Premier League clubs spent an eye-watering £3.19 billion on new signings during the summer – smashing the previous record of £2.46bn set in 2023.
But with several high-profile arrivals failing to justify their hefty price tags, it wouldn’t be surprising if some club owners are already wishing they had kept the receipt.
As the January transfer window approaches, Transfer News Blitz writer Luke Maddison breaks down the biggest transfer flops of the season so far.
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Alexander Isak
After one of the most talked-about transfer sagas in recent years, Alexander Isak has become one of the most disappointing signings of the season.
With zero league goals, one assist, and yet another injury setback, Isak’s impact has been minimal.
He has managed just 321 Premier League minutes and has struggled across other competitions as well.
Since joining Liverpool, the Swedish forward has scored only one goal, and that came against Championship side Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool shattered the British transfer record by paying £125 million for the former Newcastle star.
So far, it’s looking like they may have been better off relying on fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike, who has shown more promise at a fraction of the cost.
Xavi Simons
Many players take time to adapt to the Premier League, but Xavi Simons has consistently struggled to live up to his £52 million price tag since arriving in North London.
Simons has contributed just one league assist and is yet to score in any competition for Tottenham.
His lowest moment came in Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in November, when he was subbed on and then subbed off in the same match – every player’s nightmare scenario.
Despite being handed regular starts by manager Thomas Frank, the Dutchman has been a major disappointment for last season’s Europa League winners, offering little creativity or end product in midfield.
Yoane Wissa
After refusing to train with Brentford and forcing through a move to St James’ Park, Yoane Wissa finally got his switch when Newcastle United paid £55 million for the DR Congo international.
The problem? He hasn’t played a single minute for the Magpies.
Wissa suffered an injury while on international duty shortly after signing, and remains sidelined months later.
Back in September, manager Eddie Howe commented on the situation:
“It is impactful & of course everyone wanted Yoane to be fit. There’s nothing personally I would have done differently.
“We did everything we could as a football club to try and look after Yoane.”
With his return date still unclear and the prospect of AFCON potentially delaying his debut even further, the transfer is shaping up to be one of the worst investments of the season.
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