Premier League’s Biggest Transfer Disappointments of 2025/26: Stars Who’ve Fallen Short
The opening months of the 2025/26 Premier League season have already offered plenty of excitement and surprises. Fans have witnessed standout performances from some newcomers, while certain big-name signings have failed to meet expectations. While transfers often come with high hopes, some acquisitions have left supporters questioning their value and impact on their respective teams.
Transfers in the Premier League always attract scrutiny, and this season has been no different. Clubs invested heavily during the summer window, with 155 senior transfers across the league. Many players arrived amid great fanfare, expected to make immediate contributions. However, not all have lived up to the hype, and some have struggled to justify the fees paid for them.
One glaring example is Jadon Sancho, who joined Aston Villa on a deadline-day loan from Manchester United. Expected to provide creative flair and attacking depth, his impact has been minimal. He has yet to start a Premier League match for Villa, appearing only as a substitute five times. While the move has not been permanent, the performance so far has been underwhelming, leaving fans frustrated by his limited contributions.
Other high-profile signings like Harvey Elliott and Mads Hermansen have similarly failed to impress. Elliott, on loan from Liverpool, sought regular playing time but has managed only three appearances for Aston Villa, far below expectations for a player of his talent. Hermansen, who transferred to West Ham to replace Lukasz Fabianski, conceded 11 goals in just four matches, forcing the club to reinstate Alphonse Areola as the starting goalkeeper. These early struggles highlight the challenges players face when adjusting to new systems and expectations.
Chelsea and Liverpool also feature on the list of disappointing signings. Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a potential £52 million, has yet to score in ten appearances, while Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez has been inconsistent at left-back, prompting criticism from pundits like Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp. Even promising players like Benjamin Sesko and Anthony Elanga have underperformed relative to their transfer fees, raising questions about scouting and recruitment strategies across the league.
Overall, while some players still have time to adapt, the 2025/26 season has already exposed a number of transfer misfires. Clubs and fans alike are reminded that big-money signings do not always guarantee immediate success. The pressure to perform in the Premier League is relentless, and these early-season struggles may serve as lessons for teams in both recruitment and player development.
