Eight summer transfers that simply haven’t worked out just yet.
The 2014 summer transfer window has now been shut for more than a month, meaning that it is time for clubs to reflect on their business and how well the wheeling and dealing has worked out.
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Whilst plenty of transfers have caught the eye as bargains or wonderful finds, others haven’t gone quite so well – we believe that, given the opportunity, these eight players would never have been signed by their Premier League clubs:
Dejan Lovren (Liverpool)
It was clear that Liverpool needed a big signing at the back, someone who was able to galvanise a leaky defence and, so far at least, the £20m that the Reds spent on centre back Dejan Lovren from Southampton has not proven to be a shrewd investment. We imagine that, given another shot, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would place his defensive chips elsewhere.
Brown Ideye (West Bromwich Albion)
West Brom broke their transfer record under new manager Alan Irvine this summer to sign Nigerian international striker Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev, but he is yet to really find any form at The Hawthorns, scoring his only goal in the League Cup – but getting injured in the process. Should they have spent big on a more proven Premier League goalscorer?
Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
It would be harsh to place all of the blame for Manchester United’s early season defensive failings at the door of summer buy Marcos Rojo, but the Argentinian defender has not looked like a £16m player since his arrival from Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon. He appears to lack positional sense and was caught out horribly during United’s capitulation at Leicester City.
Remy Cabella (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United needed a replacement for PSG-bound playmaker Yohan Cabaye this summer but, in Montpellier midfielder Remy Cabella, they have so far seen a player who is far more style than he is substance. Cabella’s displays for Alan Pardew have been flaky at best and the Frenchman has been unable to exert any real influence on games, as his manager’s time at St. James’ Park appears to be coming to a conclusion.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Okay, it was a free transfer, but Didier Drogba is looking every year of his age currently after being brought back to Chelsea from Galatasaray this summer by Jose Mourinho. He lacks the presence that he once had and, although he will almost certainly score against Arsenal tomorrow, the Ivorian simply isn’t capable of sustaining a goal threat. Chelsea would’ve been better advised to have given his place in the squad to a talented younger player.
Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
Signing Mario Balotelli was always going to be a risk for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, something that the Northern Irishman has admitted himself, and so far it has not really paid off, with Balotelli struggling to find the back of the net for his new club. The Italian’s work rate has been exemplary but, if he is unable to at least contribute to the goals burden that has been placed on the rest of the team by Luis Suarez’s departure, he will be deemed a failure.
Joe Cole (Aston Villa)
Signing attacking midfielder Joe Cole on a free transfer from West Ham United this summer by Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert always looked like an odd move – and the former England international has almost exclusively been on the treatment table since arriving at Villa Park. Cole is also like to be on a significant pay packet in the West Midlands and it is hard to see what impact that Lambert is hoping he can have.
Rio Ferdinand (Queens Park Rangers)
Hailed as the man to bring the experience and leadership that QPR needed this summer, former Manchester United centre back Rio Ferdinand has been nothing short of dreadful for Rangers so far this season, with his lack of pace being brutally exposed by opponents on a weakly basis and his central defensive partner, Steven Caulker, having to cover for the one-time England international constantly.