The Guardian’s website has released an article detailing the hits and misses of the 2017 English Premier League summer transfer window. It is hard to argue with the players the website listed as the best deals. It is even more difficult to argue against its selection of biggest flops.
On the Guardian’s list, three players stick out. The reasons they stick out are down to the reputations they had before signing for their current clubs. All three were also highly rated, expensive signings; yet these players have failed to make a positive mark on their respective sides.
Six months are left in the Premier League season, which is plenty of time for each of the three to turn their fading Premier League careers around. But will they accomplish such a feat?
Summer transfer window biggest flops
Renato Sanches – Swansea (on loan from Bayern Munich)
Renato Sanches was a highly rated midfielder bought by Bayern after less than a full season playing for Benfica’s first team. He played 17 times in the Bundesliga in 2016-17, but averaged just 36 minutes per appearance. No goals and no assists influenced Bayern to loan him out.
It was expected that his move to Swansea would get him plenty of playing time. It was also expected that he would greatly improve the side with his dynamic play. However, Sanches has played just five times in the Premier League. Some may already be wondering whether the 20-year-old will have a career at Bayern once he returns next July.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Leicester City
Kelechi Iheanacho built a strong reputation for himself as Sergio Aguero’s understudy. However, the arrival of Gabriel Jesus put an end to his time at Manchester City. Leicester paid £25 million for the striker’s services, which seems to be £25m too much. Iheanacho is yet to score for the team. The good news is there is potential. Iheanacho has tallied a goal and an assist in the Carabao Cup. He will get a shot at his former team in the next round of the competition.
Davy Klaassen – Everton
Davy Klaassen arrived at Everton as one of the bright young Ajax players that led the Dutch side to the Europa League final last spring. Yet, he has looked anything but bright in his first few months with the Toffees. Of course, Everton have been bad, really bad, to start the season. However, Klaassen has played just four times in the Premier League. Former manager Ronald Koeman seemed to have no faith in the player. David Unsworth seems to have even less.
Whether these players will still be considered the three biggest flops in May is difficult to tell. However, they are on track to remain on the list unless something drastic happens.