Summer 2026 Transfer Window: Manchester United and Tottenham Falter Amid Big Spending
The Premier League's summer transfer spree continued without hesitation this year, with clubs splurging big on new talent. Yet some of the biggest investors have yet to see returns on the pitch as the new season unfolds.
Let's explore the standout signings of the summer before diving into which teams have impressed or disappointed so far.
Big Signings and Early Disappointments at Manchester United and Tottenham
Manchester United finally began their midfield overhaul, but early performances suggest the revamp hasn't gone smoothly. Youri Tielemans, arriving from Aston Villa, has underwhelmed. Meanwhile, Carlos Baleba is sidelined by an ankle injury, yet to make his debut. Adding to concerns, Brazilian Andrey Santos, signed from Chelsea as a long-term Casemiro replacement, has struggled badly.
The 22-year-old Santos started in losses to Hull City and Brighton & Hove Albion, and has only clocked 42 minutes in other games combined. United’s midfield needs to find its rhythm quickly after a sluggish start.
Tottenham Hotspur has faced even harsher criticism. After spending over €200 million on midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, Spurs sit bottom of the table after five matches (two draws, three losses). Manager Roberto De Zerbi hasn’t yet found a way to get these players firing, and they need to raise their game significantly soon.
Defender Jan Paul van Hecke has also struggled to adjust to the demands at a top-six club. His defensive awareness has been poor, and Tottenham might regret letting go of Luka Vuskovic to bring him in.
Brighton and Brentford Outshine Tottenham in the Transfer Market
Brighton & Hove Albion have taken advantage of Tottenham’s transfer missteps by signing Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic. Vuskovic never appeared for Tottenham’s first team but impressed on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga. Since joining Brighton this summer, the 19-year-old has been a regular starter, helping them climb to third place in the league.
He has adapted well to different tactics, proving to be a smart signing for a club that rarely slips up in the transfer market.
Brentford continue to demonstrate a knack for spotting talent they can develop and sell on for profit. Their latest promising addition is Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who arrived from Ligue 1 side Lens. Sangare’s energetic performances, including an impressive display against Tottenham on the opening weekend, have kept Spurs’ new midfield chasing shadows.
Looking at early form, it seems Manchester United may have missed out by not targeting Sangare this summer.
Other Noteworthy Summer Signings
- James Trafford (Leeds United): Has conceded just three goals in five league appearances, providing solid goalkeeping.
- Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool): Brought more stability to Liverpool’s defense, which struggled last season.
