Summer 2026 Transfer Window: Manchester United and Tottenham Falter Amid Premier League Spending Frenzy

This summer, Premier League clubs showed no signs of slowing their extravagant spending. The transfer window saw record outlays as teams aimed to bolster their squads ahead of the new season.

Despite heavy investments, some of the biggest spenders are already facing doubts about their decisions after a rocky start to the campaign.

Key Signings and Early Season Struggles

Manchester United finally began their long-anticipated midfield overhaul this summer, but results have been underwhelming so far. Youri Tielemans, signed from Aston Villa, has struggled to meet expectations. Carlos Baleba remains sidelined with an ankle injury, yet to make his debut. Meanwhile, Brazilian Andrey Santos, brought in from Chelsea to replace Casemiro long-term, has performed poorly. He started in losses against Hull City and Brighton & Hove Albion and has only clocked 42 minutes in other appearances combined.

The new midfield needs to gel quickly if United are to improve on their sluggish start.

Tottenham Hotspur has fared even worse, sitting at the bottom of the table after five games with two draws and three losses. After splashing over €200 million on midfield additions Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, Spurs were seen by some as potential top-four contenders. Yet manager Roberto De Zerbi is still trying to find form from these new recruits, who must raise their game significantly in the coming months.

Jan Paul van Hecke has also struggled defensively, failing to adjust to the demands of playing for a Big Six club. His poor reading of the game might lead Spurs to regret trading Luka Vuskovic for him.

Brighton and Brentford Outshine Spurs’ Mistakes

Brighton & Hove Albion exploited Tottenham’s questionable transfer choices by signing Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic. Although he never appeared for Spurs’ first team, Vuskovic impressed during his loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

Now a regular starter for Brighton since joining this summer, the 19-year-old's consistent form has helped the Seagulls climb to third place in the Premier League. Vuskovic’s adaptability to different systems highlights Brighton’s sharp eye in the transfer market.

Brentford maintain their reputation for spotting talent ready to develop into valuable assets. Their latest promising signing is Mamadou Sangare, who arrived from Ligue 1’s Lens. The Mali international made an immediate impact with his energetic performance on the opening weekend, leaving Tottenham’s midfield chasing shadows. He has continued to impress, suggesting big things ahead.

Given his form, it’s reasonable to say Manchester United might have missed an opportunity by passing on Sangare this summer.

Other Noteworthy Summer Signings

• James Trafford (Leeds United): Conceded just three goals in five league matches, providing solidity at the back.
• Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool): Has bolstered Liverpool’s defense, which was inconsistent last season.