With clubs preparing to spend money in the transfer market once more, Goal takes a look back at some of the biggest flops from the past season
In an age of inflation and social media expectation, it's become even harder for players to live up to the hype when they join a club in a big-money move.
The 2018/19 season has been no exception with a number of signings across Europe failing to justify their transfer fees for a variety of reasons.
Olympiacos/Twitter15Yaya Toure (Free agent to Olympiacos)
Two hundred and twenty-two minutes was all Yaya Toure managed on his return to Greece with Olympiacos before his contract was terminated.
The 36-year-old might not want to retire just yet but his performances under Pedro Martins clearly left plenty to be desired.
Having won the double during his first stint with Olympiacos, both fans and Toure himself will likely want to pretend this second spell never happened.
AdvertisementGetty Images14Gianluigi Buffon (Free agent to PSG)
The Italian legend may have cost PSG nothing to sign him, but his error in the Champions League against Manchester United was beyond costly.
Signed to help PSG overcome their struggles in Europe, Buffon inexplicably spilled the ball in the second leg against the Red Devils with the scores locked at 1-1 to gift Romelu Lukaku a goal.
Manchester United would walk away winners that night with PSG and Buffon left to rue a mistake that once again saw them stumble in the Champions League.
While the former Juventus keeper has been otherwise solid for the Ligue 1 champions, he was signed to see them succeed in Europe.
A huge shame for PSG and Buffon himself, who is desperate to end his career with a Champions League title.
Getty13Dominic Solanke (Liverpool to Bournemouth – €21 million)
The 21-year-old striker may be seen as a long-term investment by the Cherries, but Dominic Solanke's first season with Bournemouth hasn't encouraged fans he was worth the money.
Across his 10 league appearances, Solanke failed to score and picked up just one assist.
While coach Eddie Howe isn't worried, the former Liverpool attacker would have been hoping for far greater opportunities and success after leaving Anfield.
Getty Images12Yerry Mina (Barcelona to Everton – €30 million)
After starring at the World Cup for Colombia, Yerry Mina has struggled to shine for Everton this season.
Injuries have played their part with the 24-year-old playing just 12 league games for the Toffees.
While he's shown glimpses when on the pitch, his many absences this campaign have ensured he's yet to live up to the significant hype.