Premier League analysis: The five biggest flops of the 2024/25 season, Raheem Sterling and Timo Werner included
It has been a torrid season for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Both clubs are languishing towards the bottom of the table, in 13th and 14th place, respectively, with the Europa League remaining their final shot at silverware.
It has not been a good year for the promoted clubs either, with Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton all set to be relegated back down to the Championship.
However, Transfer News Blitz Deputy Content Editor Harry Whitfield has taken a look at five of the worst individual flops in the Premier League this season.
Joshua Zirkzee, Bologna to Manchester United
Substituted off after just 33 minutes against Newcastle United, to missing a crucial penalty in an FA Cup shootout - it hasn’t been a wonderful first experience in England for Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutchman joined Man United in the summer from Italian side Bologna for a hefty fee of £36.5million.
It is fair to say he hasn’t translated his form from the Serie A - 11 goals to help secure his former club European qualification - into the top-flight of English football.
Just three goals in 29 games certainly doesn’t justify the price tag, however, there is always next season for Zirkzee to come good for the Red Devils.
Timo Werner, RB Leipzig to Tottenham Hotspur
I’m not saying last season’s statistics were shocking for Timo Werner, 13 games with two goals and three assists - but why have Spurs extended the German’s loan spell with a buy-out option for around £8.5million?
While Werner has been successful in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, he has struggled to find his form in the Premier League.
This season is a clear example of that.
Remarkably, the German has yet to score a goal - yes, that's right, he has ZERO goals so far this season in over 500 minutes of football.
However, Spurs are not inclined to exercise the buy-out clause in his loan deal, so surely, Ange Postecoglou will opt against bringing him back yet again for a third season in North London.
Jadon Sancho, Manchester United to Chelsea
Where did it all go wrong for Jadon Sancho?
The English winger thrived in Germany with Borussia Dortmund before moving back to England with Man United in a deal worth a whopping £73million.
His first season didn’t go to plan - six goal contributions in 29 games before a steady improvement the following season with nine goal involvements.
However, after just three games played in the first half of last season, Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan for a short cameo.
This season, the 25-year-old found himself at Chelsea, showcasing similar numbers to his first season with the Red Devils.
That hasn’t impressed the Blues, so much so that they are reportedly considering paying a £5million penalty clause to prevent the obligation to buy clause of around £20million.
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Raheem Sterling, Chelsea to Arsenal
Where do you start with Raheem Sterling?
After signing for Chelsea for £47.5million in 2022, the former England international slowly fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge, so much so that he was forced out in the summer.
Mikel Arteta took a punt on the forward, bringing him to North London on loan, but it is safe to say that the move has not worked out for either party.
Even with Bukayo Saka sidelined for a hefty chunk of the season, youngster Ethan Nwaneri was preferred over the 30-year-old.
Sterling will undoubtedly leave Chelsea permanently next summer, however, he may have a lack of suitors after his performances this season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Leicester City to Chelsea
I’m not sure if I understand why this deal ever happened, if I’m being honest.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall would have been a decent player for Leicester City in the Premier League.
I’m sure he’d have played regularly and scored goals from midfield.
So why did he move to Chelsea for £30million?
Was it money? A belief that he could make his way into the first-team?
Whatever it was, it hasn’t been a great season for the Engish midfielder so far, with just nine appearances and one assist.
I don’t think either party has benefitted from this deal, especially considering the amount that was spent on him.
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