The flops of the 2025/26 season

It has been one other intriguing Premier League season with a number of stand-out narratives, together with champions Arsenal and shock European qualifiers Bournemouth and Sunderland, to call however three.

Individually, it was a memorable marketing campaign for the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Declan Rice and Gabriel however it was not plain crusing for everybody.

Right here, we check out our Premier League worst XI for the 2025/26 season:

GOALKEEPER

Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)Key stat: Had a Premier League-worst -5.5 targets prevented in comparison with xGOT conceded. In layman’s phrases, he conceded 50 targets when he ought to have conceded simply 44.5.One of many major components in a recipe of catastrophe for Tottenham, who needed to wait to the ultimate day to protect their top-flight standing. Underwent a hernia operation in March and didn’t make it again into the staff forward of the rejuvenated Antonin Kinsky. His save share of 62.4% was additionally among the many worst within the division.

DEFENDERS

Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)Key stat: Made simply 11 tackles all season, received lower than half his floor duels and didn’t handle a single blockArrived final summer time for £30million and was tasked with filling the boots of the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold. Got here with a status as a flying full-back who would fill the artistic void left by the England worldwide. Ended the season with no targets and one help.

Cristian Romero (Tottenham)Key stat: Certainly one of simply two gamers to be proven two purple playing cards this seasonSelected as a lot for his unfavorable affect as for his performances. The Spurs captain symbolised the issues that they had all season, repeatedly criticising the membership whereas failing to ship on the sphere. Was as a consequence of skip the final-day recreation with Everton earlier than a public outcry led to a late change of coronary heart. Made simply 23 league appearances by way of damage and suspension, and received possession again for his aspect 88 instances. By comparability, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi was the main centre-half on this class with 154.

Max Kilman (West Ham)Key stat: Received a mere 44% of his floor duelsWas dropped after an error-strewn begin to the season and, having been given an opportunity towards Leeds within the FA Cup, dedicated one other mistake that noticed the Hammers crash out on the quarter-final stage. A £40m signing from Wolves, Kilman nonetheless has 5 years left on the profitable seven-year contract he signed in 2024. If ever a signing demonstrated a membership’s mis-management…

Dan Burn (Newcastle)Key stat: Had a profitable open play move completion fee of 79.3percentOne of many nice mysteries of England’s World Cup squad, Burn was a key member of a Newcastle defence that shipped 55 targets in 38 league video games with solely 5 groups conceding extra. Not good at defending, should be good on the ball then? Er, no. Burn managed to finish simply 79.3% of his passes in open play, manner down the rankings. That determine drops to 52.1% within the closing third.

MIDFIELDERS

Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester Metropolis)Key stat: Had only one Premier League purpose involvement in 2026A £46million signing from AC Milan final summer time, Reijnders began the season beautifully with a purpose and an help at Wolves on the opening day however then tailed off to being nothing greater than an everyday bench hotter. Is already believed to be contemplating his choices.

Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United)Key stat: Zero targets and 0 assists on this Premier League seasonYou might argue that stat is a contact deceptive given the Uruguay worldwide is predominantly a defensive midfielder, and the truth that of Ugarte’s 22 league appearances, 14 got here from the bench. However he was largely utilised in a back-up function to Casemiro, who managed 9 targets and two assists. United could need to contemplate dipping into the switch market to interchange the departing Brazilian.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)Key stat: Managed simply two by way of balls in 31 appearances and 0 crossesBaleba was closely linked with Manchester United final summer time and should effectively get a transfer previous to subsequent season. It’s unlikely Brighton will spend a lot time in making an attempt to steer him to remain given his attacking output. At the same time as a defensive midfielder, two by way of balls all season is tough to fathom.

FORWARDS

Liam Delap (Chelsea)Key stat: Scored one single purpose within the Premier League and has under-performed his xG by 3.47It’s inevitable that in case your switch mannequin is to signal gamers with promise, some will flop. And for each Willian Estevao there’s sure to be a Liam Delap. Has regarded woefully wanting high quality and has the worst targets v xG within the prime flight for recognised strikers aside from Evanilson, who presents extra to Bournemouth when it comes to method play.

Yoane Wissa (Newcastle)Key stat: Failed to attain within the Premier League in 2026 and managed only one purpose all seasonThe absolute definition of a panic purchase. Having belatedly bought Alexander Isak to Liverpool final summer time, Newcastle wanted attacking reinforcements and rapidly. That led them to spend £55m on Wissa, regardless of him having simply 12 months left on his Brentford contract. Suffered a knee damage on worldwide responsibility in September and by no means actually regarded match or on his return.

Alexander Isak (Liverpool)Key stat: Managed simply six pictures on track all seasonSigned for a British file £125m final yr, Isak’s season was primarily a write-off. Having lastly bought himself match, he was simply starting to regain his Newcastle kind when he sustained a damaged leg within the act of scoring at Tottenham. Flitted out and in over the rest of the season.