De Ligt, Chiesa, Füllkrug... The 10 'worst' signings of 2024

The year 2024 culminates with many transfer rumors, just hours before the opening of a new year and, with it, the winter transfer market. In the previous transfer window, there were several moves that, for the moment, have been a complete fiasco both on the field and financially. Next, at FCBN we review the 10 worst signings of the 2024/25 season, so far.

Joao Félix - Chelsea (52 million euros)

Surprisingly, Chelsea opted to sign the Portuguese, who had already played a semester on loan in 2023 with the 'blues', leaving a rather poor impression. Joao wanted to stay at FC Barcelona, but the Catalans dismissed his continuation due to his very high salary. Finally, the Londoners signed him for 52 million euros after a quick negotiation with an Atlético de Madrid that prioritized his sale. However, Enzo Maresca has counted little on him. This is reflected in the 842 minutes in 17 matches he has accumulated so far, along with 5 goals and a couple of assists.

Douglas Luiz - Juventus (51.5 million euros)

The Brazilian was the star signing of Juventus last summer, but he has not managed to convince Thiago Motta so far due to constant muscle problems. The midfielder has barely played 343 minutes in a dozen matches (only two as a starter) and hopes to turn his bad moment around starting in January. Juventus paid 51.5 'million' to Aston Villa for one of their key players last season.

Matthijs de Ligt - Manchester United (45 million euros)

Erik ten Hag 'rescued' him from Bayern Munich where the Dutchman knew he was a substitute, but poor results ultimately sealed the coach's fate before the end of October. The center-back has remained in Manchester United's starting eleven since the arrival of Rúben Amorim, but his level is still far from what he showed at Ajax. So far, he has scored one goal in 23 matches (1,633 minutes) in which he has been able to contribute little to a team that remains at the bottom of the Premier League table (14th).

Niclas Füllkrug - West Ham (27 million euros)

The German '9' arrived in England for 27 million euros, but an Achilles tendon injury caused him to miss more than two months. So far, the former Borussia Dortmund forward has only scored one goal and provided one assist in 9 matches with Julen Lopetegui's team (352 minutes).

Odysseas Vlachodimos - Newcastle (23.6 million euros)

Newcastle paid 23.6 'million' to Nottingham Forest, but coach Eddie Howe has not even called him up in 12 of the 19 Premier League matches played so far. Vlachodimos has barely played 45 minutes in a League Cup match against Wimbledon. Probably, the Greek will be loaned out in January.

Hiroki Ito - Bayern Munich (23.5 million euros)

Bayern Munich bet on the Japanese to cover for Matthijs de Ligt's absence, but bad luck has followed the 25-year-old defender. Right after the preseason began, the former Stuttgart defender suffered a metatarsal fracture that left him out for an indefinite period. Initially, the Bavarians expected him back before the end of the year, but in November he had to undergo surgery again to treat the affected foot.

Federico Chiesa - Liverpool (12 million euros)

The Italian was one of the wingers rumored as a possible replacement for Barcelona in the summer. Liverpool put 12 million on the table, and Juventus had no choice but to accept the offer, as Thiago Motta did not count on the winger. At Anfield, Arne Slot has also been unable to have him available due to the recurring physical problems of the Italian (he has played 123 minutes in 4 matches), who is rumored to be a potential reinforcement for Atalanta in January. The Bergamasque team would negotiate for the simple loan of a Chiesa whose career has plummeted since 2021.

Joao Cancelo - Al-Hilal (25 million euros)

With no place at Manchester City, the Portuguese was condemned to 'exile' in Arabia due to the lack of offers. Cancelo wanted to stay in Barcelona, but the departure of Xavi Hernández and the lack of cash ruled out his continuation. Therefore, he had no choice but to accept the offer from Al-Hilal of Neymar, where he has scored 1 goal and provided 8 assists in 19 matches (1,550 minutes). His records are not bad, but the defender has made it clear his desire to return to Barça.

Yáser Asprilla - Girona (18 million euros)

The signing of the Colombian generated a lot of expectation in Girona, but an ankle sprain hampered the performance of the 21-year-old winger. So far, he has only accumulated 817 minutes spread over 14 matches, with a single goal in La Liga against Athletic. Although Míchel counts on him, several teams are interested in loaning Asprilla in January.

Ilkay Gündogan - Manchester City (Free)

The German international returned to the club with which he won everything between 2016 and 2023 after a difficult season with FC Barcelona. The financial problems of the Catalan team gave him the freedom to pack his bags back to the Etihad Stadium, but Gündogan has been far from the expected level. Infected by the collective bad moment of the team, the 34-year-old midfielder has only scored a couple of goals and provided one assist in 24 matches (1,542 minutes). Only injuries have kept him in the 'sky blue' XI.