Premier League Signings: The 11 Biggest Flops of 2025-26

Premier League signings have always generated huge excitement, but the 2025-26 season has been particularly ruthless in exposing high-profile transfers that have failed to deliver. After a record-breaking £3 billion spent in the summer window, with Liverpool alone investing £415m, expectations soared across the league. Yet, as we reach the campaign’s midway point, several of the most anticipated arrivals have disappointed, struggling to justify their astronomical price tags.

Premier League Signings Under Scrutiny

Clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle all invested heavily, targeting game-changing Premier League signings to enhance their squads. However, while some like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Gianluigi Donnarumma have impressed, a significant number have faltered due to injuries, tactical mismatches, or simply failing to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.

Alexander Isak: Liverpool’s Costly Gamble

Arguably the most disappointing Premier League signing so far is Alexander Isak. Liverpool shattered their transfer record to land the Swedish striker for £125m after his successful stint at Newcastle. Due to a late transfer and lack of pre-season, Isak struggled with injuries and fitness, netting only three goals in 16 appearances before suffering a serious leg fracture. Compounding matters, Hugo Ekitike has outperformed him, leaving Liverpool fans questioning a deal that once seemed like a sure bet.

Viktor Gyokeres: Arsenal’s Elusive Finisher

Another major Premier League signing who hasn’t met expectations is Viktor Gyokeres. Arsenal hoped his prolific scoring record in Portugal would translate to the English game, but five goals in 17 league outings and frequent misfires have cast doubt on his suitability for Arteta’s demanding system. With Gabriel Jesus returning from injury, Gyokeres’ starting place is under threat.

Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United’s Risky Investment

Manchester United opted for youth over proven Premier League experience by signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £74m. Despite his physicality and build-up play, Sesko’s inexperience has shown, scoring just two goals in his first 16 matches. Injuries and inconsistency mean United’s top-four hopes are in jeopardy unless Sesko finds his scoring touch.

Other Disappointing Premier League Signings

• Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham): Loaned from PSG, Kolo Muani has failed to score in 11 league appearances, offering little threat up front. Despite physical attributes, his lack of cutting edge leaves Spurs still searching for a post-Harry Kane solution.
• Jamie Gittens (Chelsea): Arriving for £52m, Gittens’ confidence and creativity have vanished at Stamford Bridge, with only two assists in 16 appearances as he struggles under the weight of expectation.
• Thierno Barry (Everton): Signed to emulate club legends, Barry’s high work rate can’t mask his struggles in front of goal, managing just two goals in 21 games and leaving Everton short on attacking firepower.
• Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa): On loan from Manchester United, Sancho’s lack of form and attitude issues have persisted, failing to register a single goal involvement in 15 games.
• Milos Kerkez (Liverpool): The left-back has looked out of his depth since leaving Bournemouth, with poor positioning and nervous play casting doubt on his long-term prospects at Anfield.
• Anthony Elanga (Newcastle): After an impressive spell at Nottingham Forest, Elanga has failed to replicate his form at Newcastle, providing no goals and just one assist in 25 matches.
• Arnaud Kalimuendo (Nottingham Forest): Despite a prolific Ligue 1 campaign, Kalimuendo has barely featured, making little impact amid Forest’s managerial changes and is already rumored to be on his way out.
• Harvey Elliott (Aston Villa): On loan from Liverpool, Elliott has barely featured for Villa and is unable to move elsewhere due to FIFA rules, stalling the progress of a once-promising talent.

Main Reasons for Underperformance

The struggles of these Premier League signings stem from a mix of factors: the physical and tactical demands of the league, injuries disrupting rhythm, high price tags adding pressure, and the difficulty of settling into new environments. Some, like Isak and Gyokeres, were expected to be the missing piece for their clubs’ ambitions, but have instead found the Premier League a tough proving ground.

Can They Redeem Themselves?

There’s still time for these players to turn their fortunes around in the second half of the season. With the transfer window open, some may see reduced roles or moves elsewhere, while others will need to step up and prove their worth. Clubs and fans alike will be watching closely to see if these Premier League signings can silence their critics and deliver the value expected of them.

Opinion: Lessons from a Summer of Spending

In my view, the Premier League’s relentless pace and high expectations continue to expose how even the most promising signings can falter. The pressure of massive transfer fees, combined with the unforgiving nature of English football, means that clubs must balance ambition with patience. While some of these signings may still come good, this season is a stark reminder that spending big is no guarantee of success. For ongoing coverage and analysis, visit for more news.