As the countdown to the 2025/26 Premier League season begins, clubs across the league are looking for every advantage. While new transfers often dominate headlines, the return of key players from injury or successful loan spells can be just as impactful.
Opta Analyst’s Ryan Benson highlights eight individuals who could provide a significant boost to their respective teams, proving the old adage that they can be “like a new signing.”
Among the most anticipated returns is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Turkish full-back, Ferdi Kadıoğlu. Signed for a reported £25 million in August of last year, Kadıoğlu was considered a major coup for the Seagulls.
The versatile, attack-minded defender had attracted interest from numerous top clubs, including Arsenal, after an impressive showing at Euro 2024.
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However, Kadıoğlu’s debut season in England was abruptly curtailed in November when the Turkish national team confirmed he had suffered a “capsule tear in his left big toe joint.”
After a recovery period that stretched longer than anticipated, he eventually underwent surgery nearly two months later, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
Now, Kadıoğlu is expected to be fully fit for the start of the new season, finally allowing him to kick-start his Brighton career. In his limited appearances for the Seagulls before injury, it was evident that coach Fabian Hürzeler valued Kadıoğlu’s adaptability.
Kadıoğlu’s Versatility: A Key Asset for Brighton
Kadıoğlu is an intriguing player, predominantly featuring at left-back for his former club Fenerbahçe despite being naturally right-footed.
At Brighton, Hürzeler deployed him on both flanks, in both full-back and more advanced wide positions. This suggests the club’s initial plan was to utilize him as a valuable utility player rather than solely a left-back. His technical prowess also meant he was capable of drifting into central areas when required, adding another dimension to his game.
His exact role heading into the 2025/26 season remains to be seen. He could challenge Pervis Estupiñán for the starting left-back spot, though the recent signing of Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge for a considerable fee adds further competition. On the right flank, Brighton retains Tariq Lamptey, who recently signed a new deal, and Joël Veltman.
Players who can seamlessly adapt to multiple positions and roles are a highly valued commodity in modern football. If Kadıoğlu can quickly regain his form and fitness, he could prove to be an exceptionally useful asset for Brighton, providing the much-needed depth and tactical flexibility that could indeed make him feel “like a new signing.”
