11 Worst Premier League Signings of 2024/25 [Ranked]

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11 Worst Premier League Signings of 2024/25 [Ranked]

New signings are often seen as a source of hope for football clubs, with fans dreaming they’ll replicate the transformative impact of legends like Eric Cantona at Manchester United or Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool. However, only a select few live up to such expectations.

For most players, their contributions range from decent to disappointing. This season, the Premier League saw its usual flurry of summer transfer activity, but not all players have settled in well. Here are 11 players who have so far failed to justify their price tags or potential, ranking among the worst signings of the season.

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  1. Ben Brereton Diaz (Southampton)

Brereton Diaz gained attention for adding “Diaz” to his name following his surprise call-up to the Chilean national team. He once impressed with six Premier League goals in 14 games for a struggling Sheffield United side. However, at Southampton, he has struggled, amassing more yellow cards than goals after 19 games. His standout moment? Provoking Fabian Schar into a red card on debut—hardly the impact Saints fans hoped for.

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  1. Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham United)

The German striker went from playing in a Champions League final to being a backup at a mid-table club. Despite high expectations after his Euro 2024 call-up, Füllkrug has scored just once in 352 minutes for West Ham. He’s also been unable to displace Michail Antonio, whose continued form seems to overshadow any new competition.

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  1. Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

After leaving for Barcelona in 2023, Gundogan returned to Manchester City in 2024. Unfortunately, without the support of Rodri in midfield, the former City legend has struggled to replicate his previously consistent performances, highlighting his reliance on the team’s system.

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  1. Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)

Much was expected from De Ligt, hailed as the solution to United’s defensive woes. Initially criticized for his poor positioning, the Dutch defender has shown glimpses of resilience recently. However, inconsistency remains an issue as United’s season continues to falter under new management.

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  1. [Unnamed Player]

With limited minutes under Mikel Arteta, this left-winger—one of England’s top attacking talents—has managed just one goal and two assists in 426 minutes across all competitions. The lack of opportunities has dampened any hopes of an international resurgence.

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  1. Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace)

Nketiah’s £30 million move from Arsenal to Crystal Palace has yet to pay off. Scoring only twice in the Carabao Cup, the 25-year-old has struggled to secure a starting role. While the Eagles’ overall decline isn’t entirely his fault, he needs to prove his worth quickly.

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  1. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea)

Chelsea spent £30 million on Dewsbury-Hall, yet he’s only played 55 minutes of Premier League football. Despite showing promise in the Europa Conference League, he remains far down the pecking order behind big-money signings like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

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  1. Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich Town)

Since leaving Leeds, Phillips has struggled for form. After a disappointing loan spell at West Ham, he joined Ipswich Town but has yet to make a meaningful impact. Far from his “Yorkshire Pirlo” reputation, he looks a shadow of his former self.

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  1. Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)

Chiesa’s move to Liverpool has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 18 minutes of Premier League action. Reports of homesickness and dissatisfaction with England’s weather suggest he may leave as early as January, making his time at Anfield a significant disappointment.

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  1. Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)

Zirkzee started promisingly with a debut goal but has since struggled with form and fitness. His substitution after 30 minutes against Newcastle, met with boos from United fans, exemplifies his difficult start.

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  1. João Félix (Chelsea)

Despite Chelsea’s need for a striker, the club spent £46.3 million on Félix, a player better suited to attacking midfield or the flanks. Unable to break into the starting lineup, his signing raises questions about the club’s recruitment strategy, especially given his underwhelming performances.

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