The 10 Biggest Premier League Transfer Busts of 2024

While some new Premier League arrivals have made an immediate impact in 2024, others have seriously struggled to live up to expectations. Here’s a rundown of the 10 worst signings made by top-flight clubs over the past year:

10. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea to Arsenal – loan)

The former Manchester City star has failed to recapture his best form since joining Arsenal on loan. With just two league starts so far, Sterling looks a shadow of the player who was once one of England’s most dangerous attackers.

9. Savinho (Troyes to Manchester City)

Hailed as a potential Riyad Mahrez replacement, the young Brazilian has struggled to make an impact at the Etihad. Zero goals in 13 league appearances tells its own story.

8. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester to Chelsea)

Chelsea paid big money for the midfielder but he’s barely featured, managing just 56 minutes of Premier League action in the first 16 games. Looks out of his depth at Stamford Bridge.

7. James Ward-Prowse (West Ham to Nottingham Forest – loan)

The set-piece specialist has been unable to replicate his Southampton form at Forest. Sporadic appearances and a red card against Chelsea sum up a disappointing campaign.

6. Ben Brereton Diaz (Villarreal to Southampton)

Brought in to fire Southampton back to the Premier League, the Chile international is yet to score after 13 league games. A major disappointment so far.

5. Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City to Ipswich Town – loan)

The England midfielder’s career continues to stall. Has started just 7 league games for Ipswich and failed to make the impact Kieran McKenna would have hoped for.

4. Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich to Manchester United)

United spent £42.9m on the Dutch defender but he’s looked error-prone and arguably no better than Harry Maguire. A far cry from the prodigious talent who emerged at Ajax.

3. Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid to Chelsea)

The former Golden Boy winner has been a spectator for much of the season, starting just twice in the league and scoring once. At 25, time is running out for Felix to fulfill his vast potential.

2. Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal to Crystal Palace)

Palace paid £30m for the striker but he’s yet to score in 13 league appearances. Looks short of confidence and Premier League quality.

1. Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna to Manchester United)

United’s £36.5m signing has flopped badly, scoring in just two league games. Lacks the pace to be a real threat and could be moved on after just one season.