The 2024 Premier League season has been filled with excitement, but it has also seen its fair share of disappointing signings. Clubs invested heavily, hoping to bolster their squads, but some players have failed to meet expectations. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 worst signings of the season.
1. Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna to Manchester United)
- Fee: £36.5 million
- Zirkzee’s arrival at Manchester United was met with optimism, but his performances have been far from impressive. After scoring on his debut, he has struggled to find the net consistently and lacks the pace required to be effective in attack. His inability to adapt to the Premier League has led many to label him as a significant flop this season.
2. Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal to Crystal Palace)
- Fee: £30 million
- Nketiah’s move from Arsenal was expected to rejuvenate his career, but he has yet to score in his first 13 appearances for Crystal Palace. His lack of confidence and poor finishing have made him a liability for the team, raising doubts about his future at Selhurst Park.
3. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea to Arsenal, Loan)
- Fee: Loan with an option to buy
- Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal was seen as a chance for redemption after a disappointing spell at Chelsea. However, he has started only two league matches and contributed little in terms of goals or assists. His lack of impact has frustrated fans and pundits alike, making him one of the worst signings of the season.
4. Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus to Manchester United)
- Fee: £70 million
- De Ligt was brought in to strengthen United’s defense but has struggled with form and consistency. His performances have been marred by costly mistakes, leading to criticism from fans and analysts who expected much more from such a high-profile signing.
5. James Ward-Prowse (West Ham to Nottingham Forest, Loan)
- Fee: Loan
- Ward-Prowse’s experience was anticipated to enhance Nottingham Forest’s midfield, yet he has failed to make a significant impact. With limited appearances and a red card against Chelsea highlighting his struggles, he has not lived up to expectations as a seasoned professional.
6. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City to Chelsea)
- Fee: Undisclosed
- Dewsbury-Hall’s move was overshadowed by the presence of more established midfielders at Chelsea. He has seen minimal playing time and failed to impress when given opportunities, underscoring concerns about whether he is suited for a top club like Chelsea.
7. Sander Berge (Sheffield United to Fulham)
- Fee: £20 million
- Berge was signed with hopes of bolstering Fulham’s midfield following Joao Palhinha’s departure. However, his lack of playing time and impact on games have left fans questioning the rationale behind this investment.
8. Ben Brereton Díaz (Sheffield United to Southampton)
- Fee: £15 million
- After a promising stint in the Championship, Brereton Díaz’s return to the Premier League has not gone as planned. He has struggled for form and has been criticized for collecting more yellow cards than goals, making him a disappointment for Southampton fans.
9. Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City to Aston Villa)
- Fee: £45 million
- Phillips’ move was expected to solidify Villa’s midfield; however, injuries and poor form have limited his contributions significantly. His inability to perform at the level expected from such a high-profile transfer has led many to view him as a wasted investment this season.
10. Beto (Udinese to Everton)
- Fee: £30 million
- Beto’s signing raised eyebrows due to his hefty price tag compared to his goal-scoring record in Italy. He managed only three goals throughout the season while missing several clear chances, leading fans to express dissatisfaction with his performance.
The 2024 Premier League season has highlighted that not all signings can live up to expectations, regardless of their price tags or previous accolades. The players listed above have faced challenges that have hindered their performances and ultimately left their clubs regretting these investments. As clubs look ahead, they will undoubtedly reassess their strategies in the transfer market, hoping for better outcomes in future windows.