Top 5 Gallagher Prem Signings of the Summer So Far

There has already been plenty of business—some of it going back to last season—with certain teams faring better than others in the improvement stakes.

With that in mind, here are our five best transfers ahead of next season, in no particular order.

A lot has been made of the mass exodus of Leicester Tigers players at the back end of last season after Michael Cheika announced he was leaving, and many see their squad for the next campaign as significantly weakened.

While Handré Pollard, Dan Cole, and Ben Youngs have been replaced moderately well, one position that seems to be in safe hands is hooker. Captain Julián Montoya has also left the club, leaving behind a big gap—but Jamie Blamire's acquisition could prove to be an inspired one.

Blamire has been a standout player for the struggling Newcastle Falcons for a number of years and looks capable of making a positive impact at Welford Road, much like Adam Radwan. Radwan left Falcons for Tigers midway through the season and was key in helping Tigers reach the Premiership final. If Blamire has a similar impact, Montoya’s departure won’t sting too much in the East Midlands.

If Premiership champions Bath weren’t already stacked across the board, they’ve just added one of the finest players in the league to bolster their ranks. Santi Carreras has long been a fan favourite at Gloucester thanks to his electric playing style and deft skill with the ball—but he's swapped Kingsholm for The Rec this season.

The fly-half, who’s equally comfortable in the back three, will likely feature there given Finn Russell is still at Bath. That means their depth at number ten is wild, especially with Ciaran Donoghue coming through the ranks. Carreras will slot in seamlessly to Johan van Graan’s side, no matter where he plays.

Clearly not content with being a one-season wonder, Bath look set to challenge again—and Carreras could be the cherry on top of an already delicious squad.

Everyone had a hunch this would happen eventually. Now that Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens is confirmed, fans are buzzing to see what the experienced fly-half/centre brings after a summer with the British and Irish Lions. He didn’t enjoy the best of times at Racing 92—injuries marred his stint in Paris—but he remains a top-tier talent and could reinvigorate the Sarries.

The 33-year-old racked up nearly 3,000 points during his previous 16-year run at the club, and now he’s back for a final chapter. Initially signed for a couple of seasons as a player before transitioning to a coaching role, Farrell’s presence on the pitch will be as much about leadership as performance. It could be just the signing Saracens need to claw back into the play-offs after narrowly missing out last season.

Exeter Chiefs have struggled in recent campaigns, but they're showing serious intent with some big-name signings to change that narrative. Chief among them is Len Ikitau, the talented centre from the Brumbies, who arrives alongside international teammate Tom Hooper. Both featured against the Lions this summer and come with plenty of hype.

Henry Slade has often played at 12 for England and will likely shift there to make room for Ikitau at 13—a pairing that could bring balance and bite to the midfield. With both players internationally proven, Chiefs fans have reason for optimism. It’s clear Exeter have no intention of languishing near the bottom with the Falcons this year.

It doesn't get much bigger than signing a Champions Cup winner—and that’s exactly what Harlequins have done by bringing in Bordeaux's versatile lock/flanker Guido Petti. The Argentine international was crucial to Bordeaux’s European triumph this year, serving as the ideal link man between forwards and backs.

Quins underwhelmed last season, finishing just shy of the play-off race, but the addition of someone like Petti—alongside stars like Marcus Smith—could tip the balance. Although he can operate in the second row, he typically plays on the flanks, adding some much-needed physicality to the back row. With fellow Puma Rodrigo Isgro also in the squad, the South American spice might be just what Quins need to cook up something special.