12 worst Premier League signings of 2025–26 (ranked)

October 13, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The 2025–26 Premier League season is well underway, and not all transfer moves have gone to plan. Some signings have failed to meet expectations, struggling for minutes, form, or simply the right fit. Here are the 12 worst-performing new arrivals so far — counted down from least to most disappointing.

12. Harvey Elliott – Aston Villa

Elliott joined Villa on loan from Liverpool, hoping to secure more regular minutes. But with only one league start — and that ending with him hooked at halftime — it’s been a flat beginning to his stint under Unai Emery.

11. Anthony Elanga – Newcastle United

After impressing at Forest, Elanga’s £55m move to Newcastle came with high hopes. Yet he’s still goalless and assist-less after seven matches, leaving fans frustrated by his quiet performances on the wing.

10. Armando Broja – Burnley

Despite a worrying injury record, Burnley took a £20m punt on Broja. So far, he’s managed just 45 minutes across three appearances — all from the bench — and hasn’t made any impact.

9. Aaron Ramsdale – Newcastle United

Ramsdale’s loan to Newcastle was meant to provide competition for Nick Pope, but he hasn’t come close to dislodging the starter. At £4m for the loan fee plus wages, he’s an expensive benchwarmer so far.

8. Kevin Danso – Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham made Danso’s move permanent for £21m after a promising loan, but he’s barely featured this season. Just one start in the Champions League and 18 minutes in the league won’t justify that fee anytime soon.

7. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

Wirtz arrived from Leverkusen with a glowing reputation and a £116m price tag but hasn’t delivered. He looks unsure in Arne Slot’s setup, and with Jamie Carragher already calling for him to be dropped, the pressure is mounting.

6. Jadon Sancho – Aston Villa

Sancho’s loan from Manchester United felt like a last-minute gamble — and it’s playing out that way. With just one League Cup start and Villa paying 80% of his wages, the return has been underwhelming to say the least.

5. Oleksandr Zinchenko – Nottingham Forest

Zinchenko arrived at Forest in a late loan move, but he doesn’t suit Ange Postecoglou’s high defensive line. Defensive errors — like those seen in the Europa League — have highlighted just how poor a fit he is tactically.

4. Jamie Gittens – Chelsea

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea turned to Gittens as their next young attacking star, signing him for up to £52m from Dortmund. But with no goal contributions in his first five Premier League games, he looks far from ready for that level just yet.

3. Mads Hermansen – West Ham United

Signed from Leicester to be West Ham’s future No.1, Hermansen’s start has been a disaster. After several mistakes and 11 goals conceded in four games, he’s already lost his place to Alphonse Areola.

2. Jean-Clair Todibo – West Ham United

West Ham triggered a £36.3m buy clause for Todibo — a decision that now looks costly. After being criticised for "scandalous" defending against Chelsea and dropped by both managers, his form has been a major letdown.

1. James Trafford – Manchester City

Trafford rejected Newcastle to rejoin Man City for £27m, aiming to become a regular starter. Instead, he’s made costly early-season mistakes and was quickly replaced by Donnarumma, leaving both player and club with regrets.