TalkSPORT pundit names current player 'worst signing in Premier League history'

TalkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham named a surprise player as the worst signing in the history of the Premier League.

Nearly 24 years ago, the inaugural season of the Premier League began in August 1992, following the decision of clubs from the First Division to break away from the English Football League.

Since then, the Premier League has established itself as perhaps the biggest and best football league in the world, attracting some of the best players ever to kick a football.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo have all etched their names into the history books as the greatest players to represent a Premier League club.

Of course, the Premier League has also hosted some players that are remembered for the wrong reasons, and TalkSPORT's Durham believes that there is one current player who should be remembered as the worst signing in the competition's history.

Thierry Henry is widely regarded as the Premier League's greatest-ever player. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The summer 2025 transfer window was undoubtedly a tough one for Newcastle United as the club lost star player Alexander Isak following a bitter fallout between the striker and club officials.

Ahead of Isak's expected departure, the Magpies secured a deal for Germany international Nick Woltemade reportedly worth up to £69million.

Since then, the striker has struggled to fill the massive hole left by Isak, and Durham has argued that his move to Newcastle should be remembered as the worst signing in the Premier League.

Speaking on the talkSPORT Daily Podcast, he claimed: "Nick Woltemade, I am going to say this - is the worst signing in Premier League history.

"This isn't anything against him, it isn't personal - I hear he's a very good teammate, but £65-70million for one of those, and we've got to delve deeper.

"I was in Newcastle the other night for the Qarabag game, the tie was done, so it was a chance for players to shine, and it was a night Newcastle had a free hit. Their expensive striker needs goals, and he starts in central midfield.

"Now, this is possibly because he doesn't trust him up front. He didn't play well in central midfield. Eddie Howe said he didn't play well in central midfield, saying it is the least he's affected the game since he arrived at the club."

Following a recent injury to Newcastle talisman Bruno Guimaraes, Eddie Howe has moved Woltemade into midfield to give him a chance in the starting lineup.

Woltemade has struggled since joining Newcastle. (Image: George Wood - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Fellow TalkSPORT pundit Jack Cunningham, has praised the move, suggesting that Newcastle and Howe should build their team around the 23-year-old, something that only set Durham off even more.

He added: "Well, if Newcastle want to go down to the Championship that might be a brilliant idea. I do wonder what planet this guy is on.

"Let's get this right. He is a footballer, he's got talent. But he has not got a place in the Newcastle United team, and I think that is the fundamental flaw here.

"It's not about him as a person, it's not about him as a player even. But it's the way Newcastle play, the fact they needed to replace Isak, Howe is putting him all over the park trying to find a place for him.

"£70m and he hasn't even got a place in the team? That's your big signing. That's a joke signing. So pound-for-pound, for what a team needed and what he brings, I make Woltemade the worst-ever Premier League signing."

Since his arrival at St James' Park, Woltemade has made 41 appearances for Newcastle United, scoring 10 goals and assisting four.