Premier League summer signings ranked: Who has lived up to their price tag in 2025-26?

Premier League clubs shattered spending records during the 2025 summer transfer window, splashing a combined £3billion on new arrivals.

That figure eclipsed the £2.36bn spent in 2023, once again underlining the English top flight’s unmatched financial power – more than the combined outlay of LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.

Among the headline moves were Alexander Isak’s £125m switch from Newcastle to Liverpool, Benjamin Sesko joining Manchester United for £73.7m, and Eberechi Eze’s arrival at Arsenal for £67.5m.

Liverpool were the biggest spenders overall, investing £265m in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez.

But as well barrel towards the hectic winter period, we can finally admit that not all of these high-profile signings have made the desired impact.

101GreatGoals has graded the ten most expensive transfers based on their early performances in the 2025-26 campaign.

Alexander Isak: Newcastle to Liverpool (£125m)

Liverpool broke the British transfer record to land Isak, but the Swede has endured a slow start. Limited to just 253 minutes in the Premier League, he has managed only one goal contribution in four appearances.

Given his 35 non-penalty goals across the previous two seasons, his current form represents a notable dip. Safe to say he has so far been a very dissapointing recruit.

Grade: D

Florian Wirtz: Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (£116.5m)

Wirtz has struggled to adapt since arriving on Merseyside. Despite his stellar record in Germany, he is yet to record a goal or assist for Liverpool in the top flight.

11 matches may be too soon to judge, but so far, the 33-cap international has failed to justify his fee.

Grade: E

Hugo Ekitike: Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool (£79m)

In contrast to his team-mates, Ekitike has impressed early on. With six goals in 16 games – including three in the Premier League – the French forward has quickly become a fan favourite.

His only blemish was a red card for an overzealous celebration in the Carabao Cup.

Grade: A

Benjamin Sesko: RB Leipzig to Manchester United (£73.7m)

Sesko’s start at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, scoring just twice in 11 appearances. While flashes of potential are visible, he has yet to deliver consistently in key moments, and United’s ongoing struggles under Ruben Amorim have not helped.

Grade: D

Bryan Mbeumo: Brentford to Manchester United (£71m)

Mbeumo has shown signs of quality, ranking highly for chances created and expected goals, and the goals are finally starting to come for the Cameroon international.

With five goals in 11 outings, the former Brentford man has been the leader of United’s recent resurgence.

Grade: B

Nick Woltemade: Stuttgart to Newcastle (£69m)

Tasked with replacing Isak, Woltemade has exceeded expectations. The 6ft 5in striker scored on both his Premier League and Champions League debuts and already has four goals in eight games. A bargain signing with huge upside.

Grade: A

Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace to Arsenal (£67.5m)

Eze’s arrival has added creativity and flair to Arsenal’s midfield. He provided an assist on his debut and has seamlessly fitted into Mikel Arteta’s side. However, he has yet to find the net despite numerous attempts, leaving room for plenty of growth.
Grade: C

Viktor Gyokeres: Sporting CP to Arsenal (£63.5m)

Gyokeres has performed well against lesser opponents but has gone missing in big games.

Six goals so far have come against teams in the bottom half of the table, and he will need to prove himself against stronger opposition if Arsenal are to mount a title challenge.
Grade: B

Matheus Cunha: Wolves to Manchester United (£62.5m)

Cunha’s impact has been limited, contributing one goal and no asssits in 10 games. While he has shown flashes of ability, United’s slow start has hindered his grade.
Grade: C

Joao Pedro: Brighton to Chelsea (£60m)

Pedro has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season. With four goals and three assists already, he has quickly become a key player under Enzo Maresca, stepping up amid injuries to other attackers.

Grade: B