By Esosa Osa
When the summer transfer window opened, fans were excited, everyone had an opinion, and clubs made big signings. However, as the season began to unfold, some new signings struggled to replicate the form that had earned them a transfer, and we were reminded that, just as in life, football is not linear. As we approach the halfway mark of the 25/26 Premier League season, it’s time to take a look at the new signings that have struggled the most.
Anthony Elanga
After finishing last season with 17 G/A in the league and earning comparisons with some of the fastest athletes ever, Elanga’s slow start to life in Newcastle is a shock to many. Signed for £52 million plus £3 million in performance-based add-ons from Nottingham Forest in the summer, Elanga went straight into Eddie Howe’s starting eleven, operating on the right wing, but has since been playing second fiddle to Jacob Murphy, who he initially replaced.
The Swedish winger has been ineffective in attack, providing his first league assist on Matchday 13, and is still without a goal in all competitions. One assist, one big chance created, one big chance missed, and 0.2 dribbles per game in the league. There is an urgent need for improvement in all aspects for Newcastle’s Usain Bolt.
Benjamin Sesko
When Manchester United signed Benjamin Sesko, a few eyebrows were raised as to whether he was worth the £73.7m, including add-ons, spent on him. But so far, he is yet to prove his doubters wrong, and the fundamental issues which raised concerns regarding his readiness to play in England’s top-flight league remain.
The Slovenian has struggled with everything you want from a modern-day striker. His link-up play, spatial awareness, hold-up play and even basics like his first touch have been subpar. With two goals since his arrival, Sesko cannot take any joy from his start to life at United.
Thierno Barry
There’s nothing worse than a goal drought for a striker, but that is the Thierno Barry story, as it took him till his 17th game for the Toffees to find the back of the net, scoring against Nottingham Forest. Although Barry has shown glimpses of what it means to be a physically astute striker in the Premier League, boasting one of the best aerial duel rates for strikers (43%), but goals are what define strikers, and Barry needs more of them.
Alexander Isak
In what was the summer’s biggest transfer story, Alexander Isak moved to Liverpool in a British record deal worth £130m, including add-ons. But so far it looks like the grass is greener on Tyneside. The 26-year-old has netted just three times in 16 appearances for the Reds and looks a shadow of his former self. Hampered by a disruptive pre-season, he is devoid of the spark that saw him skip past players with the elegance reminiscent of Thierry Henry.
Unfortunately, the Swedish international may not have a proper chance this season to wipe out his poor start after suffering a fractured leg against Tottenham over a week ago, and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Florian Wirtz
Since the departure of Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool fans have called for a ‘Proper 10’ in the squad, and this summer the club delivered in the form of German International Florian Wirtz for a £116m package, from Bayer Leverkusen. However, deep into December, he has found the back of the net just once, scoring a few days ago against bottom-side Wolves.
The German has been almost non-existent in front of goal or creating one. He has created the same number of big chances as Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez (2). Of all the lacklustre new signings, the pressure is certainly on Wirtz the most to turn his tide.
The good news is that there are 20 league games left, and that could be the difference between being nominated for Player of the Season and being termed a “Flop” by May. Only time will tell what awaits these players.
