We’re only three games into the new Premier League season, but already the microscope is firmly on this summer’s biggest arrivals.
With English clubs spending a record-breaking £3bn in the transfer window, every performance is being dissected, and patience is wearing thin for those who haven’t hit the ground running.
For some, like Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool or Joao Pedro at Chelsea, the early signs are promising. For others, however, the adaptation period is proving far less smooth.
With fans, pundits, and even those looking for free bets today keen to assess who’s thriving and who’s faltering, we’ve picked out four high-profile signings who have yet to justify the hype that surrounded their moves.
Florian Wirtz – Liverpool
Liverpool made headlines across Europe when they smashed the Premier League transfer record to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield for £116m from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old German midfielder arrived with a reputation as one of the most exciting young playmakers in world football, having scored 10 goals and assisted 12 more in the Bundesliga last season.
Yet, despite Liverpool hitting eight goals in their opening three league wins over Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal, Wirtz is still waiting for his first direct contribution. While it’s far too early to draw sweeping conclusions, his lack of involvement has raised eyebrows, especially given his fee. Wirtz will no doubt come good eventually, but fans were hoping for fireworks from the off, and so far, he has struggled to light the spark.
Matheus Cunha – Manchester United
Manchester United spent big this summer, but three games in, their new front line already faces questions. While Benjamin Sesko has only amassed 80 minutes in three games and Bryan Mbuemo has chipped in with goals, it is Matheus Cunha who is attracting the most criticism.
Signed from Wolves for £62.5m after scoring 15 goals and providing six assists last term, the Brazilian was expected to add dynamism and end product to Ruben Amorim’s side. Instead, he has looked off the pace. Cunha is yet to register a goal or assist in his three league outings and compounded his slow start by missing a crucial penalty in United’s shock EFL Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
At Old Trafford, the pressure is relentless—and Cunha needs to find form quickly before the scrutiny intensifies.
James Trafford – Manchester City
On the blue side of Manchester, a familiar face returned this summer as City splashed £27m to re-sign James Trafford from Burnley. The plan seemed clear: with Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahce looming, Trafford was tipped as the next long-term No.1.
But his start has been rocky. The 22-year-old looked uncomfortable in Pep Guardiola’s possession-heavy system, with his hesitancy most evident in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, where his error directly led to a goal. To make matters worse, City snapped up Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day, immediately relegating Trafford to the bench. From being Burnley’s ever-present to a likely back-up at the Etihad, it feels like a step backwards—and questions remain over whether this move benefits his development at all.
Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal
Yes, Viktor Gyökeres has already found the net twice in an Arsenal shirt. But for a £75m signing billed as the striker to finally deliver the Premier League title to the Emirates, expectations are sky high. The Swede has looked awkward in certain moments, struggling to impose himself against elite opposition.
Both of his early goals came in a 5-0 rout of Leeds, one from the penalty spot. But against sterner tests—United and Liverpool away—he was anonymous. These are the games in which Arsenal need their new talisman to make the difference. Mikel Arteta and the fans will hope Gyökeres grows into the role, but at present, he hasn’t shown the ruthless edge expected of a striker meant to fire the Gunners to glory.