Peter Crouch. Twice.
The shambling, A.W.O.L-going, open letter-writing departure of Angel di Maria from Manchester United begs the question if the Argentine was the league’s worst ever big buy.
The names Fernando Torres [to Chelsea], Alfonso Alves [Middlesbrough] and Andy Carroll [to Liverpool then West Ham] spring to mind as counter arguments.
However, a glance at each Premier League club’s top signings, over the past 15 seasons, reads like something Steven King put together during his Carrie-The Stand phase.
Top of the list, money-wise, is di Maria but the Argentine can hang his hat on three goals, 10 assists and United’s Champions League qualification.
The least expensive signing was Ireland’s own, Andy Reid. He cost Blackpool £1m in 2010 and only played five times for the club.
Other expensive flops include Mauro Boselli [£6.5m to Wigan], Roger Johnson [£7m to Wolves], and Roberto Soldado [£25.8m to Spurs].
Our personal favourites, however, are the potent duo of Kostas Mitroglu [£12.4m to Fulham] and Ricky van Wolfswinkel [£8.5 to Norwich].
Potent in a bad, bad way.
