Introduction
The excitement generated by Premier League clubs signing top strikers during the summer transfer window has not translated into performance as the season progresses. Leading up to the 2025-26 season, clubs splurged on forwards with high hopes; however, most are now underperforming.
High-Profile Signings
Liverpool made headlines by acquiring Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a record £125 million, a move that alone eclipsed the total spent by Manchester United and Arsenal on other strikers, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyökeres, respectively, who were also sought after throughout the summer.
The trio of signings started November’s international break with a combined total of just six league goals, and several lesser-known forwards have outshone them. Alongside Isak, Liverpool also recruited Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Chelsea brought in João Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion. Newcastle compensated for Isak’s departure by signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. Collectively, these six forward acquisitions have amassed a staggering cost around £471 million, contributing to a record-breaking Premier League spending spree that surpassed £3 billion in one transfer window.
Current Performance and Challenges
Despite high expectations for Liverpool to dominate the league after their successful 2024-26 campaign, they currently languish in eighth place, trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points. Arsenal may have been tempted to pursue Isak too had they thought he was available sooner, but they chose to focus on other targets.
The signing of Isak was seen as a major coup for Liverpool, especially as he was one of the league’s standout performers last season with 29 combined goals and assists, surpassed only by Mohamed Salah.
However, numerous challenges have hindered Isak’s integration into Liverpool’s setup. His transfer saga dragged on until the deadline, leaving him without proper preseason training and limiting his early involvement with the team. Additionally, his injury history is a consideration, witnessed when he sustained a groin issue recently. There were concerns from multiple clubs regarding his fitness before his transfer, leading Liverpool to consider rotating him with Ekitike to reduce injury risks. Isak has only managed to log 253 minutes in four league appearances thus far, with his only notable contribution being a solitary shot on target during a defeat against Manchester United.
Manchester United’s Struggles
Manchester United’s focus on acquiring a striker, while neglecting their pressing need for midfield reinforcements, raised eyebrows after they signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Sesko, who had attracted interest from Arsenal before they switched to Gyökeres, ultimately ended up at United. Although he has netted two league goals from limited opportunities, he has struggled to assert himself among United’s new attacking line-up, characterized by a lack of cohesive play.
Reports indicate Sesko is diligently working to enhance his performance, but he has displayed signs of insecurity, notably in a recent match against Tottenham where he hesitated when presented with a scoring chance. After leaving the stadium on crutches due to a knee issue, the club eased concerns over his injury, but any significant absence could compromise his settling into English football. Meanwhile, as United faces a fixture backlog with key players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, expectations will heighten for Sesko to deliver.
Arsenal’s Acquisition
Despite Arsenal clinching Gyökeres, who has contributed six goals in 14 matches, some analysts still question his impact in decisive games. Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta has publicly commended Gyökeres’ overall abilities but acknowledged that adapting style to maximize his strengths remains a work in progress. The defender-focused strategy that has characterized Arsenal’s performance, thus far, is notable, as Gyökeres aims to enhance his scoring rate to ensure his role as a pivotal player.
Conclusion
Assessing the performances of these high-profile signings over the initial months of the season remains preliminary, but the pressure mounts as they seek to establish themselves in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. Recent history shows that many exceptional forwards, such as Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney, took time to adjust in their respective early careers, while others like Erling Haaland have made immediate impacts. Nevertheless, as clubs continue to monitor their progress, the story of this summer of strikers is still unfolding.
