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

November 11, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Not every big-name move in the Premier League turns out to be a masterstroke. As the 2025–26 campaign hits the three-month mark, a number of signings have failed to live up to the hype—or the hefty price tags. Whether due to poor form, injuries, or tactical misfits, these 12 players have underwhelmed the most so far.

12. Jadon Sancho – Aston Villa

Aston Villa took a gamble by bringing in Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United, but the early signs have been disappointing. Despite being on a hefty wage, he’s yet to start a Premier League match and has only come off the bench four times. The move always looked like a panic buy, and so far, it’s playing out that way.

11. Harvey Elliott – Aston Villa

Like Sancho, Elliott joined Villa on loan hoping for more game time, but it hasn’t worked out. The 22-year-old midfielder has made just three appearances and hasn’t contributed to a goal. While there’s still hope he can adapt, this move has stalled rather than reignited his development.

10. Mads Hermansen – West Ham

After impressing at Leicester last season, Hermansen was expected to step up as West Ham’s new No. 1. But he conceded 11 goals in just four starts and was quickly benched after some costly errors. For a £20 million fee, the Hammers were hoping for a lot more.

9. Jamie Gittens – Chelsea

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Signed from Dortmund for up to £52 million, Gittens was supposed to solve Chelsea’s winger woes. However, nine games in, he has no goals or assists and is struggling to assert himself in the Premier League. With competition from Alejandro Garnacho, he’s quickly sliding down the pecking order.

8. Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United

United paid nearly £74 million for Sesko, expecting an instant impact, but so far he’s looked inconsistent. Two goals and one assist in 11 games isn’t awful, but fans were hoping for more. He’s had flashes of promise, but hasn’t nailed down a starting role under Ruben Amorim.

7. Xavi Simons – Tottenham

Touted as a marquee signing, Simons arrived for £51.8 million amid high expectations. But he’s looked lightweight in midfield and hasn’t adjusted to the Premier League's pace and physicality. One assist in eight games is a poor return for a player expected to be a creative spark.

6. Milos Kerkez – Liverpool

Kerkez was brought in to challenge for the left-back spot but has looked uncomfortable and error-prone. After a shaky showing against Manchester United, he lost his place to Andy Robertson. He’s had one or two bright moments, but overall has struggled with the pressure of playing at Anfield.

5. Liam Delap – Chelsea

A surprise £30 million move from Ipswich, Delap’s signing was questioned from the start—and his injury hasn’t helped. The striker has yet to make a mark in four appearances, and Chelsea don’t appear to have needed him in the first place. It’s a transfer that raised eyebrows and continues to do so.

4. Jean-Clair Todibo – West Ham

Signed permanently after a loan spell, Todibo has regressed badly in his second season at West Ham. Labelled “scandalous” by Jamie Redknapp after a 5-1 loss to Chelsea, he’s been a major liability at the back. He’s now out of the starting lineup and hasn’t lived up to the £36.3 million spent.

3. Anthony Elanga – Newcastle

Elanga arrived from Forest with high expectations after a breakout season, but it’s all gone quiet at St James’ Park. Eleven games in and he’s yet to score or assist, with his influence waning. At £55 million, Newcastle need far more from their new winger.

2. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

There’s no doubting Wirtz’s talent, but Liverpool’s record signing has yet to produce anything in the Premier League. He’s been unable to score or assist in 11 appearances and looks lost in Arne Slot’s system. Pundits are calling for him to be dropped, which says it all at this stage.

1. Alexander Isak – Liverpool

The most disappointing signing so far, Isak’s big-money move to Liverpool has been derailed by injury and poor form. Despite his talent, he’s played just four times and scored only once in the League Cup. For a striker expected to be a 20-goal man, he’s fallen well short—and quickly lost his starting role.