The 5 WORST TRANSFERS in the Premier League's first gameweek

The opening weekend of the Premier League is done, so let’s talk about the WORST new signings based on a tiny sample size! These five players cost a ton and didn’t prove they’re worth it in their first Premier League outings. Will things improve, or are their new careers doomed before they’ve even begun?

Armando Broja (Burnley, €23 Million)

These days, €23 Million doesn’t sound like a huge amount. But for a striker who doesn’t score a lot of goals, it doesn’t look like a great option. 

What’s worse is that Broja wasn’t even ready to play - Burnley manager Scott Parker said he needs “some more work” before he’s good to go. If you’re having to tread that carefully with your new striker, it’s not a good look. He’s been particularly injury prone throughout his career already, so hopefully this caution at least pays off somewhat. The last thing Burnley want is Broja sitting around getting paid to watch videos when he could be playing.

The Albanian forward has somehow managed to convince people he’s a good goalscorer, too. When he’s only achieved 8 goals in 76 Premier League appearances, it’s hard to justify hanging your survival hopes on him. Honestly, it looks more like a signing to help Burnley in the Championship next year, where I’m sure he’ll do better.

Burnley FC are pleased to confirm the signing of Armando Broja, who joins the Club on a five-year contract from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee ✍️

He’s arrived 🙌

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 8, 2025

Jordan Henderson (Brentford, Free Transfer)

Sure, a free transfer doesn’t seem like a waste of money. He’s probably a great guy to have in the Brentford dressing room, too. He’s presumably no longer getting paid the amount of money he was paid for a while at Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. He still ain’t cheap, though!

And there’s no denying that his legs have gone. After Brentford’s whimpering 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest following a disastrous transfer window in which they lost their best attacker and goal threat Bryan Mbeumo, their captain Christian Nørgaard, and their goalkeeper Mark Flekken, the signing of a 35-year-old Henderson leaves a lot to be desired.

He came on for just over 20 minutes and looked like he’d already played a whole game. 

We’re delighted to confirm the signing of Premier League and Champions League-winning captain Jordan Henderson on a two-year deal ✍️

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 15, 2025

Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, €125 Million)

The biggest signing of the summer, Florian Wirtz did very little to stand out during Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth. New signing Hugo Ekitike shone brightly with two goals and an assist, and the always-amazing Mohamed Salah got himself on the scoresheet, but Wirtz was nowhere to be found.

Paying so much for a player is always a lottery, but you’d hope for more on Wirtz’ debut. With the winning goal scored by forgotten man Federico Chiesa, who was Wirtz’ substitute replacement, things don’t look good for the German international. 

He’ll get more chances to prove himself, there’s no doubt about that, but in a team with such a huge amount of attacking talent, there’s only so much time he’ll be given.

Florian Wirtz is a Red. pic.twitter.com/g8Sw65eGxT

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 20, 2025

Noni Madueke (Arsenal, €56 Million)

Starting on the bench might not have set controversial signing Noni Madueke up for success, but in the just over 30 minutes he got to play, the former Chelsea man failed to impress.

To some, it’s not surprising. Sure, he’s only 23 years old, but his output for the Blues wasn’t exactly world-beating. With only 13 premier league goals in 68 appearances, Arsenal fans aren’t any closer to understanding why on earth their club spent such an astronomical sum for this guy.

Let’s hope he turns it around quickly, or Chelsea will keep laughing all the way to the bank.

Welcome to The Arsenal, Noni Madueke 💨

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 18, 2025

Benjamin Šeško (Manchester Utd, €85 Million)

Mason Mount started ahead of him. Benjamin Šeško, the striker Manchester United bought from RB Leipzig for an estimated €85 Million, sat on the bench and watched Mason Mount play football.

If experimenting with Mason Mount playing false 9 is the tactical decision United are going for, maybe Ruben Amorim’s already seen enough from the Slovenian international to freeze him out. We all know he’s not afraid to give players the cold shoulder, so we’ll have to see if Šeško can prove himself for the rest of the season.

🚨 He's here! 🚨

Benjamin Sesko is officially a Manchester United player! 🙌

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2025