I have always been an exponent of “it is not about what you spend, it is about who you buy”. I also detest those that talk (and celebrate) about winning the “transfer window”.
We are on the verge of signing Mikel Merino (the deal might finally be done by the time you read this. The Spanish midfielder joins Riccardo Calafiori as the sole new Arsenal faces this summer.
The response to Merino was as expected: Not the big signing we need.
Fans seem to want an endorphin hit when signing a player. And that hit only happens when you sign a big name, or spend a big fee. They do not really if that player is worth the fee, or if he is suitable for The Arsenal. They just want to see big names, or big spending.
Calafiori and Merino might not be big names, nor come with big price tags. But they are regulars for their country (Italy and Spain respectively). In Merino’s case, he played every game for Spain as they went on to win the Euro’s – albeit coming off the bench each time with around 30 minutes to go. But hey! Being Spain’s second choice in a position means you are a pretty good player.
And this all got me thinking about the biggest transfers in world football and wether they were “hits” or “misses”.
Neymar to PSG – Miss
Biggest transfer in history. Was signed to take PSG to the Champions League and make them a true force to be reckoned with. Failed to win the Champions League. Averaged just 18 league games a season. Failed to make PSG the huge club they wish to be.
Kylian Mbappe to PSG – Miss
Like Neymar, Mbappe failed to win the Champions League with PSG. Mbappe was supposed to become PSG’s Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. He has never reached their level despite playing in an inferior league.
Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona – Miss
One of the most overrated footballers in history. Was baffled why Barcelona spent the fee on him at the time. Average player who scores the occasional cracker.
Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona – Miss
Fans still go on about Dembele’s potential, but he is now 27!. Has failed throughout his career to show any consistency.
Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid – Miss
Signed to replace Antoine Griezmann. Never fulfilled his potential, let alone justified his transfer fee. Loaned out twice and now sold for £80m less than Atletico paid for him.
Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea – Miss
Joined Benfica in the summer of 2022 for €10 million. Had a good World Cup. Joined Chelsea in January 2023 for €122 million. Price went up 10-fold due to a good World Cup. Has done little to show that his World Cup form was any more than a purple patch.
Eden Hazard to Real Madrid – Miss
Was clearly on the decline when Real Madrid signed him. Failed to make an impact. Ate well.
Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona – Miss
Lasted just two seasons before being loaned back to Atletico Madrid.
Jack Grealish to Manchester City – Miss
An example of a club signing a player to stop others getting him. Jack Grealish is more known for his off-field antics celebrating title wins than his contribution on-field to them.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus – Hit
Yes, he was a huge transfer, his wages nearly bankrupt Juventus, and he was released on a free transfer 3-years after signing. But over 100 goals in those 3 seasons make him a hit.
Declan Rice to Arsenal – Hit
Has kicked on to become a world class talent. Now amongst the best two defensive midfielder in world football (alongside Rodri). Also shown a more attacking side to his play. Arsenal would make a huge profit if they sold him this summer. Now just needs to win trophies
Moises Caicedo to Chelsea – Jurys out
Unlike Fernandez, Caicedo came with a reputation built across more than a 3-week winter tournament. Struggled in the first half of the season, but came strong as Chelsea charged up the table. This season will be key.
Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea – Miss
Destroyed Arsenal in his first game back for Chelsea. Four goals in his first four games. Than failed to score for his next 10. After one-season, was loaned out. Chelsea still trying to get rid.
Paul Pogba to Manchester United – Miss
One of these players who performs better for his country than his club. Won the World Cup for France during his time at Manchester United, but never consistently reached high levels to justify the price tag.
Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid – Hit
Sensational first season. Will only get better.
Gareth Bale to Real Madrid – Hit
Gad a love / hate relationship with Madridistas, especially towards the end. But 106 goals in 258, 3 league titles, 5 Champions Leagues, and THAT winning goal makes him a hit.
Harry Kane to Bayern Munich- Jurys Out
After 10 years struggling with a mid-table team, Kane finally got his big move to Bayern Munich. And then failed to win a trophy again. Considering Munich’s success in Germany, it will take Champions League success for Kane to be a hit.
Randal Kolo Muani to PSG – Jurys Out
I will be honest, before the Euro’s this summer I had not even heard of Randal Kolo Muani. I was even more surprised to find out that he cost the French side nearly £100m! Six league goals last season was not particularly great. Lets see what he does this.
Antony to Manchester United – Miss
Useless. Would not even get into a League One team.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid – Hit
Kicked on to a new level. Became one of the greatest of all time. Could add another zero to his transfer fee and he would still be a hit.
Out of the top 20 most expensive players of all time, only 5 justified their transfer fee. The rest either flopped (Antony), failed to live up to the hype (Neymar), or failed to step up to the next level that would have justified the fee (Mbappe).
We need to stop caring as much about what players cost and rating them on their transfer fees. Your big name, big money signings rarely work out. It is better to be fishing a couple of levels below and getting value for money!
Enjoy the game later today.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 