Transfer flops are to be expected. It’s not just a matter of expectations. It also has to do with the volume and values associated with the deals. We’ve given them time, but today it’s time to look at he 5 biggest transfer flops of the 2019 – 2020 season.
1. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)
Eden Hazard was a superb player in the Premier League and when playing for the Belgium national team. It’s odd to include him among the 2019 transfer flops. But, it’s only fair he should be on the list.
It cost Real Madrid €100 million for the transfer in 2019. However, Hazard was often injured, not in great shape, or simply outpaced. He’s played only 16 times for Los Blancos since his arrival, scoring only 1 goal. We wish the Belgium maestro a sharp change of form. Thus far, his move to Real is the biggest transfer flop of recent years.
2. Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal)
Nicolas Pepe was greeted as a potential savior when he arrived for Arsenal in 2019. The story was similar to Thomas Partey’s arrival in 2020.
Pépé shone while at Lille where he scored 35 goals in 74 matches. His skill and speed are beyond reproach. However, he has so far failed to make an impression for the Gunners. Were those €62 million well spent? For the moment, the answer is no.
3. João Cancelo (Manchester City)
João Cancelo‘s transfer to Manchester City was a puzzling one. On the one hand, Cancelo is a great player that fits Guardiola’s philosophy. On the other hand, for most of 2019 and 2020 he has played second fiddle to Kyle Walker.
The deal cost City £27.4m plus the services of Danilo. Still, Pep Guardiola’s biggest issues have been in central defense. It would take another year for the team to invest heavily in that area. Cancelo’s arrival was not a total flop, but far from the terrific deal that was expected.
4. Luka Jovic (Real Madrid)
Luka Jovic‘s departure from Benfica was written on the wall. The Bosnian had enjoyed a terrific campaign while out on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Real Madrid were happy to invest £52.4m in an attempt to reenergize a successful, albeit older Los Blancos side. So far he has managed only two goals in 19 appearances. Jovic could still turn things around. However, Real look determined to cut their losses and agree to a transfer elsewhere.
5. Moise Kean (Everton)
Moise Kean chose the perfect time to join Everton. not only was the Premier League the top competition in the world. But, soon enough, under the guidance of Carlos Ancelotti, Everton was to become a force.
The transfer cost £36m. Moise Kean managed only two goals in his time in England. Later, in 2020, the Italian was loaned out to Paris Saint-Germain in a bid to recharge his career. Frankly, by now, Toffees’ fans may be forgiven for forgetting about Kean altogether.
