The 2025-26 Premier League season has delivered fireworks from the off, with several blockbuster striker signings from the summer transfer window already making their mark. As of October 12, 2025—seven matchdays in—new arrivals like Erling Haaland's relentless form at Manchester City and Hugo Ekitiké's explosive start for Liverpool are headlining the Golden Boot race. But not every high-profile forward has hit the ground running, with adaptation challenges evident for some. This breakdown spotlights the season's major striker acquisitions, their goal tallies, and key insights into their impact, based on the latest stats.
Erling Haaland: Manchester City's Record-Breaking Machine
Manchester City's Norwegian powerhouse Erling Haaland, who extended his contract until 2034, leads the scoring charts with 9 goals in 7 appearances. His blistering start includes braces against Brentford and Manchester United, pushing his Premier League tally past 100 overall. At a goals-per-90 rate of 1.36, Haaland's clinical edge (14 shots on target from 29 attempts) has City unbeaten and atop the table. Despite one assist, his box predation remains unmatched, making him the early Golden Boot favorite.
Hugo Ekitiké: Liverpool's £69m Prodigy Lighting Up Anfield
Liverpool's marquee €80m (£69m) signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, Hugo Ekitiké, has wasted no time, netting 3 goals in 6 games for a 0.7 goals-per-90 rate. The 23-year-old Frenchman scored the first goal of the entire Premier League season in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth and added a brace in the Community Shield. With 1 assist and strong link-up play (4 chances created), Ekitiké's pace and physicality complement Mohamed Salah, helping Liverpool sit second. He's already among the top 10 scorers.
Viktor Gyökeres: Arsenal's Swedish Sensation Finding Rhythm
Arsenal splashed out on Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP to solve their striker woes, and the 27-year-old has 3 goals in 7 outings. His adaptation has been steady, with a debut brace in the EFL Cup and crucial strikes in league wins, including against Newcastle. Boasting a 0.47 goals-per-90 and 5 shots on target from 15 attempts, Gyökeres' power and finishing (no assists yet) are boosting Arsenal's title push. Early signs point to him exceeding expectations in a high-pressure role.
Alexander Isak: Liverpool's £125m Gamble Struggling Early
In one of the window's biggest deals, Liverpool forked out £125m to pry Alexander Isak from Newcastle, but the 26-year-old Swede has 0 league goals in 3 appearances (181 minutes). Despite an assist and a Carabao Cup strike against Southampton, Isak's xG of 0.61 highlights missed chances—no shots on target yet. Injuries and limited preseason have hampered his integration, but his underlying metrics (high touches in the box) suggest a turnaround is likely for the former 23-goal Golden Boot runner-up.
Richarlison: Tottenham's Evergreen Brazilian Delivering
Tottenham's Richarlison, who wasn't a new signing but has revitalized under Ange Postecoglou, has 3 goals and 1 assist in 7 games. His overhead kick and brace in a 3-0 opener against Burnley earned Player of the Matchweek honors, with a 0.43 goals-per-90 rate. The 28-year-old's aerial prowess (high duel success) and work rate have Spurs third, proving his £60m value from 2022.
Benjamin Šeško: Manchester United's Young Gun Building Momentum
Manchester United invested in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško for £50m+, and the 22-year-old Slovenian has 2 goals in 7 matches. His debut strike against Fulham showcased his aerial threat, but consistency eludes him so far (low xG conversion). With no assists, Šeško's role in United's fluid attack is evolving, but his 21-goal Bundesliga pedigree hints at more to come.
Igor Thiago: Brentford's Brazilian Bargain Hunting Goals
Brentford's £30m capture from Palmeiras, Igor Thiago, has 4 goals in limited minutes, tying him for fourth in the scoring charts. The 23-year-old's opportunistic finishing (3 shots on target) has been a revelation, including a double against West Ham. No assists yet, but his movement is key to Brentford's counter-attacks, validating the low-risk signing.
Nick Woltemade: Newcastle's Isak Replacement Stepping Up
Newcastle signed Nick Woltemade for £25m from Stuttgart to fill the Isak void, and the 23-year-old German has 3 goals in 4 games. His clinical starts, including against Arsenal, boast a high conversion rate, with 0 assists. Woltemade's energy fits Eddie Howe's system, helping Newcastle climb to mid-table.
Striker Signings Comparison Table
| Player | Team | Goals | Games Played | Assists | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 9 | 7 | 1 | League leader; 1.36 G/90 |
| Igor Thiago | Brentford | 4 | ~5 | 0 | Tied for 4th; high conversion |
| Hugo Ekitiké | Liverpool | 3 | 6 | 1 | First PL goal of season |
| Viktor Gyökeres | Arsenal | 3 | 7 | 0 | EFL Cup brace on debut |
| Richarlison | Tottenham | 3 | 7 | 1 | Matchweek 1 star |
| Nick Woltemade | Newcastle | 3 | 4 | 0 | Instant impact post-Isak |
| Alexander Isak | Liverpool | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0.61 xG; adapting |
| Benjamin Šeško | Manchester United | 2 | 7 | 0 | Aerial threat emerging |
Verdict: A Summer of Promise and Pressure
Seven games in, this summer's striker haul has transformed the Premier League's attacking landscape—Haaland's dominance and Ekitiké's flair are title-defining, while Gyökeres and Thiago exceed expectations. Challenges for Isak underscore adaptation risks, but with the likes of Woltemade thriving, the depth is real. As rotations and injuries bite, these signings could decide the 2025-26 title race. Keep tabs on the EPL top scorers—the goals are just getting started.