It’s the international break in November. With three months of competition already behind us and a third of the season completed, it’s time to evaluate the transfer market, highlighting both successes and failures. Today, we look at the disappointing recruitment choices starting with the top teams, excluding players who have barely featured due to injuries. This includes Paul Pogba, still not back in action, and Hamed Junior Traoré, who has been sidelined after just one match with Marseille.
Turning to PSG, their main arrivals include goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has moved to Manchester City after an impressive European campaign, Chevalier struggles with constant comparisons. Transferred from LOSC for €40 million, the young talent has shown vulnerabilities in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, making several mistakes in crucial matches against teams like Tottenham and Marseille. There’s also an unfortunate incident involving a “like” on a controversial social media post, adding to the scrutiny he faces. His teammate, Illia Zabarnyi, who arrived from Bournemouth for €63 million, has also been underwhelming, frequently making errors that cost his team points, such as in a match against Leverkusen where he conceded two penalties.
Angel Gomes and Egan-Riley under scrutiny
Despite being second in the league, OM also faces challenges with their signings. Angel Gomes, who arrived on a free transfer this summer, has yet to find his rhythm, contributing three goals in 14 matches. He’s a starter in Ligue 1 but sits on the bench for the Champions League, struggling to adapt under coach De Zerbi. Similarly, CJ Egan-Riley, who also came in on a free transfer from Burnley, has shown inconsistency and was even benched for five consecutive league matches after a lackluster performance against OL.
Moving to Lille, Marius Broholm, their third most expensive signing at €6 million, has also been a mystery, playing very limited minutes. His only full match was against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, where he failed to impress. OL faces issues too; Ruben Kluivert, who cost €3.75 million, has struggled, notably during a match against Rennes where he allowed two goals in just five minutes. His teammate Martin Satriano is also underperforming, with just one goal in 10 matches, leading coach Paulo Fonseca to prefer others in attacking roles. Even Rachid Ghezzal, who returned to the club on a free, has yet to make an impact with only one assist in seven games.
OGC Nice’s underwhelming strikers
In ninth place, OGC Nice is grappling with disappointing performances from its new signings. Isak Jansson, their most expensive summer acquisition at €10 million from Rapid Vienna, has scored just once in 11 matches. He has been on the bench for four of the last six league games and managed only a goal against Lille before being subbed at halftime against PSG. Kevin Carlos, another recruit, is struggling as well, appearing sluggish on the field despite scoring two goals in the Europa Conference League while largely sitting out in domestic matches.
The Paris FC has made headlines this season after being acquired by the Arnault family and partnering with Red Bull, investing €57 million in the transfer market, including €17 million on Otavio. The young defender has started in 10 matches but has received several yellow cards and a red, showing signs of difficulty in adapting to Ligue 1. In contrast, Jonathan Ikoné, a familiar face to the league after a stint in Italy, seeks to regain his form after returning this summer for €2 million, but he has played only five matches due to injury. Lastly, Radoslaw Majecki, currently on loan at Stade Brestois from AS Monaco, has had a tough time and has made significant mistakes, raising concerns for a club fighting against relegation.
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