From Guehi’s collapse to Isak’s late switch: The costly transfer decisions haunting Premier League seasons | OneFootball

Hindsight helps when assessing transfer market mistakes, and with the benefit of it, we've done just that. Here are some of the worst transfer decisions made by Premier League clubs, managers, and players in 2025-26.

Liverpool not signing Marc Guehi

Liverpool left it regrettably late when pursuing Marc Guehi in the summer. A last-gasp gamble to haggle down Crystal Palace's asking price backfired when the deal collapsed on deadline day. Guehi had undergone a medical with the Reds, but Palace's failure to sign a replacement saw the Eagles pull the plug.

Liverpool's season has been a demanding ordeal, with an over-reliance on Ibrahima Konate and an ageing Virgil van Dijk hindering hopes of a successful season. Arne Slot's side has struggled for solidity, while Guehi eventually got his high-profile move.

The England defender joinedManchester City for a knockdown fee in January to bolster the Blues' backline. Incredibly, he's now been involved in five wins against Liverpool this season, three times as a Palace player and twice with Manchester City.

Liverpool's focus on Galactico attacking additions has been costly. Guehi would have improved a depleted defence and helped ease homegrown issues.

Newcastle delaying Alexander Isak's exit

Liverpool's failure to sign Guehi was largely a result of their distracting summer-long pursuit of Alexander Isak.

The Reds eventually got that deal done on deadline day for a British record £125m, but the timing of the transfer suited no one. Isak's lack of pre-season means his debut season has been underwhelming, while Newcastle gave themselves minimal time to secure replacements.

Eddie Howe's side missed out on multiple targets, including Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman signed for Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt and has been a big success, but there's an argument that he was signed by Liverpool as a contingency as the Isak deal dragged on.

If Newcastle had been willing to sell a clearly unhappy Isak early, would the Magpies have had a free run at Ekitike? We'll never know for certain, but the last-minute deals for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have not worked out as hoped.

James Trafford joining Manchester City

James Trafford might wish he had the benefit of hindsight.

The goalkeeper rejoined Manchester City in the summer with the club's number one position in his sights. City, however, had other ideas. A deadline day move for Gianluigi Donnarumma was completed, leaving Trafford tasked with dislodging arguably the world's best goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old has not started a Premier League game since Donnarumma's arrival, though he did claim a League Cup winners' medal last month.

"I didn't expect the situation to happen, but it happened, so just get on with it," an unhappy Trafford said in February.

Aston Villa allowing Donyell Malen to leave on loan

Aston Villa have hardly been flush with goals this season, so allowing one of the club's better finishers to leave on loan was an odd move.

Donyell Malen failed to get his chance at Villa Park, starting just sevenPremier League games in 12 months at the club. His lack of minutes came despite a productive record, with Malen averaging a goal every 139 minutes across league and Europa League action in 2025-26.

Roma saw a chance and snapped up the Dutchman on loan. He's been an instant hit, scoring eight times in 11 games for the Italian side.

Only Everton and Brighton have scored fewer goals than Aston Villa among the Premier League's top 10 this season, and Malen's exit could come back to haunt Unai Emery if his side misses out on the top four.