Football moves quickly. When the Premier League transfer window slammed shut in early September – a little more than eight months ago – almost all of the campaign was still to be written.
Chelsea were feeling optimistic after new American owner Todd Boehly splashed the cash in a lavish summer spending spree.
Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, on a free, spearheaded the significant and ambitious Nottingham Forest recruitment drive, and Philippe Coutinho was an eye-catching permanent acquisition for Aston Villa after an impressive loan spell.
Fast forward to May and a lot of the players that had fans brimming with optimism are now the same ones that have rueful supporters shaking their head in dismay.
And below, Mail Sport picks out an XI of the Premier League’s worst signings of the season – and considers who may already be on their way out.
Jesse Lingard spearheaded the ambitious Nottingham Forest recruitment drive last summer
Aston Villa’s permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona was a massive statement
But fast forward to May and several big buys have been disappointing – below, Mail Sport picks out an XI of the Premier League’s worst signings of the season, including four Chelsea flops
Mail Sport’s worst signings XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Thomas Strakosha (Brentford), free
It may be harsh to name Strakosha in the line-up, given he was signed for free. He’s been injured a lot of this season and played well in Serie A at Lazio. Indeed, he may become No 1 next season if current first-choice David Raya leaves.
But he’s only played two games in all competitions, once in a League Cup win against lowly League Two Colchester and once again West Ham in the FA Cup – where he conceded the only shot on target he faced in the entire match.
Right back: Djed Spence (Tottenham), £20m
Again, Spence may well come good in future, whether at Tottenham or elsewhere. But £20m for someone who’s played just four times in the league is not a brilliant return on investment.
He’s clearly talented, and former Spurs boss Antonio Conte’s refusal to play him seems bizarre – but the club now probably regret signing him.
Kevin Mbabu has underwhelmed at Fulham, too, while Ryan Fredericks has not made much impact at Bournemouth.
Tottenham’s £20m signing Djed Spence is talented but has only played four league matches
Centre back: Duje Caleta-Car (Southampton), £8.5m
It feels like Croatia international Duje Caleta-Car was linked…