What’s the return policy on a multi-million pound transfer?
We’ve already given you our team of the best new arrivals into the Premier League this season, so in the interest of balance it’s time to name our Flops of the Year, the players which arrived with great expectations but delivered little in their first seasons at their new clubs.
Unsurprisingly, the large transfer fees commanded by these signings factored heavily in their selection, but it is still remarkable to count the cost of these mistakes – a full £65 million more than our successful signings.
Victor Valdes, Free, Manchester United
Admittedly there wasn’t a whole lot of choice here, and Monaco are subsidising a chunk of his former Barcelona keeper’s reported £150,000 weekly wage, but even still, that’s a lot to be paying someone to turn out for your Under-21s.
Filipe Luis, £15.8million, Chelsea
Brought in to bolster Chelsea’s defence after a hugely impressive season with Atletico Madrid, but the Brazilian has barely got a look-in due to the form of Cesar Azpilicueta and could leave Stamford Bridge this summer. Not on his natural side at right back on this XI but he could still do a job.
Dejan Lovren, £20million, Liverpool
If we had an armband to hand out, it would be on the arm of the Croatian, who was supposed to be the strong presence to solidify the Reds defence, but instead fell out of favour to the degree that Kolo Toure was the preferred option for Brendan Rodgers.
Eliaquim Mangala, £32million, Manchester City
The French defender has been a supreme flop at the Etihad, failing to settle in to English football and looking utterly unimpressive in his sporadic appearances.
Luke Shaw, £30million, Manchester United
When you’ve just become the most expensive teenager in British football and you turn up to preseason training out of shape it’s probably a bad sign.
Tom Cleverley, Loan, Aston Villa
Our resident Villa fan puts it better than we ever could: ‘He refuses to do anything, which is the best thing he does.’
Fernando, £12million, Manchester City
Another City transfer failure, the Brazilian has too often been left wanting in a midfield that has struggled when the games have really mattered.
Remy Cabella, £12million, Newcastle
The lightweight arrival has looked good in patches but drifted out of too many games for the Magpies’ liking.
Juan Cuadrado, £27million, Chelsea
Cuadrado could well come good for Chelsea next season, but his contributions since his January arrival from Fiorentina have been negligible. To make matters worse, Mohamed Salah went in the opposite direction and has been absolutely flying in Serie A.
Radamel Falcao, Loan, Manchester United
The Colombian hitman has hit very little since arriving at Old Trafford, and with United already coughing up a reported £16million in loan fees and wages, his stay at the club looks like a short one.
Mario Balotelli, £16million, Liverpool
Looking back, it seems so obvious. But that’s the tantalising nature of Mario, there’s always that niggle of hope that makes you think he’s ready to realise his potential. Just not this year, and not for Liverpool, who will be happy to cut their losses if they can find a taker for the Italian this summer.
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