Premier League fans globally can’t help but be excited every summer about their supported team doing some squad shakeups. English top-tier clubs splash huge amounts of cash on new players, hoping they’ll be the missing piece of the puzzle? Well, the 2024/25 season was no different.
Some really exciting transfers got everyone talking. But let’s be honest, not all of them worked out. In fact, some of those big-money moves turned into total head-scratchers. We’re talking about players who arrived with massive hype but ended up delivering, well, not much at all.
So, this piece will spotlight the top 5 most disappointing Premier League transfers of the 24/25 season. You might be surprised by who made the list.
Raheem Sterling
Remember when Arsenal secured Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea last summer? It looked like a smart, low-risk move to bolster attacking depth with proven Premier League talent. Given his past success under Mikel Arteta at Manchester City, expectations were high for a revival. Many believed Arteta could help Sterling rediscover his form and confidence on familiar tactical ground.
Unfortunately, that reunion never sparked. Sterling’s time in North London has been hugely underwhelming. The once-electric winger has looked a shadow of his former self throughout the loan spell. He’s shown little conviction, often dribbling into trouble and failing to influence attacking moves meaningfully.
His numbers highlight the decline: just six Premier League starts and one goal across tournaments. Even during injury crises in Arsenal’s frontline, Sterling rarely seized the opportunity when called upon. A notable match he missed was Arsenal vs Chelsea because he couldn’t face his parent club.
In many matches, he remained on the bench as an unused substitute. His stint at the Emirates has been marred by poor decision-making and a lack of self-belief. Now, as he returns to Chelsea, his future looks uncertain, with few suitors after such a dip. What began as a promising gamble for Arsenal has ended in disappointment for all involved.
Eddie Nketiah
This second Premier League transfer concerns Arsenal again, but this time it’s about a former player, Eddie Nketiah. After years of limited opportunities at the Emirates, the academy graduate joined Crystal Palace for a fresh start. Palace fans were excited, expecting him to showcase the promise he’d long been tipped for, finally. However, things haven’t gone according to plan for Nketiah since the move to South London.
He’s managed just three Premier League goals all season and lost his starting spot in November. The main obstacle? Jean-Philippe Mateta’s red-hot form has kept Palace’s frontline locked down. Mateta has delivered consistently, leaving little reason for manager Oliver Glasner to make changes up top. Glasner has acknowledged Nketiah’s commitment, admitting he feels sympathy despite the striker’s lack of minutes.
He noted Nketiah’s hard work in April and expressed hope for future rewards. The former Gunner remains on the fringes, hoping for a breakthrough soon. It’s a frustrating chapter in Nketiah’s career, and he will be eager to turn things around quickly.
Joshua Zirkzee
Let’s talk Manchester United because, like clockwork, they seem to land at least one underwhelming transfer each season. While recent signings like Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt have received criticism, Joshua Zirkzee stands out as the most unfruitful addition.
Snapped up for £36.5 million due to a release clause in his Bologna contract, the deal initially felt like a steal. Zirkzee wasn’t a prolific scorer in Serie A, but his role in Bologna’s historic Champions League qualification generated excitement. Yet, his debut season at Old Trafford has been far from inspiring.
Despite scoring a winner on opening day against Fulham and displaying flashes of technical brilliance, Zirkzee’s overall output was disappointing. He netted just three league goals before a thigh injury cut his season short.
With Rasmus Hojlund also struggling, Zirkzee was prematurely thrust into a lead role he wasn’t ready for. He’s managed seven goals in 49 appearances, falling short of expectations. The Premier League’s intensity proved challenging, and the Dutch striker has struggled to find his rhythm at the Theatre of Dreams.
Federico Chiesa.
Next up is Liverpool’s gamble on Federico Chiesa, a Premier League transfer that always felt high-risk. It could’ve been a masterstroke if Chiesa rediscovered form and thrived at Anfield immediately. Unfortunately, recurring injuries and the Premier League’s intensity have derailed any hopes of that happening. Although Liverpool paid just £12.5 million, his £140,000 weekly wages feel like a wasted investment.
Chiesa has barely featured, logging just 104 Premier League minutes and 466 across all competitions. Even when fit, manager Arne Slot hasn’t shown much confidence in giving him regular minutes. The Italian winger’s fitness issues and inability to adapt have left him on the fringes.
A signing once filled with promise has become more of a burden than a bargain. With limited impact and an uncertain future, it wouldn’t be surprising if Chiesa moves on soon. What started with hope now looks like a short-lived, forgettable chapter for players and clubs.
Niclas Fullkrug
Niclas Füllkrug’s move to West Ham has been anything but memorable for the German striker. Just a year ago, he was flying high, nearly scoring in the Champions League final at Wembley. He earned a Euro 2024 call-up, representing Germany on home soil after a standout season.
However, a tough Achilles injury and a poor Premier League transition have stalled his momentum. At West Ham, he’s become another striker overshadowed by the “Michail Antonio curse.” No matter who the Hammers sign, they seem to default back to Antonio until his recent injury.
Füllkrug has scored just three league goals and hasn’t made the expected impact in England. His most talked-about moment? A public outburst criticising his teammates in a frustrating spell. From Champions League heroics to a struggling bench role, Füllkrug’s adjustment has been undeniably difficult. What began as a promising next chapter has become a harsh reality check in East London.
Conclusion
So there you have it: the top five most disappointing Premier League transfers of the 24/25 season. From high hopes to benchwarmers and injury woes, these players couldn’t deliver on their hefty price tags and massive expectations. It’s a harsh reminder that even the biggest names can sometimes fail to shine in football.
Adedayo is the Co-founder and lead analyst at SoccerOrator.com. With 5+ years of experience as a sports writer for major platforms like Betzillion and Eaglespredict, he brings an expert eye to the global betting markets. Formerly a multi-sport analyst covering everything from Tennis to Esports, he now specializes exclusively in European football. He provides weekly, data-backed previews for the EPL, Champions League, and top-flight European leagues, helping bettors find value through rigorous statistical analysis.
