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Here's a comprehensive look at 10 record-breaking transfers that underperformed
The world of football has seen its fair share of high-profile transfers that have failed to live up to expectations.
Here's a comprehensive look at 10 record-breaking transfers that underperformed, highlighting the enormous expectations and the subsequent disappointments:
10. Nicolas Pepe (Lille to Arsenal, 2019 - €80m)
Pepe's move to Arsenal came with high expectations, but he has struggled to consistently showcase the form that prompted the Gunners to break their transfer record for him.
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9. Gareth Bale (Tottenham to Real Madrid, 2013 - €101m)
While Bale had moments of brilliance at Real Madrid, including key goals in Champions League finals, his tenure was also marked by injuries and periods of being out of favor with the team management.
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8. Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid, 2019 - £89m)
Hazard's move to Real Madrid was expected to see him elevate the team, but injuries and form issues have hampered his ability to make a significant impact.
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7. Paul Pogba (Juventus to Manchester United, 2016 - £89m)
Pogba's return to Manchester United was highly anticipated, but his tenure has been a rollercoaster of high peaks and low valleys, with inconsistency being a major issue.
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6. Ousmane Dembele (Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, 2017 - £97m)
Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Dembele's time at Barcelona hasn't lived up to the expectations set by his high transfer fee. His moments of brilliance have been overshadowed by long periods on the sidelines.
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5. Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan to Chelsea, 2021 - £97.5m)
Lukaku's return to Chelsea was seen as a marquee signing, but his performance didn't match the high expectations, leading to a mixed tenure at Stamford Bridge.
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4. Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Manchester City, 2021 - £100m)
Grealish's move to Manchester City came with massive expectations, but his impact has been less pronounced than anticipated, with him struggling to replicate his Aston Villa form at City.
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3. Joao Felix (Benfica to Atletico Madrid, 2019 - £104m)
Signed as a potential world-beater, Felix's progress at Atletico Madrid has been slower than expected. He has shown glimpses of his talent but has yet to consistently deliver on the high expectations set by his transfer fee.
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2. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, 2019 - £107m)
Griezmann's transfer to Barcelona saw him delivering average performances compared to the high standards expected of him. His time at
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1. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona, 2018 - £105m)
Coutinho's move to Barcelona was fraught with challenges, including struggles to fit into the team's style and injury issues. Despite high expectations, his performances didn't justify the hefty price tag.
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These transfers, among the most expensive in football history, serve as examples of how high transfer fees don't always guarantee success on the pitch. The pressure and expectations accompanying these hefty price tags can sometimes overshadow a player's ability to perform, leading to a perception of underperformance
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