winds. rain. Michael Bublé songs on Spotify. The countdown to Christmas is well underway, and as the festivities continue, summer may seem like a lifetime ago.
But just as the festive season is about taking stock of one's possessions, the halfway point in the Premier League season is a good time for reflection.
Specifically, which of the many acquisitions in the summer transfer window have impressed so far.
Here are five pieces of business that seem to have done the job well.
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 22, 2024
Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest)
At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Milinkovic is hard to miss. But the Serbian defender's impact since signing for Forest from Fiorentina has been just as noticeable.
While Chris Wood has grabbed the headlines for his goals this season, Milinkovic has been a colossus for Nuno Espirito Santo's side at the other end of the pitch with his physical presence and no-nonsense style in defence.
Alongside Murillo, Milinkovic was the key to Forest propelling themselves to fourth in the table.
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
Palace may not have had much of a regular season yet, but centre-back Lacroix has given Eagles fans plenty to shout about.
The Frenchman has been a key component of Oliver Glasner's defense this season, and the 24-year-old is winning fans at a rapid rate for his combination of physicality and composure.
£21m (plus add-ons) from Wolfsburg already looks like a smart deal.
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
Everton's fifty might seem, at least initially, to be a high price to pay for the 23-year-old Belgian international in the summer.
But Onana has justified his hefty price tag with his solid performances as a midfielder and Villa has also impressed so far this season.
In the age of social media promotions, strict procedures and relentless work ethic often go unnoticed. However, these are the traits in which Onana excels; Traits that enable Unai Emery's attack-minded midfielders like Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers to thrive.
I feel amazing 😌 pic.twitter.com/E97OInjpbV
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 21, 2024
Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)
The rise and fall of Jadon Sancho. Like Harry Potter and the Very Hungry Caterpillar, it's a story that many know well.
But what about Sancho's rise, fall and rise again? It certainly looks like this could be the case if starting as a winger at Chelsea is anything to go by.
The 24-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, has impressed as Enzo Maresca's side look more and more like genuine title contenders. Perhaps a comprehensive renaissance at Stamford Bridge?
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)
At just 20 years old, Minteh has all the hallmarks of a star in the making. Pace, skill and hard-working Seagulls, who have a knack for polishing young talent before selling for big money, could have another money-maker on their hands.
The Gambian scored 10 goals and provided five assists in just 27 Eredivisie appearances last season and having secured his services for just £25m, Brighton already appear to have caught themselves a bit of a steal.