15 most disappointing Premier League players of the 2025–26 season (so far)

October 21, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The Premier League's 2025–26 season may still be young, but that hasn’t stopped the pressure from mounting on several big-name stars. From new signings failing to live up to their hefty price tags to seasoned veterans underperforming, disappointment has been felt across the league. Here are 15 players who, based on form and expectations, have let fans down the most — ranked from least to most disappointing.

15. Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

Morgan Rogers was instrumental in Villa’s Champions League charge last season, dazzling fans with creativity and finishing. This time around, he's struggled to recapture that spark, though a recent screamer against Spurs hints at a possible return to form.

14. Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United

Mainoo’s inclusion on this list is more about opportunity than performance. Despite his talent, he's managed just 118 league minutes under Ruben Amorim, and fans fear his development may stall without regular action.

13. Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal

Viktor Gyökeres — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

With 54 goals last season, expectations were sky-high for Gyokeres at Arsenal. While he’s scored three times already, his muted performances in big games have left fans wondering if he's Premier League material.

12. Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United

Sesko arrived with plenty of hype and a hefty price tag, but his early form has been patchy. Despite scoring twice, his inconsistency has drawn criticism from pundits and supporters alike.

11. Anthony Elanga – Newcastle United

Elanga’s £55m move raised eyebrows, and his return of zero goals or assists in eight games hasn’t helped. Once again, he seems to be struggling to make the step up at a big club.

10. Jorgen Strand Larsen – Wolverhampton Wanderers

jørgen strand larsen — Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com

Strand Larsen was seen as a potential game-changer at Wolves but has yet to register a single goal or assist. With Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table, his struggles have only amplified fan frustrations.

9. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

At 34, Van Dijk may finally be showing signs of decline. The usually composed centre-back has looked off the pace at times, with Liverpool's defence noticeably less assured.

8. Morgan Gibbs-White – Nottingham Forest

Forest's European qualification last season was largely down to Gibbs-White’s influence. But this campaign, he's failed to replicate that form, and Forest's dip in performance reflects his own.

7. Alexander Isak – Liverpool

Isak’s record-breaking transfer to Liverpool hasn't paid immediate dividends. With no goals in four games, his lack of sharpness and the decision to bench Hugo Ekitike have drawn criticism.

6. Milos Kerkez – Liverpool

Kerkez was tipped to take over the left-back role under Arne Slot but has looked overwhelmed so far. His nervy display against Man United only deepened concerns about his readiness for this level.

5. Omari Hutchinson – Nottingham Forest

A £37.5m move from Ipswich brought hope, but Hutchinson has barely featured and is yet to contribute meaningfully. With Forest in chaos, he’s become symbolic of their transfer misfires.

4. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

By his lofty standards, Salah’s start has been underwhelming, with just two goals and two assists. While still dangerous, he's not delivered the game-changing performances fans have come to expect.

3. Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Watkins was expected to lead Villa’s attack but only got off the mark in gameweek six. One goal in seven appearances isn’t enough for a player billed as Villa’s Champions League spearhead.

2. Jamie Gittens – Chelsea

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea fans had high hopes for Gittens following his £48.5m switch from Dortmund, but his impact has been minimal. Limited minutes and raw performances have made his signing look premature.

1. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

Touted as one of the world’s top young talents, Wirtz has yet to justify his £116m fee. With zero goal contributions so far, the pressure is already mounting on a player many expected to light up the league.