The Premier League’s summer transfer window was filled with drama, as drawn-out transfer sagas dominated the off-season. Some clubs, like Chelsea and Manchester United, splashed out massive sums to reinforce their squads, while others, such as Liverpool and Manchester City, took a more conservative approach, having already established sides capable of dominating sports betting and challenging for the title.
In a league known for its unpredictability, where form can shift at any moment, teams must now navigate the season with their current rosters until the window reopens in January, offering the next opportunity to strengthen.
In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, big-money transfers often come with sky-high expectations—but they don’t always live up to the hype.
Despite the excitement and optimism surrounding new signings, not every deal works out as planned. Some players fail to adapt, struggle with injuries, or simply can’t handle the pressure of England’s top flight.
With the summer transfer window closed, the international break provides the chance to look back and assess which moves have fallen flat. Here, we rank the worst Premier League summer signings.
Ben Brereton Diaz – Southampton
The hype of Ben Brereton Diaz reached an all-time high when the Stoke-born Chile international bagged himself a move to La Liga side Villarreal in 2023. However, the cracks have started to show for the striker since his return to England, and he has flattered to deceive for newly promoted Southampton.
Russell Martin has put his trust in two strikers – Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer – who are well below the level required to ensure Premier League survival. While prolific in the Championship, it’s hard to envision the duo scoring enough goals to keep the Saint afloat, and a return to the second tier looks like it’s awaiting the £8 million man.
Kalvin Phillips – Ipswich Town
Kalvin Phillips has struggled to get back to his best form after leaving Leeds United for Manchester City in 2022. The midfielder struggled for minutes at the Etihad and joined Ipswich Town on loan with hopes of rejuvenating his career but has looked well below par for the Tractor Boys so far.
There is still time for Phillips to turn things around, especially if he wants to play a part in Lee Carsley’s new-look England side, but the Yorkshireman will need to be much fitter and sharper in order to play a part in Ipswich beating the drop.
Orel Mangala – Everton
Finding a replacement for Amadou Onana was never going to be easy for Everton, but the signing of Orel Mangala was another backward step, as Sean Dyche’s side look to be dragged into the relegation dogfight.
Mangala, who impressed for Nottingham Forest before a loan to Lyon, has struggled to make the move to Goodison Park, making rash errors and struggling in possession.
There is a great player in there if Dyche can get the best out of him, but trying to replace Onana with a different style of midfielder puts unnecessary pressure on the club as well as Mangala.
Lloyd Kelly – Newcastle United
After five years at Bournemouth, Lloyd Kelly left the South Coast this summer and made the trip to Tyneside to join Newcastle United at the end of his contract. However, the move has been a strange one for the 26-year-old.
Eddie Howe hooked the defender at half-time in a 3-1 loss away to Fulham and has struggled to get back in the side even with the Magpies suffering injuries.
The former Bournemouth captain has a lot to offer, but his versatility means that he has had to deputise across the back four and has yet to look settled in a Newcastle shirt.