From Guehi’s collapse to Isak’s late switch: The costly transfer decisions haunting Premier League seasons
From Guehi’s collapse to Isak’s late switch: The costly transfer decisions haunting Premier League seasons 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 joined Manchester 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.