The Biggest Transfer Disasters That Rocked the 2026 Summer Window

Billions more were splashed across global football this summer as a host of high-profile stars secured high-paying moves.

Premier League clubs, as ever, led the charge, spending a staggering $4.8 billion on new recruits, though clubs from other top European leagues and beyond were equally willing to open their wallets.

While many deals reflected sharp business acumen, the window was not without its share of questionable decisions. With thousands of players changing clubs, some misguided transfers are bound to happen.

Here are eight of the most ill-advised signings from the 2026 summer transfer window.

Sávio

Fans were left speechless by Sávio's $101.9 million price tag, with many suspecting some financial maneuvering was at play as Tottenham Hotspur snapped up the Brazilian alongside his Manchester City teammate Omar Marmoush in rapid succession.

Speculation suggested a sell-on clause that Man City were reluctant to pay to Marmoush's former club Eintracht Frankfurt may have inflated Sávio's fee by comparison. However, once that theory was dismissed, eyebrows were raised throughout the football world.

The fact that Spurs were prepared to invest such a hefty sum in a player who managed just two Premier League goals across two seasons at the Etihad was baffling, and Sávio will need to hit the ground running in north London to justify his price tag.

Mykhailo Mudryk

One of several eyebrow-raising Spurs deals arrived on deadline day. A move for Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo left supporters puzzled, but the simultaneous loan agreement for Mykhailo Mudryk pushed many to their limits.

The Ukrainian winger had not featured in a competitive fixture for nearly two years following a doping suspension that was only recently overturned, and his form had been wildly erratic even before his prolonged absence from the game.

In essence, Tottenham have taken it upon themselves to revive one of their rivals' expensive acquisitions. Should he flourish, they can trigger a remarkable purchase option worth $101.9 million — the same figure spent on Sávio. Should he falter, Spurs have no one but themselves to blame for such a high-stakes gamble.

Liam Delap

Chelsea raised $520 million through player sales this summer, offloading several players deemed no longer necessary. Liam Delap was among those they were eager to move on after a dismal debut campaign that produced just three goals in 49 appearances.

That another Premier League side was willing to hand Delap a second chance is not entirely surprising, particularly given his tally of 12 top-flight goals for Ipswich Town during the 2024–25 season.

However, Nottingham Forest's decision to spend $61.2 million on a striker Chelsea had purchased for just $40.6 million left many stunned. Such an outlay is difficult to justify, even in today's inflated market.

Emmanuel Emegha

Chelsea cleared significant space in Xabi Alonso's squad through departures and restocked with 11 new arrivals. The usual crop of promising youngsters featured, but this time a notable number of seasoned, Premier League-tested players were also brought in.

Emmanuel Emegha falls into the former category and was a deal Chelsea had actually agreed back in September. Signed from sister club Strasbourg for $28.5 million, the 23-year-old was anticipated to serve as backup to João Pedro during a season without European competition.

However, with the Blues also bringing in Danny Welbeck, the Dutchman now finds himself third in the pecking order in a single-striker setup. For Emegha, that spells a tough road to consistent minutes and risks his development grinding to a halt. A real shame.

Randal Kolo Muani

For $43.8 million, one would anticipate landing a sharp, in-form centre forward. Juventus, however, concluded that former loanee Randal Kolo Muani was worth that investment, despite his underwhelming stint at Tottenham Hotspur the previous season.

His temporary spell in north London yielded just five goals in 41 appearances, punctuated by a string of forgettable performances. There were few bright spots for the Frenchman as Spurs sank to 17th in the Premier League.

Paris Saint-Germain deserve credit for their negotiating prowess, having persuaded Juve to part with a substantial fee for the 27-year-old, whose 10-goal loan spell in Turin clearly left a lasting impression on the Italian club.

Gonçalo Ramos

Juventus were not the only Italian powerhouse to recruit their new No. 9 from PSG. Eager to support Ruben Amorim in his debut transfer window, AC Milan approved a sizeable deal for Gonçalo Ramos, who spent last season playing second fiddle to Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé.

The Portugal international was largely a squad player under Luis Enrique, entering matches as a late substitute or starting routine Ligue 1 games. He contributed 13 goals in 50 appearances — a return that apparently warrants an $80 million fee in today's market.

For that kind of money, the Rossoneri should have been targeting one of the world's elite strikers or a high-ceiling prospect. Spending that sum on Ramos feels questionable, even if he is a perfectly capable forward.

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli's $81.5 million switch to Al Hilal is hardly a bad outcome for Arsenal or his new club, both of whom will be satisfied with the arrangement and the financial terms. But it does appear a curious and somewhat deflating choice for Martinelli personally, with the Brazilian seemingly opting for financial reward over a genuine competitive challenge at a top European club.

At just 25 years of age, it seems an odd moment for the winger to step away from the spotlight. Despite a difficult 2025–26 campaign amid Arsenal's success, there was every reason to believe he could have restored his standing as a dynamic and tenacious attacker at a Champions League club.

On his best days, Martinelli remains a potent offensive force, combining pace and determination in a way that numerous clubs could have put to good use in the seasons ahead.

Mohamed Salah

For Trabzonspor, landing Mohamed Salah was nothing short of a remarkable achievement. The iconic Liverpool winger was available on a free transfer and attracted a long list of potential suitors, even if most of them were based outside Europe's premier competitions.

Yes, the Turkish club will need to meet Salah's substantial wage demands, but in exchange they acquire a global superstar still capable of producing elite-level performances when at his best.

For Salah himself, however, the move is far less compelling. A transfer to Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer would have made sense and carried a certain prestige, but joining Türkiye's fourth-largest club feels like a step down from what his legacy deserves.