With players such as Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba actively trying to rectify their careers this window after less than favourable transfers, the team here at Sportslens decided to sit down and take a look at some of the worst signings of all time.
10. Jonathan Woodgate – Newcastle to Real Madrid
Kicking things off with what remains one of the most bizarre Real Madrid acquisitions in Jonathan Woodgate.
Before he had even took to the pitch for Los Blancos, the Englishman arrived with a substantial injury that kept him on the sidelines for over a year. Once hailed as “probably the best centre-half I ever played with” by Gary Speed, it seemed Madrid were prepared to spend just over £13m on the then-24-year-old despite carrying an injury.
Nevertheless, he took to the field 17 months after his arrival in a match against Bilbao, and nothing could prepare the Madrid faithful for the calamity that unfolded. Woodgate found the net with a stunning diving header, just at the wrong end, leaving goalkeeper Iker Casillas completely dumbfounded.
To make matters worse, he was then dismissed 66 minutes in, completing one of the worst debuts ever seen to this day. As you can imagine, his Madrid career never took off and was subsequently loaned to Middlesbrough with just 14 appearances to his name.
9. Gaizka Mendieta – Valencia to Lazio
At a time when Valencia were one of Europe’s elite and a force to be reckoned with under manager Rafa Benitez, Gaizka Mednieta was at the heart of their success.
To provide a bit of context, the Spaniard was one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football having been named Best Midfielder in Europe by UEFA two years on the trot. To everyone’s surprise, free-spending Lazio made him the sixth most expensive signing of all-time in what seemed to be a huge statement of intent in the Romans’ hunt for the Scudetto.
Throughout the season, Mendieta would go on to be a ghost. At his brilliant best in Spain, he scored between 10 and 20 goals per season, and provided as many assists. In Rome, a stark contrast; 31 games played in all competitions, no goals scored, three assists.
He returned to Spain with Barcelona after just one season Italy.
8. Andriy Shevchenko – AC Milan to Chelsea
Undoubtedly one of the finest marksman of his generation, Andriy Shevchenko arrived at Chelsea with much promise; twice winner of the…
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