As we reach the halfway point of the season, let’s take a look at some players who have struggled since making Premier League moves in the summer.
Here are the top 10 worst Premier League signings so far, including a Manchester United player:
10) Mikel Merino (Arsenal, £31.2m)
Merino hasn’t yet made the impact expected at Arsenal, despite showing promise at Euro 2024. After a shoulder injury in his first training session, he’s had a mixed start, with a goal against Liverpool being his only notable contribution. Still, given his solid performances for Real Sociedad and Spain, there’s hope he’ll improve.
9) Julian Araujo (Bournemouth, £8.5m)
Araujo’s move from Barcelona to Bournemouth hasn’t gone as planned. Initially thought to be Adam Smith’s long-term replacement, he’s yet to prove he’s better than the 33-year-old. For a relatively low fee, this signing looks like a miss.
8) Federico Chiesa (Liverpool, £10m)
Chiesa’s transfer from Juventus surprised many, but his time at Liverpool has been marred by injuries. With limited appearances, including just one in the Premier League, it’s clear why he was available for such a low price. Even when fit, he’s struggled to break into the team ahead of several other attackers.
7) Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City, free)
Gundogan’s return to Manchester City has been underwhelming. After leaving for Barcelona, he rejoined City, but has been far from his previous best. City has struggled this season, and Gundogan, now 34, hasn’t shown the form that made him a key player for the club.
6) Luis Guilherme (West Ham, £19.35m)
West Ham’s signing of Guilherme for nearly £20m has been disappointing. The young Brazilian has played only 21 minutes in the league, raising concerns about his lack of progress. Despite his potential, he hasn’t impressed enough to earn regular game time.
5) Niclas Fullkrug (West Ham, £27m)
Fullkrug’s start at West Ham has been underwhelming, with just one goal in eight matches. Injuries have hindered his progress, and it remains to be seen if he can adapt to the Premier League’s pace.
4) Odysseas Vlachodimos (Newcastle, £20m)
Vlachodimos’ move to Newcastle is an example of a poorly executed transfer, with little impact so far.
3) Oliver Skipp (Leicester City, £25m)
Skipp’s £25m move to Leicester hasn’t paid off. After starting early in the season, he’s since been dropped to the bench, and Leicester’s form hasn’t improved in his absence.
2) Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United, £36.5m)
Zirkzee’s signing by Manchester United has been disappointing. With no clear role or position, he’s struggled to make an impact, and his scoring record is far worse than fellow summer signing Rasmus Hojlund.
1) Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea, £30m)
Dewsbury-Hall’s move to Chelsea has been a disaster. Despite a solid reputation at Leicester, he’s barely featured in Chelsea’s Premier League squad, and his £30m transfer seems a waste. A return to Leicester could be in the cards, as Chelsea might look to recoup some value.
Honourable mentions: Ian Maatsen, Neto, Raheem Sterling, Fabio Carvalho, Joao Felix, Eddie Nketiah, Manuel Ugarte, James Ward-Prowse, Maxwel Cornet
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