'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Alex Iwobi | Everton | €30.4m
An Arsenal player right from his academy days, Alex Iwobi broke onto the scene as a promising youngster who could help solve their winger crisis. His departure from the Emirates came as a direct consequence of Arsenal's lavish expenditure on Nicolas Pepe. Iwobi departed in fear of losing out on game time, and Everton came calling with a €30.4m fee for the Nigerian.
The 24-year-old has had a remarkably dismal season with the Toffees and offered them next to nothing in attack. Iwobi was never prolific, to begin with, but 2019/20 has been statistically his worst ever league campaign. The former Arsenal winger scored just one goal in 25 appearances for Everton (19 starts), failing to register even one assist.
Whether it's in crosses, key passes, defensive contribution, or any other facet of a modern winger — Iwobi has failed to deliver in any particular aspect notably. Given Arsenal's current shortage of wide players, Iwobi would have been better suited to wait at the Emirates. All in all, his debut campaign at Goodison Park was thoroughly underwhelming.
#2 Joao Cancelo | Manchester City | €30m + Danilo
Eyebrows were raised when Joao Cancelo arrived at the Etihad Stadium to replace the outgoing Danilo, with Juventus agreeing a player plus cash offer. Kyle Walker has been Pep Guardiola's staple right-back since his arrival at the club, and it was unlikely for Cancelo to feature too often.
That was precisely the case, as the Portuguese full-back failed to make any sort of a mark in Manchester. He has earned 12 starts from Guardiola in the league, with only two of them coming against top-six opposition. Cancelo has provided more of an attacking threat down the right, but has not managed to register a goal or an assist for the Cityzens in the league. His versatility, perhaps, is the only exclusive asset the 26-year-old offered his side.
There are rumours that Cancelo could be on his way out of the Premier League with Barcelona interested in his services. A potential player swap deal including Eric Garcia, Cancelo, and his compatriot Nelson Semedo is on the cards. As far as his spell in England is concerned, it was truly a baffling move which bore no fruit, especially given City's shambolic season by their standards.
#1 Tanguy Ndombele | Tottenham Hotspur | €60m
There was little doubt that Tanguy Ndombele was one of the most exciting midfielders available in the market in 2019. The dynamic Frenchman had an excellent campaign with Olympique Lyonnais and was viewed as the future of France's midfield. He arrived at the home of Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur with great promise.
However, the move was anything but what was expected of it after what an abysmal season in North London. It's not necessarily the 23-year-old's fault, though, as Spurs have undergone a transitional period in 2019/20. Mauricio Pochettino's departure, followed by Jose Mourinho's arrival, saw the club struggle for form and witnessed a complete shift in team dynamics.
Whether it was under the Argentine or the Portuguese, Ndombele astonishingly failed to make his presence felt at the club. The 23-year-old's decision-making, lapses of concentration, and knack of dwelling on the ball for too long have drawn criticism from all over. He's played 21 league games for Spurs (12 starts) and scored two goals, assisting a further two.
The Frenchman's ongoing feud with Mourinho has only worsened matters, and Ndombele is reportedly on his way out with Barcelona interested. Overall, considering the price, performances, expectations, and the final result, Ndombele's €60m move to Spurs was certainly a disappointing one. He could go on to have a brilliant season and potentially many more, but judging by his debut campaign, Ndombele is unlikely to remain in North London for too long.
Also read: 5 Most valuable U-23 forwards in the world
