There have been many failures in the elite, but not all the newcomers have had difficulties…
Premier League clubs have broken spending records during the 2025 summer transfer window, spending a total of £3 billion on new arrivals.
That figure eclipsed the £2.36 billion spent in 2023, once again highlighting the unrivaled financial might of England’s top flight – more than the combined spending of La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
Big headlines included Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle to Liverpool for £125 million, Benjamin Sesko joining Manchester United for £73.7 million and Eberechi Eze’s arrival at Arsenal for £67.5 million.
Liverpool were the biggest spenders overall, investing £265m in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez.
But as the hectic winter period approaches, we can finally admit that all these high-profile signings have not had the expected impact.
101GreatGoals has ranked the ten most expensive transfers based on their debut performances in the 2025-26 campaign.
Alexander Isak: Newcastle to Liverpool (£125m)
Liverpool broke the British transfer record to land Isak, but the Swede has had a slow start. Limited to just 253 minutes in the Premier League, he managed just one goal in four appearances.
Considering his 35 penalty-free goals over the previous two seasons, his current form represents a notable decline. It’s fair to say he’s been a very disappointing signing so far.
Grade: D
Florian Wirtz: Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (£116.5m)
Wirtz has struggled to adapt since arriving on Merseyside. Despite his excellent record in Germany, he is yet to register a goal or assist for Liverpool in the top flight.
11 matches is perhaps too early to judge, but so far, the international with 33 caps has failed to justify his fees.
Grid: E
Hugo Ekitike: Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool (£79m)
Unlike his teammates, Ekitike impressed from the start. With six goals in 16 matches – including three in the Premier League – the French striker has quickly become a fan favorite.
His only blemish was a red card for an overzealous celebration during the Carabao Cup.
Grade: A
Benjamin Sesko: RB Leipzig to Manchester United (£73.7m)
Sesko’s debut at Old Trafford was disappointing, scoring just twice in 11 appearances. Although flashes of potential are visible, he has yet to deliver in key moments, and United’s current struggles under Ruben Amorim have not helped.
Grade: D
Bryan Mbeumo: Brentford to Manchester United (£71m)
Mbeumo has shown signs of quality, ranking highly for chances created and expected goals, and the goals are finally starting to come for the Cameroon international.
With five goals in 11 matches, the former Brentford player has been the leader of United’s recent resurgence.
Grade: B
Nick Woltemade: Stuttgart to Newcastle (£69m)
Tasked with replacing Isak, Woltemade exceeded expectations. The 6ft 5in striker scored on his Premier League and Champions League debuts and already has four goals in eight games. A good deal signed with enormous potential.
Grade: A
Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace to Arsenal (£67.5m)
Eze’s arrival has added creativity and flair to Arsenal’s midfield. He provided an assist on his debut and has fitted in perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s side. However, he has yet to find the net despite numerous attempts, which leaves room for great growth.
Grade: C
Viktor Gyokeres: From Sporting CP to Arsenal (£63.5m)
Gyokeres performed well against lesser opponents but disappeared in big matches.
Six goals have been scored against teams in the bottom half of the table so far, and he will need to prove himself against stronger opposition if Arsenal are to mount a title challenge.
Grade: B
Matheus Cunha: From Wolves to Manchester United (£62.5m)
Cunha’s impact has been limited, with one goal and no assists in 10 games. Although he showed flashes of ability, United’s slow start hurt his rating.
Grade: C
Joao Pedro: Brighton to Chelsea (£60m)
Pedro has been one of Chelsea’s standout players this season. With four goals and three assists already, he has quickly become a key player under Enzo Maresca, intensifying his rise amid injuries to other strikers.
Grade: B
