<p><strong>While several top-tier summer signings in the Premier League have made an immediate impact, a number of European stars are now facing tough circumstances at their new clubs.</strong></p>
<p>Despite Liverpool breaking financial records during the summer transfer window, many of their high-profile signings are struggling to find their rhythm.</p>
<p>As the second half of the 2025/26 season approaches, we’ve examined some of the Premier League’s most disappointing summer transfers.</p>
<h3>Alexander Isak – From Newcastle to Liverpool</h3>
<p>Alexander Isak, who experienced a contentious departure from Newcastle, dominated headlines in the Premier League before securing a record-breaking £125 million move to Liverpool. However, his performance at Anfield has not lived up to expectations.</p>
<p>Though he managed to score in Liverpool's recent 2-1 victory over Tottenham, Isak now faces an extended layoff due to a broken foot. He often found himself on the bench while fellow newcomer Hugo Ekitike began his career there, adding to his frustrations.</p>
<p>With no games scheduled until February, Isak, who had only netted twice in the league prior to last weekend’s outing, could not have anticipated such a rocky start at Liverpool.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liverpool have announced that Alexander Isak suffered a broken foot in Saturday's 2-1 win over Tottenham.</p>
<p>The Swedish striker underwent surgery on Monday and the duration of the injury was not disclosed, but the 26-year-old is expected to be out for several months. <a href="https://t.co/Y03U4hGnAy">pic.twitter.com/Y03U4hGnAy</a></p>
<p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/2003214126307488061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></p>
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<h3>Florian Wirtz – From Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool</h3>
<p>Isak isn’t the only high-profile summer signing struggling at Liverpool; Florian Wirtz, who joined for a whopping £116 million, has also had a tough adjustment period. Hailed as one of Europe’s brightest talents, he was expected to shine at Anfield.</p>
<p>However, after 16 appearances, Wirtz has yet to score in any competition and is struggling to adapt to the demanding Premier League environment. Despite expressing ambitions to win every year, reports suggest he might already be contemplating a departure.</p>
<h3>Harvey Elliott – From Liverpool to Aston Villa</h3>
<p>Harvey Elliott, who shone during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, made a buzzworthy move to Aston Villa on loan. Yet, since a brief five-minute cameo in a Europa League match, he has surprisingly not featured and has been omitted from match-day selections.</p>
<p>It’s rumored that Villa management regrets the decision to bring him in, with discussions about potentially sending him back to Liverpool already taking place.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨⚠️ Manager Unai Emery has admitted that Harvey Elliott is likely to leave Aston Villa in January: "I hope we can find a solution for him to try to play consistently, whether he continues his career with us or not."</p>
<p>"He's on loan here, but he's certainly not joining us on a permanent contract." <a href="https://t.co/fkiMYEnQJb">pic.twitter.com/fkiMYEnQJb</a></p>
<p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1998843293296415085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></p>
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<h3>Benjamin Sesko – From RB Leipzig to Manchester United</h3>
<p>While some signings like Matheus Cunha have clicked immediately at Manchester United, Benjamin Sesko has yet to make his mark. Joining for nearly £74 million, he was seen as a priority addition as the team sought a natural striker.</p>
<p>After a promising start with a couple of goals, he has struggled to stay healthy and hasn’t scored in recent matches, raising concerns among United fans about his long-term contribution.</p>
<h3>Xavi Simons – From RB Leipzig to Tottenham</h3>
<p>Although Xavi Simons seemed poised for a move to Chelsea, he ultimately signed with Tottenham. His debut, however, was marred by a red card in a loss to Liverpool, further complicating his transition.</p>
<p>With one goal in 14 league appearances and ongoing challenges, Simons’ adjustment period has not progressed smoothly, leading to frustration for both player and management.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Xavi Simons sent off after being tackled by Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk🟥 <a href="https://t.co/R2OCOS9NwS">pic.twitter.com/R2OCOS9NwS</a></p>
<p>— B/R Football (@brfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/2002442359339106406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a></p>
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<h3>Jamie Gittens – From Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea</h3>
<p>Another new Chelsea signing, Jamie Gittens, also faces difficulties as the club continued its summer spending spree. With a £48.5 million price tag, many questioned how he would fit into a squad already filled with attacking talent.</p>
<p>Gittens has yet to find the net in 12 league appearances and has seen limited playing time, leading to speculation about a potential early exit as Chelsea strives to improve its performance.</p>
<h3>Anthony Elanga – From Nottingham Forest to Newcastle</h3>
<p>After his success at Nottingham Forest, where he emerged as a key attacking player, Anthony Elanga's move to Newcastle for £55 million hasn’t gone as anticipated. Struggling for regular minutes under Eddie Howe, Elanga has yet to score in his first 17 league appearances for the Magpies.</p>
<p>Having only started three of Newcastle's last 13 games, he is finding it challenging to establish himself in a team that is currently underperforming.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elanga isn't a bad player, he's a perfect example of bad recruiting.</p>
<p>At Forest, I played in a team that sat deep and played on the counter-attack. His raw pace and carrying ability are a perfect match. His 11 assists last season are proof of that.</p>
<p>Newcastle needed a running back who could get down low... <a href="https://t.co/KdoZKkoxX0">pic.twitter.com/KdoZKkoxX0</a></p>
<p>— A game of halves (@CoachMeron) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMeron/status/2000498026729611594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></p>
</blockquote>**Fan Take:** The struggles of these high-profile signings underscore the intense pressure and expectations placed on players in the Premier League. With fans closely watching these transitions, their performances can shape club futures and drive significant changes in team dynamics.

