The Premier League is football’s richest stage, where clubs splurge hundreds of millions in hopes of silverware and glory. But not every transfer turns out as planned. For every iconic acquisition, there are big-money flops that haunt balance sheets and frustrate fans. Some failed due to injuries, others due to mismanagement, and a few couldn’t handle the pressure.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the 10 worst signings in Premier League history, where massive expectations collided with bitter disappointment.
1. Alexis Sánchez: Manchester United (2018)
- From: Arsenal
- Transfer Deal: Swap with Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Wages: Reportedly over £500,000/week
- Stats: 5 goals in 45 appearances
Once one of the Premier League’s deadliest attackers at Arsenal, Alexis Sánchez’s move to Manchester United in January 2018 was met with massive hype. Fans were dazzled when he was revealed playing a piano at Old Trafford. However, the only music Sánchez created was disharmony.
His arrival disrupted the club’s wage structure, demoralised teammates earning far less, and contributed very little on the pitch. His drop in form was shocking, with misplaced passes, poor decision-making, and a complete loss of confidence. Sánchez’s spell became the symbol of United's chaotic transfer policy post-Ferguson.
2. Fernando Torres: Chelsea (2011)
- From: Liverpool
- Transfer Fee: £50 million (then a British record)
- Stats: 20 goals in 110 league appearances
Signed at the height of his career, Torres joined Chelsea with the weight of a record transfer fee and a reputation as one of Europe’s best strikers. But the explosive pace and deadly finishing he showed at Liverpool deserted him.
His infamous open-goal miss against Manchester United summed up his Chelsea stint. Despite a vital Champions League goal against Barcelona, Torres was never the same player. Injuries, confidence issues, and the pressure of his price tag made this deal a spectacular bust.
3. Danny Drinkwater: Chelsea (2017)
- From: Leicester City
- Transfer Fee: £35 million
- Stats: 12 league appearances over 5 years
Drinkwater was a key part of Leicester’s fairytale title win in 2016, but Chelsea’s decision to sign him a year later raised eyebrows. He was rarely fit, struggled tactically, and never cemented a place in the squad.
Off-field controversies, including a drink-driving charge and training ground fights, further derailed his Chelsea career. He became the forgotten man at Stamford Bridge, going on a series of unsuccessful loans before being released in 2022.
4. Donny van de Beek: Manchester United (2020)
- From: Ajax
- Transfer Fee: £40 million
- Stats: Fewer than 20 starts in all competitions
Van de Beek was a star in Ajax’s Champions League semi-final run in 2019 and arrived with big expectations. But under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and later Erik ten Hag, his former Ajax coach, Donny became a permanent benchwarmer.
Despite his intelligence and technique, he was never trusted as a starter. Fans rallied for him on social media, but managers seemed unconvinced. A damaging loan spell at Everton and recurring injuries only deepened his struggles. A prime example of talent being wasted by poor integration.
5. Andy Carroll: Liverpool (2011)
- From: Newcastle United
- Transfer Fee: £35 million
- Stats: 6 league goals in 44 appearances
Signed in a frantic deadline-day deal after Torres left, Carroll became one of Liverpool’s most baffling transfers. The towering striker simply didn’t fit the Reds’ evolving style of play under Kenny Dalglish and later Brendan Rodgers.
Injuries plagued him from the start, and his lack of pace and mobility made him a poor fit for Liverpool’s attack. Despite a goal in the FA Cup Final and a brief resurgence at West Ham later, the deal remains a classic panic buy.
6. Eliaquim Mangala: Manchester City (2014)
- From: FC Porto
- Transfer Fee: £42 million
- Stats: 57 league appearances, numerous errors
Mangala was signed to become Vincent Kompany’s long-term partner, but the Frenchman never lived up to the billing. He was error-prone, rash in tackles, and looked uncomfortable in high-pressure matches.
Despite his athleticism, Mangala’s positional awareness and decision-making were constantly questioned. City struggled to offload him due to his wages, and he was eventually released for free, an expensive misjudgment.
7. Ángel Di María: Manchester United (2014)
- From: Real Madrid
- Transfer Fee: £59.7 million
- Stats: 3 goals, 10 assists in one season
Fresh off a Man of the Match performance in the 2014 Champions League Final, Di María arrived as a marquee signing under Louis van Gaal. He had a dazzling start, scoring screamers and racking up assists.
But things soured quickly. A burglary at his home reportedly unsettled him, and Van Gaal’s rigid tactics stifled his creativity. He looked disinterested and left for PSG after just one season. The transfer was a financial and emotional disaster for United fans.
8. Jean Michaël Seri: Fulham (2018)
- From: OGC Nice
- Transfer Fee: £25 million
- Stats: 30 league appearances
Seri was once chased by Barcelona, yet landed at newly promoted Fulham amid fanfare. Seen as a midfield maestro, his debut goal was a stunner, but it was all downhill from there.
He struggled to cope with the pace of English football, was repeatedly caught in possession, and couldn’t shield Fulham’s fragile defence. Following relegation, he was loaned out multiple times, vanishing from the Premier League radar almost entirely.
9. Robinho: Manchester City (2008)
- From: Real Madrid
- Transfer Fee: £32.5 million
- Stats: 14 goals in 41 league games
Robinho was the first big signing of the Abu Dhabi era at Manchester City and arrived dramatically, literally signing on deadline day after confusion over whether he was joining Chelsea. He dazzled early on but faded fast.
He didn’t adapt to English weather, culture, or playing style. Known for partying and skipping training, he quickly became a liability. City moved him on within two years, marking an anticlimactic start to their billion-pound journey.
10. Tanguy Ndombele: Tottenham Hotspur (2019)
- From: Lyon
- Transfer Fee: £55 million (club record)
- Stats: 63 league appearances, 6 goals
Touted as the next great box-to-box midfielder, Ndombele arrived with flair, power, and creativity. But despite flashes of brilliance, he failed to maintain consistency. Fitness issues and a strained relationship with managers especially José Mourinho derailed his Spurs career.
Loaned out to Lyon, Napoli, and Galatasaray, he never regained the trust of the club. Despite his technical skill, his lack of application and discipline made him a costly misfire.
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
