Football clubs often invest heavily in star players with the hope of achieving instant success. However, not every expensive transfer delivers the expected results. Various factors, such as injuries, tactical mismatches, and off-field issues, can lead to a player’s failure to justify their hefty price tag.
Here’s a look at some of the most expensive transfers in football history that did not work out as planned.
1) Neymar
Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for €222 million remains one of the most expensive transfers of all time. The Brazilian forward was expected to elevate PSG’s status in European football and lead them to Champions League glory.
However, injuries plagued his time at the club, often keeping him out of crucial matches, especially in the Champions League knockout stages. While he showed flashes of brilliance in Ligue 1, PSG failed to secure the coveted European title. His time at the club was also marked by transfer speculations, disciplinary issues, and off-field distractions, which affected his consistency.
2) Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in 2018 for €160 million with the hope that he would succeed Andrés Iniesta. However, the midfielder struggled to adapt to the club’s playing style and failed to replicate his Premier League form.
Following a series of underwhelming performances, he was loaned to Bayern Munich, where he notably scored twice against Barcelona in an 8-2 thrashing. Eventually, he was sold to Aston Villa for a significantly reduced fee, becoming a symbol of Barcelona’s transfer mismanagement.
3) Eden Hazard
Real Madrid signed Eden Hazard from Chelsea in 2019 for €100 million, expecting him to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his time at the club was marred by persistent injuries and fitness issues.
Despite his undeniable talent, he struggled to make an impact, scoring only a handful of goals. His inability to stay fit and replicate his Chelsea form made him one of the most disappointing signings in the club’s history.
4) Ousmane Dembélé
Barcelona signed Ousmane Dembélé from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for €105 million as Neymar’s replacement. However, he suffered multiple injuries, limiting his playing time.
Although he displayed glimpses of his talent, his inconsistency and fitness struggles made it difficult for him to maintain form. His performances often frustrated fans, and he failed to reach the potential expected of him.
5) Antoine Griezmann
Barcelona spent €120 million to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid in 2019. The French forward was expected to complement Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in attack.
However, he struggled to fit into the team’s tactical setup, often playing in positions that did not suit his strengths. His performances were underwhelming, and he eventually returned to Atlético Madrid, making his transfer an expensive miscalculation.
6) João Félix
Atlético Madrid signed João Félix for €126 million in 2019, hoping he would be their next star forward. However, he struggled to adapt to their rigid tactical system and failed to consistently showcase his creative abilities.
His subsequent loan spells to Chelsea and Barcelona were further proof that he did not meet the club’s expectations, highlighting the risks of placing immense pressure on young players with hefty price tags.
7) Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea re-signed Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan in 2021 for £97.5 million, expecting him to be their dominant goal-scorer. However, his return quickly turned into a disappointment as he publicly expressed his desire to return to Inter Milan and clashed with then-manager Thomas Tuchel.
In less than a year, Lukaku was loaned back to Inter Milan and later Roma. His public fallout with Chelsea made the transfer a costly mistake for the club.
8) Nicolas Pépé
Arsenal signed Nicolas Pépé for £72 million, making him their record signing. He was expected to become one of the Premier League’s best wingers but struggled with consistency.
As Bukayo Saka emerged as a top performer, Pépé lost his place in the team and was eventually sold for free in 2023, marking a significant financial loss for Arsenal.
9) Paul Pogba
Manchester United broke the world transfer record in 2016 by signing Paul Pogba from Juventus for £89 million. The club hoped he would dominate the midfield and be a game-changer.
While he had moments of brilliance, Pogba never fully lived up to expectations. His time at United was marked by injuries, inconsistent performances, and off-field drama. Eventually, he left the club for free, returning to Juventus in 2022.
These cases serve as a reminder that spending huge sums on players does not always guarantee success.
