often exceed expectations,” Rooney explained.
His comments highlight the challenges clubs face when integrating new players into the team and the importance of selecting signings who fit both the tactical system and the club culture.
In addition to their individual contributions, Rooney emphasized the positive effect both players have on team morale and overall dynamics. Ekitike’s energy, creativity, and ability to link up with teammates have made Liverpool’s attack more fluid, while Xhaka’s leadership and composure in midfield have allowed Sunderland to play with confidence and structure.
“These are the kind of signings that change the atmosphere around the club. When you have players performing at this level, it lifts everyone,” Rooney said.
Experts have echoed Rooney’s praise, with many analysts pointing to Ekitike’s growing influence in Liverpool’s forward line and Xhaka’s stabilizing effect in Sunderland’s midfield.
Their performances this season serve as evidence that strategic transfers, when well-executed, can have immediate and lasting impacts in the Premier League.
Rooney’s insight also underscores a broader lesson for clubs investing in talent: while marquee names often attract headlines, it is the players who blend skill, adaptability, and leadership who ultimately define a season.
Looking ahead, Rooney believes both Ekitike and Xhaka have the potential to continue shaping their clubs’ success in the remainder of the season. “If they maintain this level of performance, they won’t just be signings of the season—they’ll be remembered as players who made a difference,” he said.
With Liverpool and Sunderland striving for top results, the contributions of these two players are likely to remain under the spotlight, and their performances could influence transfer strategies for years to come.
Read also: Arda Guler mobbing at Real Madrid: Pekmezci alleges harassment by high-ego players is affecting Turkish midfielder’s career
Wayne Rooney’s assessment of the season highlights Hugo Ekitike and Granit Xhaka as prime examples of high-impact signings in the Premier League.
Ekitike’s instinctive attacking play and Xhaka’s midfield mastery reflect the qualities clubs seek when investing in talent: versatility, leadership, and immediate impact.
According to Rooney, these players not only enhance their teams’ performances but also inspire teammates, elevate tactical possibilities, and make the league more competitive and exciting. This season, for Rooney, Ekitike and Xhaka have set the standard for what it means to be a true signing of the season.
About The Author
