The worst Premier League signings of 2025/26 (Ranked)

April 23, 2026 Oliver Obel

The 2025/26 Premier League season has delivered its fair share of drama, but not all of it has been positive. While some new arrivals have flourished under the spotlight, others have struggled badly to justify their price tags and reputations. Big-money moves have once again come under scrutiny, with expectations proving too heavy for several players. Whether due to injuries, poor form or tactical misfits, these signings have fallen well short of what their clubs had hoped for. Here are the 13 worst Premier League signings of the season, ranked from 13th to 1st.

13. James Trafford (Manchester City)

James Trafford returned to Manchester City amid considerable hype, with both Newcastle and his former club keen on securing his services. However, his second stint at the Etihad has been anything but smooth, as early-season mistakes quickly dented his confidence. Pep Guardiola wasted little time in bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma, effectively demoting Trafford to the bench. The young goalkeeper has since struggled for opportunities, making just a handful of appearances. For a player expecting to establish himself, the move has turned into a frustrating setback.

12. Conor Gallagher (Tottenham Hotspur)

Conor Gallagher’s arrival at Tottenham in January was supposed to spark a revival, but things have only gone from bad to worse. Despite his energy and work rate, results have been disastrous, with Spurs failing to win a single league game in which he has featured. The midfielder has also struggled to make a tangible impact in the final third, contributing very little in terms of goals or creativity. As defeats have piled up, questions have been raised about whether he was the right signing. So far, he has done little to silence those doubts.

11. Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United)

Nick Woltemade initially looked like a smart acquisition for Newcastle, showing promise with his technical ability and link-up play. However, that early optimism has faded significantly over the course of the season. A prolonged goal drought has exposed his lack of physical presence, particularly in the demanding environment of the Premier League. Tactical decisions have not helped, with the German often deployed in unfamiliar roles. Considering his hefty price tag, the return has been underwhelming.

10. James McAtee (Nottingham Forest)

James McAtee arrived at Nottingham Forest with a growing reputation after leaving Manchester City in search of regular football. Instead, his time at the club has been defined by inconsistency and a lack of impact. Frequent managerial changes have not helped his development, but even when given chances, he has struggled to stand out. The attacking midfielder is yet to register a goal or assist in the league. For a player once tipped for big things, it has been a disappointing campaign.

9. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

Florian Wirtz’s move to Liverpool was one of the biggest deals of the summer, and expectations were understandably sky-high. While there have been glimpses of his undeniable talent, the German has struggled to fully adapt to his new surroundings. Early-season performances were particularly underwhelming, leading to calls for him to be dropped. Although he has improved slightly as the season has progressed, his overall contribution still feels below par. Given his record-breaking fee, much more is required.

8. Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur)

Xavi Simons arrived at Tottenham with a strong reputation, but the transition to English football has proven challenging. The Dutchman has often looked uncomfortable under pressure, struggling to cope with the pace and physicality of the league. While he has shown flashes of quality, consistency has been a major issue. Too often, he has drifted out of games when his team needed him most. It has been a frustrating start for both player and club.

7. Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea)

Chelsea took a gamble on Alejandro Garnacho, hoping he could rediscover his best form after leaving Manchester United. However, his performances have been erratic, with moments of promise overshadowed by long periods of ineffectiveness. Fans have grown increasingly frustrated with his decision-making and lack of end product. Despite contributing a handful of goals and assists, he has failed to establish himself as a key player. Reports linking him with a potential exit underline just how disappointing his season has been.

6. Harvey Elliott (Aston Villa - Loan)

Harvey Elliott’s loan move to Aston Villa was meant to provide him with the regular minutes he had struggled to secure at Liverpool. Instead, he has found himself on the fringes once again, making very few appearances. Manager Unai Emery has shown little faith in the young midfielder, limiting his chances to impress. With no goals or assists to his name, the loan has been largely unproductive. It is a move that has benefited neither the player nor the club.

5. Jamie Gittens (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s investment in Jamie Gittens was another example of their long-term strategy of signing young talent. However, the winger has looked far from ready to make an immediate impact at Premier League level. His performances have lacked end product, with no goals and only a couple of assists to his name. At times, he has appeared overwhelmed by the step up in quality. There is potential there, but it remains largely untapped for now.

4. Liam Delap (Chelsea)

Liam Delap’s season has been disrupted by injury, but even when fit, he has struggled to make a meaningful contribution. Brought in to add physicality to Chelsea’s attack, he has failed to consistently influence games. His goal return has been particularly disappointing given the number of opportunities he has had. Questions have also been raised about whether he was needed in the first place. As things stand, it looks like another costly misstep.

3. Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United)

Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle was expected to add pace and directness to their attack. Instead, his output has been alarmingly low, with no league goals to his name deep into the season. Despite regular appearances, he has struggled to impose himself on matches. The lack of end product has made him an easy target for criticism. Considering the fee involved, it has been a hugely underwhelming signing.

2. Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)

Yoane Wissa arrived at Newcastle on the back of an excellent season with Brentford, but things have not gone to plan. A serious injury early on disrupted his momentum and left him playing catch-up for much of the campaign. When he has featured, he has struggled to rediscover his previous form. His goal return has been particularly poor for a player expected to lead the line. It has been a frustrating season for both player and club.

1. Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

Alexander Isak’s big-money move to Liverpool was one of the headline deals of the transfer window, but it has quickly turned into a nightmare. Injuries have severely limited his involvement, preventing him from building any sort of rhythm. Even when available, he has struggled to make a consistent impact in front of goal. The timing of his major setback in December was particularly unfortunate, halting any signs of progress. Given the scale of the investment, his season has been deeply disappointing.