Premier League revivalists: Buendia, Keane, Igor Thiago and Kadioglu shine like new signings this season

Sometimes a footballer just needs a fresh chance. This season, several stars in the Premier League have bounced back from challenging campaigns last term.

We've profiled four Premier League players who have been 'like new signings' this season.

Emi Buendia - Aston Villa

Emi Buendia’s time at Aston Villa looked up in the summer, with the midfielder deemed surplus to requirements after returning from an underwhelming loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

Buendia had faded from Unai Emery’s plans after a troubled period with injury, with the team appearing to evolve past a player who started brightly after joining from Norwich City in 2021.

After failing to find a new club, Buendia has put the work in to break back into the fold. Though not a regular starter, he’s been an important contributor for Aston Villa this season, scoring five times and providing three assists across all competitions.

A last-gasp winner sunk Premier League leaders Arsenal in December, while a stunning free-kick against Bournemouth might just be Villa’s Goal of the Season. The 28-year-old has already matched his best goalscoring season at Villa Park.

Michael Keane - Everton

Michael Keane’s exit from Everton appeared inevitable in the summer with the defender’s deal expiring at the end of last season.

The centre-back has been with Everton since 2017, but started just 11 Premier League games last season. A regular target for the critics, news of one-year contract extension was hardly greeted with unanimous backing.

However, Keane’s new deal has been a blessing for the Blues. In the absence of the injured Jarrad Branthwaite, the 32-year-old has produced arguably the most consistent form of his Everton career this season. Just six players have made more clearances than Keane (138) this season, with the veteran a key part of Everton’s improvement from recent relegation scares.

Igor Thiago - Brentford

Brentford seem to have a conveyor belt when it comes to signing goalscorers. From Ollie Watkins to Ivan Toney, to the deadly duo of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, the Bees have got plenty right with attacking additions.

The summer sales of Wissa and Mbeumo raised fears over a relegation battle this season, but Igor Thiago has stepped into their shoes impressively.

The Brazilian’s debut season at Brentford was decimated by an ACL injury sustained in pre-season, a problem that limited Thiago to just one Premier League start.

Back at full health, he’s been a revelation for the West Londoners. Only Erling Haaland has outscored the 24-year-old, who has netted 16 times in 20 league starts. Such has been his form, a maiden Brazil call-up has been backed by head coach Keith Andrews.

Ferdi Kadioglu - Brighton

Brighton ’s capture of Ferdi Kadioglu was considered a coup ahead of last season, with the full-back impressing for Turkey at Euro 2024.

Tenacious, dynamic, and adaptable, he had been linked with bigger clubs before Brighton got a deal done. However, a toe injury in November curtailed his campaign, with surgery required after a complicated recovery.

This season he’s been a regular for Fabian Hurzeler, starting all but one Premier League game for the Seagulls.

The summer sale of Pervis Estupinan has seen Kadioglu nail down the left-back role, forcing summer recruit Maxim De Cuyper to operate further forward.