Big-money transfers in football often promise glory, but history has proven that spending lavishly doesn’t always guarantee success. Despite the risks, wealthy clubs frequently splurge on high-profile players, hoping to address team issues or bolster their squads. However, not every record-breaking signing delivers on expectations.
From injuries to mismanagement, or simply failing to live up to their transfer fee, several players have found themselves on the wrong side of history. In this article, SHOLY NATION SPORTS revisits the top 10 most disappointing transfers in football history.
1. Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool to Barcelona (2018) – €120m
Barcelona’s decision to sign Philippe Coutinho for an initial €120m, plus €40m in add-ons, is widely regarded as a disaster. The Brazilian midfielder struggled to find a role at Camp Nou, and his performances fell far below expectations. Ironically, his most memorable moment came while on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring twice against Barcelona in an 8–2 demolition in the 2020 UEFA Champions League. Eventually, Coutinho was sold to Aston Villa for just €20m in 2022, a massive financial loss for Barcelona.
2. Ousmane Dembélé: Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona (2017) – €105m
Barcelona’s second costly mistake came just months earlier when they paid €105m for Ousmane Dembélé. Signed to replace Neymar, the French winger failed to justify the investment, struggling with injuries and off-field discipline issues. Between 2017 and 2021, he missed over 85 matches due to injuries. Dembélé left for PSG in 2023, and while his talent is undeniable, his stint at Barcelona will be remembered as a major letdown.
He left Barca for the PSG on a free transfer in 2023.
3. Eden Hazard: Chelsea to Real Madrid (2019) – €100m
Eden Hazard’s €100m move to Real Madrid was supposed to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Belgian arrived overweight and was plagued by injuries throughout his time at the Bernabéu. Fans were further frustrated by his apparent lack of effort, and his behaviour—such as laughing with Chelsea players after Real Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League—did little to improve his reputation. Hazard retired in 2023 after his Madrid contract was terminated.
4. Paul Pogba: Juventus to Manchester United (2016) – £89m
Manchester United broke the transfer record to bring Paul Pogba back from Juventus for £89m. However, the Frenchman’s second stint at Old Trafford was underwhelming, with inconsistent performances and off-field controversies dominating headlines. Pogba left for Juventus again in 2022 on a free transfer, and his career has been marred further by a failed drug test in 2023, putting his future in serious doubt.
5. Romelu Lukaku: Inter Milan to Chelsea (2021) – £98m
Chelsea’s £98m signing of Romelu Lukaku proved to be a massive misstep. The Belgian striker, who had thrived at Inter Milan, struggled to adapt at Stamford Bridge and caused controversy with an unauthorised interview criticising the club. Lukaku’s return to Chelsea ended in disappointment, and he was shipped out on loan.
6. Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid to Barcelona (2019) – €120m
Barcelona’s €120m purchase of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid backfired spectacularly. The French forward failed to replicate his Atletico form and became a symbol of Barcelona’s financial mismanagement. His exorbitant wages contributed to the club’s inability to retain Lionel Messi. Griezmann eventually returned to Atletico for a cut-price fee, where he rediscovered his form.
7. Neymar: Barcelona to Al-Hilal (2023) –€90m
Neymar’s record €90m transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal was expected to mark a new chapter of individual brilliance in his career. However, his time in Saudi Arabia has been so bad. Plagued by injuries and off-field distractions, the Brazilian forward has struggled to make any meaningful impact. Despite being one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, earning a reported €150m annually, Neymar has only managed to feature in five matches for Al-Hilal.
His troubles were further compounded when he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with Brazil in October 2023, sidelining him for several months. The limited game time and lack of significant contributions have led many to label Neymar as one of the most expensive and disappointing transfers in football history.
8. Nicolas Pépé: Lille to Arsenal (2019) – £72m
Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Nicolas Pépé from Lille for £72m. Unfortunately, the Ivorian winger never adapted to the Premier League. His inconsistency and inability to deliver in big games saw him fall out of favour, with Arsenal eventually sending him out on loan before parting ways permanently.
9. Harry Maguire: Leicester City to Manchester United (2019) – £80m
Harry Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when Manchester United paid £80m for him in 2019. While he had his moments, Maguire’s performances often failed to justify the hefty price tag. He struggled with the intense scrutiny at Old Trafford, and his tenure as captain was marred by inconsistency and criticism from fans and pundits alike.
10. João Félix: Benfica to Atletico Madrid (2019) – €126m
Atletico Madrid shocked the football world by paying €126m for João Félix, a then-19-year-old rising star. However, Félix never truly fit into Diego Simeone’s defensive system, and his attacking flair was stifled. The Portuguese forward struggled to justify his fee, scoring just 25 goals in 96 La Liga appearances before being loaned out to Chelsea. He has eventually joined Chelsea on a permanent deal in 2024.
11. Antony: Ajax to Manchester United (2022) – £86m
Manchester United splashed £86m to bring Antony from Ajax, but the Brazilian winger has struggled to make any meaningful impact at Old Trafford. Known for his flair but lacking end product, Antony’s performances have been underwhelming, with just 12 goals in 94 appearances. Fans are yet to witness a standout performance that justifies his hefty price tag.
12. Jack Grealish: Aston Villa to Manchester City (2021) – £100m
Jack Grealish became the most expensive English player in history when Manchester City signed him for £100m. However, his time at the Etihad has been underwhelming, with a low goal return—just 14 goals in 144 appearances. Grealish went through the entire 2024 calendar year without scoring, leaving many to question whether he was worth the record fee.
NOTABLE MENTIONS:
Alvaro Morata: Real Madrid to Chelsea (2017) – £60m
Kepa Arrizabalaga: Athletic Club to Chelsea (2018) – £72m
Romelu Lukaku: Everton to Man Utd (2017) – £75m
Fernando Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea (2011) – £50m
Kaka: AC Milan to Real Madrid (2009) – €68.5m
Angel Di Maria: Real Madrid to Manchester United (2014) – £60m
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Inter Milan to Barcelona (2009) – £59m + Samuel Eto’o!
James Rodriguez: Monaco to Real Madrid (2014) – €80m
Eliaquim Mangala: Valencia to Manchester City (2014) – £42m
Alexis Sanchez: Arsenal to Manchester United (2018) – Swap deal
Luka Jovic: Eintracht Frankfurt to Real Madrid (2019) – €60m
Andy Carroll: Newcastle United to Liverpool (2011) – £35m
