Three big-money signings who have failed to impress in the Premier League
It was a busy transfer window for Premier League clubs this summer. Astronomical figures were spent and high-profile deals were completed as English clubs proved their financial mettle in the transfer market once again.
A number of top superstars were snapped up by EPL outfits during the transfer window. Some of these players are already off to a bright start to life in the English top-flight.
On the other hand, there are also a number of big-money signings who have failed to hit the ground running in the division. Here, we take a look at three players who are yet to find their feet since they swapped clubs in mega-deals last summer.
Moise Kean
Given the way Moise Kean ended last season, it was a shock that Juventus allowed him to leave. It was even more surprising that Everton were relatively unopposed in their pursuit of the Italy international – and that there was no buy-back clause in his contract. Even at a fee of £29m – which could rise to £37m – it was still an exciting signing for the club.
Kean is just 19 but he did not impress former manager Marco Silva and needs a fresh start under a new coach. Given their modest options to lead the line, it looked as if Kean would be first-choice at Everton. However, he has only completed the full 90 minutes once – in a 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United.
He is yet to score for his new club and has only set up one goal. Although he has been on the pitch, Everton fans have seen far less of Kean – and far less from him – than they would have expected.
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal broke their transfer record to secure the signing of Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe last summer. The attacker earned a big move to the Emirates following an impressive campaign with SC Lille last season, where he bagged 23 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances.
Given his price tag and potential, Pepe is yet to start delivering the goods in north London. He’s been a mere shadow of the player he was in the French league.
The Ivory Coast International has recorded just two goals and two assists to his name so far this season. In fact, he is known for spurring decent goalscoring chances on multiple occasions.
However, Pepe showed us what he is capable of with a spectacular brace in Arsenal’s recent Europa League triumph over Vitoria de Guimaraes and also in their comeback win versus West Ham.
Wesley
Wesley is another big-money signing, who has found the move to English football troubling. He started the season well enough – scoring four goals in his first eight games – but he has dropped off the pace since then.
Truth be told, he has rarely looked capable of finding the net. He won his first cap for Brazil last month.
He is clearly low on confidence and is struggling to hold up the ball for Aston Villa. The club have struggled this season, finding it difficult to rack up victories. They have been plagued by injuries to star players like Tyrone Mings and John McGinn.
Jack Grealish has been their best player and Villa have been over-reliant on their captain. Since they are short on forwards and given the lack of competition, there was pressure on Wesley to hit the ground running. But the big Brazilian has found life difficult in his first season in England.
