Premier League, the performance of the former "Italians" in the English championship

Bologna, 20 November 2024 – Last summer we saw many players move from Serie A to the Premier League, which is now seen as the most competitive league in the world. In fact, many players have put the English first division at the top of their favorite destinations for their careers. Maybe it's because the Premier League is the richest league in Europe, as justified by the millions spent and earned every year, or because English teams now systematically reach the final stages of the various European competitions, but it's undeniable that the English league has a different appeal compared to the others. During the last transfer window, many players moved from Serie A to the Premier League, but, after more than two months since the start of the championship, how are the former "Italians" across the Channel doing?

Let's start with the most famous, the former Juventus player Federico Chiesa. So far, the season of the former number 7 of the Bianconeri has been anything but exciting: only 2% of minutes played in the Premier League, with just one appearance. Liverpool's spending, even if 12 million, has not yet been repaid, and for a few weeks there have been rumours of a possible loan departure for Chicco, with several Italian clubs that are definitely interested. The Italian winger's form is not optimal, so Chiesa is forced to get back on track to also win back the national team. As for the other former Juventus player, Dean Huijsen (who was on loan to Roma in the second half of last season), the percentage of minutes played with Bournemouth is 22%, with a total of 5 appearances in the Premier League (and one in the League Cup). Surely the English club's spending of 15 million is an investment for the future, as demonstrated by the young age of the defender, but for now it cannot be said that the former Juventus player is shining in England. Jans Cajuste, on the other hand, has played 30% of the minutes with theIpswich Town, who borrowed it from Napoli for a fee of 1,5 million euros. After a slow start, the Swedish midfielder has risen through the ranks, starting in two of his team's last three games. For jesper lindstrom, who moved on loan from Napoli toEverton, the minutes played in the Premier League are 348, or 35% of the total minutes. Even the Dane, like Cfit, in the last few matches he has been significantly increasing his time on the pitch, as demonstrated by the 88' played against Southampton and 90' against the West Ham. Then, there is Richard Calafiori, who moved from Bologna toArsenal for around 50 million euros. So far, the Italian defender has played 39% of the total minutes, with most of the absences being due to injuries that have affected him so far. Riccardo is a mainstay of Arsenal, with whom, so far, he has made 6 appearances and 1 goal, on 22 September against Manchester City. There is then Joshua Zirkzee, who also arrived at Manchester United from Bologna after paying the termination clause of 40 million euros. For now, the Dutch striker has played 43% of the total minutes, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist for his teammates. With the change of coach, however, his permanence among the ranks of the red devils is at risk, and many clubs, both Italian and non-Italian, have shown interest in his situation. The first to go beyond 50% of the minutes played is Okoli, who with Leicester has taken to the field 64% of the total minutes, collecting 7 appearances (all as a starter) and a yellow card. Finally, there is Milenkovic, former defender of FiorentinaThe Serbian centre-back, who moved from the Viola to Nottingham Forest in the summer for around €12 million, played 91% of the total minutes, immediately becoming a fixture for Espirito Santo.