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Premier League clubs once again opened their wallets wide in the 2025/26 season, with several sides breaking their own transfer records to secure new talent.

As the campaign draws to a close, we assess the ten most expensive signings based on their impact during their debut season.

Liverpool made headlines on deadline day by finalising the high-profile signing of Alexander Isak after pursuing him throughout the summer. Once regarded as one of Europe’s elite forwards, Isak has struggled to replicate the form that saw him notch 62 goals in 109 games for Newcastle United. A disrupted pre-season and a serious leg injury have derailed his progress, and although improvement is anticipated, his first year at Anfield has been disappointing.

Another major addition for Liverpool failed to live up to expectations. Arriving as a two-time consecutive winner of the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, he has not displayed his best form for the Reds. Though not a complete failure, producing just eight combined goals and assists in the Premier League is below par for a player of his calibre.

After a slow start under former boss Ruben Amorim, Benjamin Sesko found his rhythm at Manchester United in the latter part of the season. Flourishing under Michael Carrick’s management, the 22-year-old netted nine of his 11 league goals after January. Averaging a goal every 145 minutes in the Premier League, Sesko looks ready for more consistent football next season.

Manchester United aimed for players ready to make an immediate impact last summer, and Bryan Mbeumo fit that requirement perfectly. The Cameroonian forward joined from Brentford after an impressive 20-goal league campaign and instantly enhanced United’s attacking options. He ended the season with 11 league goals and three assists, a solid return in his debut campaign.

Nick Woltemade started brightly at Newcastle United but faded as the season progressed. Frequently played out of position or omitted from the starting lineup, the German forward managed just one goal in his final 19 league appearances. A move back to the Bundesliga could be on the cards for him.

Rating: 3/10

Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool was initially overshadowed by the high-profile arrivals of Isak and Wirtz, yet the French striker turned out to be the standout performer among the club’s summer recruits. Ekitike impressed with 17 goals across all competitions and quickly became a fan favourite before a serious Achilles injury cut his season short and is expected to keep him sidelined for much of the next campaign.

Matheus Cunha also enjoyed a strong first year at Manchester United, reaching double figures for Premier League goals. Like Mbeumo, he adjusted quickly to his new surroundings and significantly boosted the team’s attacking output.

Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a breakthrough season across two clubs—starting at Bournemouth before moving to Manchester City in January. The Ghanaian forward scored 11 goals in half a season with City, including a memorable winner in the FA Cup final that secured his place in the club’s history books.

Eberechi Eze made key contributions for title-winning Arsenal, delivering standout performances such as a hat-trick in the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur and a decisive strike against Newcastle United. However, there is a sense that Eze has even more potential to unlock in the seasons ahead.

Chelsea’s transfer spending has often come under scrutiny, but their £60 million investment in Joao Pedro appears to have paid off. The Brazilian forward scored 23 goals in 53 appearances, emerging as a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for the Blues.