In the world of football, transfer deals are often seen as important decisions for club development and a player's career. However, not all transfers lead to the expected success. Here are what are considered to be the top 10 worst value transfer deals in football history.
Paul · Pogba: Juventus to Manchester United
Paul Pogba is a France midfielder · known for his excellent ball control and creativity. In 2016, Manchester United brought in Pogba from Juventus for £89 million, a deal that broke the transfer fee record at the time. However, his performances at United fell short of expectations, with frequent injuries and off-field controversy making the deal considered a failure.
Pogba
Andy · Carroll: Newcastle to Liverpool
Andy Carroll is an England striker · known for his ability to play high balls. In 2011, Liverpool signed Carroll from Newcastle for £35 million, a record United Kingdom transfer price at the time. However, Carroll's performance at Liverpool was mediocre and failed to become a key figure in the team.
Carol
Romelu · Romeu: Manchester United to Chelsea
Belgium striker Romelu · Romelu Lukaku are known for his strong physicality and ability to score goals. In 2021, Chelsea brought him in from Manchester United for a whopping £97.5 million. However, Romelu Lukaku's performances at Chelsea have not been as good as they could have been, failing to show the efficiency of goals at other clubs.
Fernando · Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea
Spain striker Fernando Torres was Liverpool's top scorer · Fernando Torres. Chelsea signed Fernando Torres for £50 million in 2011 in the hope that he will continue his efficient goalscoring form. However, Torres' performances at Chelsea have taken a significant dip and he has failed to become the heart of the team's attack.
Torres
Danny · Drinkwater: Leicester City to Chelsea
Danny · Drinkwater is an English midfielder who helped Leicester City win the Premier League title. In 2017, Chelsea brought him in for £35 million. However, Danny Drinkwater was unable to get consistent appearances at Chelsea and ended up on loan out on multiple occasions.
Alexis · Sanchez: Arsenal to Manchester United
Chile striker Alexis · Sánchez has been outstanding during his time at Arsenal. In 2018, United signed him for £35 million in the hope that he would boost the team's attacking firepower. However, Sanchez's performances at Manchester United fell well short of expectations and he failed to become an important member of the team.
Mario · Balotelli: AC Milan to Liverpool
Italy striker Mario Balotelli · known for his talent and off-field controversy. In 2014, Liverpool brought him in from AC Milan for £16 million. However, Balotelli's performances at Liverpool were disappointing and he failed to adapt to the pace of the Premier League game.
Balotelli
Philippe · Coutinho: Liverpool to Barcelona
Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been in excellent form for Liverpool ·. In 2018, Barcelona brought him in for £140 million, hoping that he could fill the void left by Neymar's departure. However, Coutinho failed to find his place at Barcelona and ended up on loan at other clubs.
Angel · Di Maria: Real Madrid to Manchester United
Argentina winger Angel Di María · known for his speed and technique. In 2014, Manchester United brought him in from Real Madrid for £59.7 million. However, Di Maria's performances at United failed to live up to expectations and he left the club after just one season.
Christian · Bentekeke: Aston Villa to Liverpool
Belgium striker Christian Benteke · impressed during his time at Aston Villa. In 2015, Liverpool brought him in for £32.5 million. However, Benteke failed to continue his previous goalscoring streak at Liverpool and was eventually transferred to Crystal Palace.
Bad transfer (Source: The Sun)
These deals not only involve huge sums of money, but also have a profound impact on the future of the clubs and players involved. While these players may have had success at other clubs, they have failed to perform as expected in these deals.