Premier League 2024/25: Best and Worst Signings for Every Club
Few things in football spark debate quite like transfers, and the 2024/25 Premier League season delivered plenty of ammunition. Some clubs nailed it with smart, system-fitting signings who hit the ground running. Others threw serious money at players who barely got off the bench. From inspired bargains to baffling flops, every squad had its share of success stories and regrets.
This guide takes a club-by-club look at the standout signing and biggest disappointment from a season packed with movement. Whether you’re arguing in the pub, scrolling through fan forums or already plotting next season’s fantasy team, here’s how the Premier League’s transfer window winners and losers really shaped up.
The Best and Worst Signings for Every Club
Arsenal
Best signing: David Raya – Fee: £27.4m
David Raya has been Arsenal’s best signing of the 2024/25 season, following the completion of his mandatory permanent transfer from Brentford. After initially arriving on loan, his move was made official this year, and he has fully justified Mikel Arteta’s long-term faith in him. Raya has been a commanding presence in goal, combining sharp reflexes with calm distribution and playing a vital role in helping Arsenal mount another serious Premier League title challenge. His standout moment came in the Champions League quarter-finals, where he was exceptional across two legs against Real Madrid, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals for the first time in over a decade. Although they were ultimately knocked out by PSG, Raya’s performances, particularly in high-pressure situations, have been a key part of the club’s progress.
Worst signing: Raheem Sterling – Fee: Loan (no fee)
Raheem Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal was meant to add Premier League experience, depth and a bit of unpredictability to Mikel Arteta’s forward line, but instead, it turned into one of the least effective signings of the season. Despite his pedigree and history of performing in big moments, Sterling looked completely out of rhythm in red and white. He struggled to influence games from wide areas, often slowing down attacks rather than injecting the pace and decisiveness Arsenal needed in tight matches. With just one goal in the League Cup and a handful of forgettable cameos, he never looked like a natural fit in Arteta’s highly structured system, where off-ball discipline and technical precision are key. Sterling’s lack of form and influence eventually saw him dropped from the starting XI entirely, and with Arsenal pushing for the title, there was little room for passengers. Though only a loan, it was a move that simply didn’t work for either party. Arsenal will be glad he has to go back to Chelsea.
Aston Villa
Best signing: Amadou Onana – Fee: £50m
Amadou Onana has been Aston Villa’s best signing this season, stepping in seamlessly after Douglas Luiz’s departure and quickly establishing himself as the engine of Unai Emery’s midfield. Signed from Everton, the 23-year-old has brought power, discipline and composure to the centre of the pitch, offering a perfect blend of ball-winning grit and intelligent distribution. His debut goal against West Ham set the tone early, but it’s his consistency that has really stood out, breaking up play, carrying the ball forward and giving Villa a solid base to build from in possession. Onana’s influence has been a key factor in Villa’s push for a top-four finish, and his willingness to adapt, asking Emery to speak to him in Spanish to fast-track his integration, shows the level of commitment and maturity he’s brought to the squad. In a season of big expectations and even bigger performances, Onana has delivered exactly what Villa needed and more. Premier League proven means a lot.
Worst signing: Ian Maatsen – Fee: £35m
Ian Maatsen has been Aston Villa’s most disappointing signing this season, failing to live up to the £37.5 million fee paid to bring him in from Chelsea. After a strong loan spell at Borussia Dortmund and inclusion in the Champions League Team of the Season, expectations were high, but Maatsen has struggled to find his place under Unai Emery. He’s been in and out of the starting XI, often used as a substitute, and while he did score a well-taken goal against Newcastle in April, moments of real impact have been few and far between. With just one goal and two assists in 27 Premier League appearances, his end product has been underwhelming, especially in a side competing at the top end of the table. The form of other players and tactical shifts have limited his involvement, and in a season where Villa were looking to push on domestically and in Europe, Maatsen has yet to justify the investment.
Bournemouth
Best signing: Dean Huijsen – Fee: £12.8m
Bournemouth made a number of good signings this season, including Evanlison from Porto. But signing Huijsen from Juventus has proven to be a smart bit of business. The young Spanish defender has shown composure well beyond his years. Strong in the air and comfortable on the ball, he quickly became a fan favourite. For a side often under the cosh the season before, Huijsen’s calm presence was crucial. It is unlikely he stays at Bournemouth for long due to his £50m release clause, which has many sides lurking in the shadows.
Worst signing: Luis Sinisterra – Fee: £20m
Luis Sinisterra has been Bournemouth’s most disappointing signing this season, not because of a lack of ability, but because injuries have stopped him from making any real impact. After joining permanently from Leeds United with plenty of expectation, the Colombian winger has struggled with recurring hamstring problems that have kept him sidelined for large stretches of the campaign. In that time, others in Andoni Iraola’s squad have stepped up, most notably Antoine Semenyo, Dango Ouattara, Marcus Tavenier and Justin Kluivert, leaving Sinisterra without a clear route back into the starting XI. While there have been flashes of quality when he’s featured, his overall contribution has been minimal, and with availability such a key trait in Iraola’s high-intensity system, Sinisterra’s stop-start season has made his signing look more like a missed opportunity than a meaningful upgrade. Not sure if he’ll be there next season.
Brentford
Best signing: Sepp van den Berg – Fee: £25m
Sepp van den Berg has been Brentford’s best signing this season, bringing composure, versatility and defensive intelligence to a backline that badly needed reinforcing. Signed from Liverpool for a fee rising to £25 million, the 22-year-old has slotted seamlessly into Thomas Frank’s system, showing his ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back without fuss. His reading of the game, comfort in possession and calmness under pressure have helped Brentford regain some much-needed defensive structure, especially during a season disrupted by injuries. Whether covering in wide areas or holding the line centrally, van den Berg has looked mature beyond his years, and his consistency has been one of the few constants in an up-and-down campaign. The fact that clubs like Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on him says everything about how well he’s settled and the level he’s been playing at.
Worst signing: Fábio Carvalho – Fee: £27.5m
This was a bold move that didn’t quite click. Carvalho struggled with injuries and form, often playing out of position. The potential is clearly there, but Brentford’s system hasn’t quite suited his style, and the fee felt increasingly inflated. It doesn’t help that Damsgaard has become crucial to their system in the attacking midfield role. Igor Thiago has also not shown much due to injury, but Carvalho’s seems to be due to inability rather than ability. In the words of his father “Son, you have to leave this club.”.
Brighton
Best signing: Georginio Rutter – Fee: £40m
Georginio Rutter has been Brighton’s best signing this season, delivering on his £40 million price tag with a mix of goals, energy and creative spark that’s transformed the team’s attack. Signed from Leeds United, where he was often seen more as a provider than a scorer, Rutter has found a new gear under Fabian Hürzeler, contributing eight goals and four assists while becoming a key part of Brighton’s high-pressing system. His relentless work off the ball, averaging over 33 pressures per 90 minutes, has been vital in setting the tempo from the front, while his ability to drop into pockets and link play has added another layer to the Seagulls’ build-up. He’s also stepped up in big moments, including a crucial goal against Manchester United, and has quickly become a fan favourite for his flair and work rate. In a side packed with technically gifted players, Rutter’s all-round impact has stood out, making him the most influential addition to the squad this season.
Worst signing: Ferdi Kadıoğlu – Fee: £25.5m
Brighton gambled on Kadıoğlu’s versatility, but the Turkish full-back never looked entirely comfortable in the Premier League. Injuries disrupted his rhythm, and when fit, he didn’t have the same influence he showed at Fenerbahçe. For £25.5m, it felt like a missed opportunity for someone who has rated highly before moving to the Premier League. A lot of Brighton’s summer signings have struggled to integrate into the team, with Mats Wieffer, Brajan Gruda and Matt O’Riley all not nailed on starters. None of the signings are a write off though, and they’ll likely perform better next season.
Chelsea
Best signing: Pedro Neto – Fee: £51.3m
Pedro Neto has been Chelsea’s best signing this season, bringing a level of consistency, creativity and tactical sharpness that’s helped knit together an otherwise unpredictable attack. Whether starting out wide or drifting into central areas under Enzo Maresca, Neto has shown intelligence in his movement and a willingness to carry the ball through tight spaces, often turning defence into attack with a single burst. His ability to beat defenders, create chances and press aggressively has made him a perfect fit in Maresca’s system, and his influence in big moments has stood out, none more so than his dramatic late winner against Fulham in April, Chelsea’s latest-ever winning goal in a Premier League London derby. It doesn’t say a lot for Chelsea’s business when Neto has been their best signing.
Worst signing: João Félix – Fee: £45m
Chelsea took a second swing at João Félix and missed again. Despite his talent, he looked lost in Chelsea’s ever-changing setup. Too often he played on the fringes of games, and for £45m, fans expected far more end product. He has been shipped out on loan to AC Milan and also flopped there. Considering the hype he has had from a young age, the Portuguese playmaker hasn’t quite lived up to what was expected of him. And to be honest, it doesn’t look like he ever will. He has been one of this season’s worst signings, and will probably go down as one of the worst ever Premier League signings at this rate. Good thing Chelsea still have 6 years left on his £200k a week contract, right?
Crystal Palace
Best signing: Ismaïla Sarr – Fee: £12.5m
Signed from Marseille, Sarr gave Palace something they’d been lacking, direct pace and purpose out wide. For just under £13m, he proved to be a bargain. His willingness to take on defenders and stretch the game gave the likes of Eberechi Eze more room to operate centrally. Though not prolific, his work rate and threat on the break were hugely valuable to a team that often looked flat in attack last season. He has been one of the signings of the season.
Worst signing: Eddie Nketiah – Fee: £30m
There were raised eyebrows when Palace paid £30m to bring in Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. A proven scorer at youth level, yes, but his time in the top flight has always hinted more at potential than proven ability. That story didn’t change in South London. He struggled for goals and often looked anonymous when leading the line. For a club with limited budget flexibility, it felt like a misfire, especially given Mateta’s form the season before. When Nketiah plays instead of Mateta, Palace are noticeably weaker. In 27 games in the Premier League, with 8 starts, he has scored once. He has been one of this season’s worst signings, massive fee, massive underperformance.
Everton
Best signing: Iliman Ndiaye – Fee: £15m
Sean Dyche needed guile in the final third and found it in Iliman Ndiaye. The former Sheffield United man brought a welcome sense of creativity and flair. Though not a goalscorer himself, his ability to drift between the lines and feed Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Beto added variation to Everton’s approach. At £15m, it was a sensible deal that made them more unpredictable going forward. He has all of the flair in the world and looks an absolute gem for Everton.
Also,
Worst signing: Armando Broja – Fee: Loan
There were high hopes when Broja arrived on loan, but his time at Goodison was largely forgettable. He never found rhythm or confidence, often looking isolated in Everton’s setup. No goals, no spark, and very little justification to make the deal permanent. At 23, he looks a shell of the player he once was when at loan at Southampton. Injuries have really hampered his development and I’m unsure how much longer he has in the Premier League.
Fulham
Best signing: Sander Berge – Fee: £25m
Berge’s move from Burnley flew under the radar, but Fulham quietly pulled off a masterstroke. At £25m, the Norwegian added both muscle and class to the midfield. His long strides and effortless distribution allowed Fulham to control games better, especially against mid-table sides. He became a key figure in Marco Silva’s setup almost instantly.
Worst signing: Joachim Andersen – Fee: £30m
I don’t particularly think Andersen has been a poor signing, but similarly to Emile Smith Rowe, he hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations. Andersen re-joined Fulham after a previous loan spell, but it felt like a move made more on sentiment than necessity. His performances have been okay, but he has sometimes this season found himself outpaced or caught flat-footed. £30m for a defender who hasn’t taken Fulham up a level at 28 years old doesn’t look like a great bit of business. Fulham’s signings this season haven’t been too poor, and he is far from one of the league’s worst signings.
Ipswich Town
Best signing: Liam Delap – Fee: £20m
Ipswich needed goals to survive, and Liam Delap brought them, but not enough. Signed from Manchester City, the powerful young striker adapted quickly to the top flight. He bullied defenders, chased lost causes, and notched crucial goals in their survival push. For just £20m, it was a proper coup for a newly promoted side, and he is likely to recoup that amount and then some this summer for the Tractor Boys. His ball carrying has been key to Ipswich in the Premier League this season.
Worst signing: Arijanet Muric – Fee: £15m
Brought in from Burnley for the No.1 shirt, Muric struggled whenever he was called upon. A few clangers early in the campaign dented confidence, and he never looked settled. For a side that needed stability at the back, it was a risky gamble that didn’t come off. For £15m Muric should have offered more, but he has been replaced already by Palmer. At Burnley he looked a good player, but the errors this season have completely rocked the Kosovan’s confidence. He has been one of this season’s worst signings.
Leicester City
Best signing: Bilal El Khannouss – Fee: £21m
Still only 21, El Khannouss lit up Leicester’s midfield with his ball-carrying and vision. The Moroccan was signed with an eye to the future, but quickly made himself indispensable. Ruud van Nistelrooy gave him licence to roam, and his ability to link midfield to attack proved essential in Leicester’s push to stay afloat. With the Foxes relegated it is unlikely the Moroccan stays around in the Championship.
Worst signing: Oliver Skipp – Fee: £20m
When Leicester City confirmed the signing of Oliver Skipp from Tottenham Hotspur, eyebrows were raised. Skipp’s arrival from Spurs was expected to bring grit and control to the Foxes’ midfield, but he never really found his footing. Often bypassed or caught in possession, his performances lacked the kind of intensity that Leicester fans were hoping for. Not disastrous, but certainly underwhelming for £20m. To be completely honest, I don’t think even Oliver Skipp’s parents believed him to be a £20m player. Might find his level in the Championship.
Liverpool
Best signing: Arne Slot – Fee: N/A (Manager appointment)
While not a player, Arne Slot’s appointment could be Liverpool’s most influential piece of business. Tasked with replacing Jürgen Klopp, the Dutchman brought fresh ideas and a sense of calm authority. His early success in reinvigorating underperforming players and bedding in new signings made it clear the club had planned well. In his first season at the club he won the Premier League, as Borat says “Great Success”.
Worst signing: Federico Chiesa – Fee: £10m-plus
Chiesa’s £10m arrival promised excitement, but it never fully materialised. At Juventus he has struggled over the last few seasons, but at such a cut price fee, it was seen as a low risk, high reward situation for Liverpool. Injuries and tactical incompatibility made it a frustrating campaign for the Italian winger. His dribbling flair was evident, but he often lacked end product and struggled to fit Slot’s pressing demands. Not a total flop, but a definite let-down. Considering he was the only incoming player, he is the worst signing.
Manchester City
Best signing: Omar Marmoush – Fee: £59m
Omar Marmoush has quickly proven to be Manchester City’s best signing of the season, following his £59 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025. With Erling Haaland sidelined through injury and Julian Alvarez sold, Marmoush was thrown into the spotlight and wasted no time making his mark. His blistering 14-minute hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Newcastle United back in February was the turning point, not just for him, but for City’s season. The Egyptian forward has slotted into Guardiola’s system with remarkable ease, offering versatility across the front line and a tireless work rate off the ball. Whether pressing from the front or making sharp runs in behind, he’s been crucial in keeping City’s attack ticking during a tricky run of injuries. Given his immediate impact and how naturally he’s fit into the side, Marmoush looks like money well spent, and then some.
Worst signing: İlkay Gündoğan – Fee: Free
Ilkay Gündogan’s return to Manchester City has been underwhelming, especially given the expectations surrounding his homecoming after a productive spell at Barcelona. Rejoining on a free transfer in August 2024, the 34-year-old was seen as a stabilising presence, but his performances have lacked the sharpness and influence that once defined his role under Guardiola. He’s struggled to impact games in the way he used to, with his dynamism fading and his leadership on the pitch feeling subdued. Gündogan himself has admitted that the team lacks the determination and desire of previous years, hinting at a dressing room more focused on tactical rigidity than basic aggression and hunger. That honesty reflects both his personal drop-off and broader issues in the squad. With City enduring a patchy run of form and Gündogan contributing less than expected, questions are already being asked about whether this reunion was the right call. Talks of him moving into a coaching role or exploring other offers suggest the end might be nearer than anyone thought just a few months ago.
Manchester United
Best signing: Leny Yoro – Fee: £52.2m
Leny Yoro has quietly become Manchester United’s best signing of the 2024–25 season, bringing much-needed calm and structure to a backline that has too often looked uncertain. Signed from Lille for £52.2 million, his start was delayed by a foot injury in pre-season, but since making his debut in December, the 19-year-old has looked like a player with a decade of top-level experience behind him. Composed on the ball, sharp in his positioning, and unfazed by pressure, Yoro has added a level of defensive maturity that United have lacked since the peak years of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić. His first goal for the club, a well-timed header in a 2–2 Europa League draw with Lyon, was a bonus, but it’s his consistency and calm presence that have really stood out. In a season where many of United’s senior players have underperformed, Yoro’s emergence has been one of the few real positives, and it already feels like he’ll be a cornerstone of their rebuild going forward.
Worst signing: Joshua Zirkzee – Fee: £36.5m
Joshua Zirkzee might be a cult favourite at Old Trafford, but that status masks how poorly he fits what Manchester United actually need. His redemption arc after the Newcastle humiliation, where he was booed off before half-time, earned him sympathy and even adoration by some fans, especially after he calmly buried the winning penalty against Arsenal and nutmegged Saliba into meme history. But underneath the fan moments is a player who doesn’t really suit Ruben Amorim’s system. He’s not a proper No. 9, lacking the physicality and movement to lead the line, and he’s not a 10 either, with too little intensity and defensive bite to support the press. Despite flashes of brilliance, United have been carrying a passenger in too many games, and for £36.5 million, that’s hard to justify. There have already been links with a move away from the club this January, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see those links materialise this summer. Zirkzee is in no way a bad footballer, in fact, technically he is fantastic. But he isn’t suited to Amorim’s system, nor was he suited to Ten Hag’s. And is the kind of player you need to build a system around. He just isn’t the quality of a player you’d want to build a system around if you’re competing for trophies. INEOS would have seen him as a low risk, high reward player due to a good season at Bologna and a low release clause, and low salary. There is the chance that if he is sold it won’t be for much less than United paid.
Newcastle United
Best signing: Lewis Hall – Fee: £28m
Lewis Hall has quietly proven to be a smart bit of business for Newcastle United, turning a £28 million move from Chelsea into one of the more promising long-term additions to Eddie Howe’s squad. After a slow start and some competition for minutes, Hall grew into his role, showing maturity in and out of possession and offering real balance on the left side. He’s been solid defensively but also comfortable stepping into midfield areas or pushing up in support of attacks, which suits Newcastle’s aggressive, front-foot style. His intelligence on the ball and positional awareness made him a reliable option before a foot injury cut his season short in March. Even so, Hall had done enough to earn his first senior England cap earlier in the season, and it’s clear that, injuries aside, Newcastle have picked up a player who could anchor that position for years to come.
Worst signing: Odysseas Vlachodimos – Fee: £20m
Odysseas Vlachodimos’s £20 million move to Newcastle United in 2024 is one of the strangest transfers of the season, both in terms of logic and value. The Greek goalkeeper arrived from Nottingham Forest as part of a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) swap, with Elliot Anderson heading the other way for £35 million, a move that helped both clubs balance their books on paper but raised plenty of eyebrows. Vlachodimos had barely played for Forest and was nowhere near that valuation in footballing terms, and his situation at Newcastle hasn’t improved. He’s firmly third-choice behind Nick Pope and Martin Dúbravka, with just one Carabao Cup appearance to his name, making him one of the most expensive goalkeepers ever in the Premier League to effectively warm the bench. Despite a solid reputation from his time at Benfica and with Greece, it’s hard to argue the transfer has made any footballing sense. Losing Elliot Andersen was already bad enough. He has been one of this season’s worst signings on paper, but the move was more about PSR than the player.
Nottingham Forest
Best signing: Nikola Milenković – Fee: £12m
Nikola Milenković has been a transformative signing for Nottingham Forest this season, anchoring a defence that has propelled the club back into European competition. Arriving from Fiorentina for a modest £12 million, the Serbian centre-back formed a formidable partnership with Murillo, contributing to one of the Premier League’s stingiest defences. Milenković’s aerial dominance and defensive acumen have been pivotal, with his leadership at the back drawing praise from pundits and fans alike. His ability to neutralise opposing forwards and command the defensive line has provided the stability Forest needed to climb the table. Complementing this defensive solidity, Elliot Anderson’s dynamic midfield performances have added creativity and resilience, making him another standout addition. Together, Milenković and Anderson have been instrumental in Forest’s resurgence, culminating in a return to European football next season.
Worst signing: Ramón Sosa – Fee: £9.3m
Sosa’s arrival was meant to inject flair and pace into the wide areas, but he struggled to make the leap from Argentinian football. While raw talent was visible, his lack of end product and poor decision-making limited his minutes. One for the future perhaps, but not one for the present. He has already been linked with a move back to South America but rejected it in January.
Southampton
Best signing: Mateus Fernandes – Fee: £15m
Mateus Fernandes has been Southampton’s best signing this season, justifying his £15 million fee with a series of mature, all-action performances in midfield. Arriving from Sporting CP at just 20 years old, he slotted straight into Russell Martin’s side and quickly became indispensable. His box-to-box energy, sharp decision-making, bally carrying ability and ability to win back possession gave Southampton something different. Fernandes wasn’t just tidy, he was influential, popping up with key interventions and even chipping in with goals, including a determined late finish against Tottenham that summed up his spirit. In a campaign of mixed results and patchy recruitment, Fernandes stood out not just for his talent but for the sense that he’s only just getting started. He is unlikely to be at Southampton next season.
Worst signing: Ben Brereton Díaz – Fee: £7m
In contrast, Ben Brereton Díaz’s tenure at Southampton was underwhelming. Signed from Villarreal for approximately £7 million, expectations were high for the Chilean forward to bolster the attack. However, he struggled to find form and consistency, failing to score in 13 appearances across all competitions. His inability to adapt to the team’s playing style and lack of impact led to a mid-season loan move back to Sheffield United in January 2025, as Southampton aimed to cut costs and reshape their squad amidst a relegation battle. He has been one of this season’s worst signings, goals were expected but they got none.
Tottenham Hotspur
Best signing: Archie Gray – Fee: £40m
Archie Gray has quickly established himself as Tottenham’s most exciting signing of the season, bringing a rare mix of versatility, composure and potential at just 18 years old. Signed from Leeds United for around £40 million, the teenager has slotted seamlessly into Ange Postecoglou’s squad, playing across central midfield, right-back and even filling in at centre-back when needed. That flexibility has been invaluable during injury spells and tactical tweaks, but it’s his composure and football intelligence that have really stood out. Gray plays with the assurance of someone far older, showing crisp passing, strong positional awareness and a calm head under pressure. With Spurs building a youthful, dynamic core for the future, Gray already looks like a player to build around, and there’s growing belief that he has the leadership and quality to one day captain both club and country.
Worst signing: Mathys Tel – Fee: £10m loan
Mathys Tel’s loan spell at Tottenham has been disappointing, especially given the significant fee paid to secure him and the option to buy included in the deal. Brought in from Bayern Munich to inject pace and unpredictability into the attack, Tel arrived with a big reputation and big expectations. But over the course of the season, he’s struggled to find consistency or a clear role in Ange Postecoglou’s system. His directness and physicality showed flashes of promise, but his end product has been erratic, and he’s often looked off the pace in high-pressure games. With only a handful of goals and limited influence in big matches, it’s hard to justify triggering the permanent clause as things stand. Tel still has the potential to grow, but considering the investment, Spurs would’ve hoped for a lot more.
West Ham United
Best signing: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Fee: £15m
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been West Ham’s best signing of the season, standing out in what’s otherwise been a frustrating campaign. Brought in from Manchester United for £15 million, he’s added reliability and defensive nous to a backline that’s often looked stretched. What’s surprised many is his versatility under Graham Potter, slotting in seamlessly on either flank and providing cover wherever needed. His trademark one-on-one defending remains elite, but he’s also shown more composure in possession and a willingness to support attacks, chipping in with the occasional goal and helping to stretch the play. While West Ham have fallen well short of the European places and struggled for consistency, Wan-Bissaka has been one of the few players to maintain a solid level throughout, and his ability to adapt and deliver in different roles has made him a rare bright spot in a flat season.
Worst signing: Niclas Füllkrug – Fee: £27m
Niclas Füllkrug has been West Ham’s most frustrating signing this season, not because of poor performances, but because he’s barely been available. Signed from Borussia Dortmund for a significant fee, the German striker was brought in to offer a reliable focal point in attack, with his experience and physical presence expected to suit the Premier League. And when he’s actually played, he’s shown flashes of that quality, linking play well and offering a different dimension up front. But those moments have been few and far between. Persistent injury problems have wrecked any chance of consistency, limiting his impact and leaving West Ham short in key periods of the season. At 31, and with a decent chunk of the wage bill committed to him, questions have inevitably been raised about the value of the deal. There have already been rumours linking him with a move back to Germany, with some suggesting he’s unhappy, though he’s denied that publicly. Still, with his fitness unreliable and the team struggling, it wouldn’t be a shock if West Ham look to move on this summer. He has been one of this season’s worst signings due to his fitness concerns.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Best signing: Marshall Munetsi – Fee: £16m
Marshall Munetsi has quietly become one of Wolves’ most important players since arriving from Reims in January, with his tireless work rate and physical presence playing a key role in the team’s upturn in form. While he’s not the most technical midfielder, his ability to cover ground, press intelligently and break up play has brought balance to the side and allowed more creative players around him to thrive. Whether deployed deeper or in a box-to-box role, Munetsi’s energy and commitment have made Wolves harder to play through, and his influence can be seen in the way the team has tightened up and become more competitive since his arrival. He even chipped in with a goal against Everton, his first in the Premier League and a moment of personal history as the first Zimbabwean to score in the division since 2011. His impact might not always grab headlines, but within the dressing room and among the fanbase, there’s a growing appreciation for what he brings.
Worst signing: Sam Johnstone – Fee: £10m
Sam Johnstone has turned out to be Wolves’ most disappointing signing this season, largely due to the circumstances surrounding his arrival rather than his own performances. Signed for a significant fee from Crystal Palace, Johnstone was brought in to replace José Sá, with the expectation that the Portuguese goalkeeper would be sold after his agent Jorge Mendes reportedly sounded out interest from top clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia. But when no move for Sá materialised, Johnstone suddenly found himself as a high-profile, high-wage backup. With Sá holding onto the No. 1 spot and continuing to perform well, Johnstone has spent most of the season on the bench, a costly luxury in a squad that had other more urgent needs. For a club that typically operates on a tighter budget, spending that much on a goalkeeper they didn’t need has raised eyebrows, and unless Sá leaves this summer, it’s hard to see where Johnstone fits going forward. He has been one of this season’s worst signings due to no fault of his own.
Whether you agree or think we’ve left someone out, the beauty of football is how opinions always vary. If you’ve got a different take on the best or worst Premier League transfers this season, drop your thoughts in the comments, we want to hear them. And if you enjoyed the piece or just fancy stirring the debate in your group chat, give it a share.
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