Not every high-profile signing turns out to be a success, and the 2024/25 Premier League season has seen its fair share of disappointments. From strikers who can’t find the net to midfielders who fail to control the game, these players have underwhelmed despite big expectations. Here are the most disappointing signings of the season so far.
10. Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham United)
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West Ham invested in Füllkrug to add firepower to their attack, but the German striker has failed to make an impact. His hold-up play and physicality were supposed to fit the Premier League, yet he has looked off the pace. With few goals and underwhelming performances, his signing is already under scrutiny.
9. Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City)
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Gündogan returned to Manchester City after a brief spell at Barcelona, but things haven’t gone as planned. Once a midfield leader, he has struggled to reclaim his old influence in Pep Guardiola’s system. His performances have lacked sharpness, raising questions about whether City should have prioritized younger options instead.
Manchester United spent big to strengthen their defense, but De Ligt has been far from convincing. The Dutch center-back has been inconsistent, making costly mistakes and failing to command the backline. With United’s defensive woes continuing, his signing is already looking like a miscalculation.
Arsenal took a gamble by bringing in Sterling, but the move has not worked out. The winger has struggled to find his form, often looking out of sync with Mikel Arteta’s system. With limited contributions in attack and declining pace, his future beyond this season remains uncertain.
6. Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace)
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After years of being a backup at Arsenal, Nketiah moved to Crystal Palace for a fresh start. However, he has failed to establish himself as a reliable goal scorer. Lacking the physical presence needed to lead the line, his struggles have left Palace searching for alternative attacking options.
5. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea)
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Chelsea’s summer recruitment has been questionable once again, and Dewsbury-Hall is one of their biggest misfires. The former Leicester midfielder has failed to bring stability to Chelsea’s midfield, often looking out of his depth. His lack of impact has made him another expensive mistake for the club.
4. Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich Town)
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Phillips’ move to Ipswich was meant to revive his career, but it has been anything but successful. The midfielder has struggled with fitness issues and has not been able to dictate play as expected. Once regarded as one of England’s best defensive midfielders, his stock continues to decline.
Liverpool’s signing of Chiesa was seen as a statement of intent, but the Italian winger has failed to adapt to the Premier League. Injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued his time at Anfield, and he has yet to justify his hefty transfer fee. With Liverpool’s attack already stacked, his role in the squad is becoming unclear.
2. Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
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Manchester United brought in Zirkzee to fix their striker problems, but he has been a massive disappointment. Lacking composure in front of goal and struggling with the physicality of English football, he has not been the solution United had hoped for. With his confidence dropping, his future at Old Trafford is already uncertain.
1. Joao Felix (Chelsea)
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Topping the list is Joao Felix, whose return to Chelsea has been nothing short of disastrous. Despite his talent, he has failed to perform consistently, often drifting out of games. Chelsea’s attack remains disjointed, and Felix has done little to change that. Given the expectations surrounding him, he has been the biggest flop of the season. In fact he has gone on a new loan to AC Milan in the January tansfermarket.
