The most expensive flops in football history – ranked

 Result-driven

Football is a result-driven business, with teams paying top dollar to ensure they have the best players at their disposal for success. Sometimes, these top signings have been a shell of their former self after a considerable transfer fee, turning them into financial nightmares.

The biggest wasted investments

Here's a look at ten of the most disappointing transfers in football history—where clubs paid top dollar but got bottom-tier returns. All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt.

10. Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur (£60M / €70M / $76M, 2022)

Tottenham Hotspur acquired Brazilian forward Richarlison from Everton in 2022 for a reported £60 million (€70M / $76M). However, his time at Spurs has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. Since joining the club, he has managed only 18 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions.

On the way out?

The following season saw limited improvement, with injuries further restricting his contributions. As of January 2025, Richarlison has yet to justify his hefty transfer fee, with speculation rife among fans and journalists that he has one foot out the door at Spurs.

9. Jadon Sancho to Manchester United (€85M / £73M / $92M, 2021)

Manchester United spent €85 million on Jadon Sancho after his stellar performances at Borussia Dortmund. However, he never settled at Old Trafford, delivering just 12 goals in two and a half seasons. 

A costly flop

Falling out with Erik ten Hag, he was exiled from the squad and eventually loaned back to Dortmund, before getting moved on to Chelsea. Another costly flop for United.

8. Paul Pogba to Manchester United (€105M / £90M / $113M, 2016)

Speaking of which, Manchester United made Pogba the world's most expensive player in 2016, bringing him back from Juventus for €105 million (£90M / $113M). While he had moments of brilliance, including becoming the club's highest scorer in 2018/19 with 16 goals, Pogba's inconsistency, frequent injuries, and off-field distractions meant he never justified his price tag.