Please note: The quality of the players highlighted on this list is by no means being questioned. However, as with all businesses, a Return on Investments (ROI) is always expected when talent is exchanged for money.
With the disclaimer out of the way, here we go -
#1 - Fernando 'El Nino' Torres (Chelsea/Spain)
He had to be our number one, especially if he holds the record for the most expensive British transfer at $80 Million. Snatched by Chelsea from rivals Liverpool on January 31, 2011, Torres who had scored 81 goals in 142 appearances for Liverpool in four years, looked like an instant return investment.
#2 - Andy Carroll (Liverpool/England)
Another predictable pick. Much like Torres, Liverpool paid big money (most of the money they got from the Torres deal) for Andy Carroll's transfer from Newcastle United. Ironically, Carroll is the second most expensive British transfer behind Torres and was brought in to fill the Torres gap.
With five goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool, his stats are nearly identical to Torres record at Chelsea. Like Torres' status with the Spanish national team, Carroll's International caps for England has taken a hit due to his poor form. However, with the return of Captain Steven Gerrard from injury, Carroll's nightmare could be coming to an end. If there's anyone that can solve a striker's problems with good service, it's Steven Gerrard. Ask El Nino at Chelsea.
#3 - David Luiz (Chelsea)
David Luiz arrived at Chelsea on January 31, 2011. He cost an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of $32 Million, a huge investment on a defender.
While some Chelsea fans may argue that his three goals in 28 appearances is value for money for a defender, pundits think otherwise. Luiz is not being judged on what he does upfront, but rather on what he should be doing at the back - preventing goals. Since his arrival, Luiz has shown a knack for giving away penalties and failing to come back on defense during counter attacks. Needless to say, his mistakes are costing Chelsea more than they paid for.
#4 - Stefan Savic (Manchester City)
In fairness to Savic, while the top three have had sufficient playing time to be judged, he hasn't. However, he still cost $17 Million. Based on our ROI model, his eight appearances and one goal since moving in July 2011, does not cut the financials.
Manager Roberto Mancini will need to decide if Savic is a long term project, or cut his losses and sell him in the January transfer window.
#5 - Charles N'Zogbia (Aston Villa)
N'Zogbia is one player that all pundits unanimously agree has abundant talent and potentials. They all agree that his talent and potentials are yet to bear any meaningful fruit for Aston Villa
At a cost of $15.2 Million, Aston Villa was hoping Charles N'Zogbia will be the much needed wide player to trigger a scoring spree from front man Darren Bent and sidekick Gabby Agbonlahor. Sadly, he has only triggered more frustration from Aston Villa fans. In particular, fans do not see him as an idle replacement for Stewart Downing, despite his fee being a 50% discount on the $32 Million they got from Liverpool for Downing.
#6 - David De Gea (Manchester United/ Spain U-20 World Champion)
Footy Bozz admits that David De Gea has demonstrated huge potentials in select games, especially against Liverpool at Anfield. However, the fact is that he cost Manchester United $28 Million, a huge investment for a Goalkeeper.
To make matters interesting, Manchester United's other Goalkeeper signing, Andres Lindegaard appears to be challenging De Gea for the #1 spot. So far, Lindegaard is yet to concede a goal in the Premier League and he cost only $5.6 Million. On the other hand, De Gea has been on the wrong end of things, notably the 1-6 loss to Manchester City and 2-3 loss to Blackburn at Old Trafford. He's a negative return on investment so far.
#7 - David Ngog (Bolton Wanderers)
Ngog cost Owen Coyle and Bolton $6.4 Million in the Summer of 2011. While it seemed like a bargain to get a backup striker from a big club (Liverpool), in hindsight Bolton wasted their money.
After 14 games and a solitary goal, they shouldn't expect much more from the young Frenchman. In three years with Liverpool, playing behind an injury pronged Torres, Ngog could only muster two miserly league goals in 25 appearances (one of them against Manchester United).
#8 - Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
Ok, we agree he has only played a handful of matches, but why buy him for $28 Million if you are not going to use him immediately. Even a deferred interest loan triggers an interest reach-back payment once the grace period is over. The question is, when is Lukaku's grace period over?
With Anelka off to China, Drogba and Kalou off to the African Nations Cup, Chelsea will do well to keep him rather than send him on loan to a smaller club. He should be put straight to work, to help Torres and Sturrigde. He's big, he's strong and young. He will do well. Let him play!
#9 - Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
This 27 year-old giant, who cost Arsenal $13 Million in the Summer, has been compared to Arsenal's legendary defender, Tom Adams by his Manager. While Footy Bozz holds Mr. Wenger's views in the highest Football esteem, we are not so sure about that assessment.
One thing we are sure of is Herr Mertesacker has not quite adjusted to the pace of the Premier League. He continues to appear slow, uncomfortable and seemingly vulnerable in the air despite a 6 ft 6 in. advantageous height. Given the option of Englishman Gary Cahill for 1-2 million more, Monsieur Arsene Wenger chose the lanky German instead. So far he hasn't looked convincing. Time will tell if that was the right call.
#10 - Samir Nasri (Manchester City/France)
To many, Nasri's selection in this uncomplimentary list would come at a surprise. Especially when you factor in that he was excellent in the first few games for his new club. Then he disappeared for two months before reemerging with a free kick goal against Norwich City in early December. Since then, he's vanished again.
That's not good enough for a player who cost $40 Million, and caused quite a steer when he moved from Arsenal to Manchester City. If he wants an example of how a $40+ Million players earns their money, he should watch team mate David Silva. He is returning on every single dime of his $48 Million transfer in 2010!
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