12 Worst Premier League Signings of the 2025/26 Season (Ranked)
The 2025/26 Premier League season has already delivered plenty of drama, surprises, and disappointments just 11 gameweeks in. While some signings have instantly justified their transfer fees, others have fallen well short of expectations.
With 155 senior transfers completed over the summer, the pressure was always going to be high for new arrivals to perform. Now, with over two months of action gone, a list of the 12 most underwhelming signings so far has been compiled — based on factors such as transfer fee, impact, and performance level.
12. Jadon Sancho – Aston Villa (Loan from Manchester United)
Sancho’s move to Villa on deadline day felt rushed, and that impression hasn’t changed. Despite hopes he’d add depth on the wings, he’s yet to start a league game, making only four substitute appearances. With Villa covering 80% of his hefty salary, fans are relieved it’s not a permanent deal.
Stats: 4 games | 0 goals | 0 assists
11. Harvey Elliott – Aston Villa (Loan from Liverpool)
Elliott joined Villa seeking consistent minutes but has struggled to adapt. The young midfielder has managed only three league appearances, failing to establish himself in Unai Emery’s system. While his talent remains undeniable, the early signs are not encouraging.
Stats: 3 games | 0 goals | 0 assists
10. Mads Hermansen – West Ham United (£20m)
After a promising year at Leicester, Hermansen was tipped to replace Fabianski as West Ham’s long-term goalkeeper. However, a string of errors in his first few matches — conceding 11 goals in four games — saw him dropped in favour of Areola.
Stats: 4 games | 11 goals conceded | 1 clean sheet
9. Jamie Gittens – Chelsea (£52m)
Signed from Borussia Dortmund to strengthen Chelsea’s left wing, Gittens has looked raw and inexperienced. With no goals or assists in nine league games, he’s struggling to justify his hefty fee and adapt to Premier League intensity.
Stats: 9 games | 0 goals | 0 assists
8. Benjamin Šeško – Manchester United (£73.7m)
While Šeško has shown glimpses of quality with two goals and an assist, his huge price tag raises expectations. Inconsistent performances and limited starts under Amorim suggest there’s still work to be done before he becomes the striker United hoped for.
Stats: 11 games | 2 goals | 1 assist
7. Xavi Simons – Tottenham Hotspur (£51.8m)
Touted as the next creative spark for Spurs, Simons has struggled with the pace and physicality of English football. Despite moments of flair, he often fades in big games and hasn’t yet justified his high fee.
Stats: 8 games | 0 goals | 1 assist
6. Milos Kerkez – Liverpool (£18m)
Kerkez arrived from Bournemouth to challenge Andrew Robertson, but nerves and inconsistency have defined his early days at Anfield. Criticised for shaky defending in key matches, he’s already lost his starting spot back to Robertson.
Stats: 10 games | 1 goal | 0 assists
5. Liam Delap – Chelsea (£30m)
Delap’s signing raised eyebrows given Chelsea’s existing attacking options. A hamstring injury halted his start, but even before that, his impact was minimal. His £30m transfer looks excessive for a player yet to prove he can deliver at the top level.
Stats: 4 games | 0 goals | 0 assists
4. Jean-Clair Todibo – West Ham United (£36.3m)
West Ham made Todibo’s loan permanent last summer, but the decision has backfired. Poor defensive displays have seen him dropped, and his early performances — including a disaster against Chelsea — have left fans frustrated.
Stats: 6 games | 0 goals | 0 assists
3. Anthony Elanga – Newcastle United (£55m)
After a breakout year at Nottingham Forest, Elanga’s £55m switch to Newcastle has been disappointing. Despite regular appearances, he’s yet to register a goal or assist, falling short of expectations for such a high transfer fee.
Stats: 11 games | 0 goals | 0 assists
