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The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the finances of clubs, especially in the Premier League.
Despite having the financial resources at their disposal, Premier League clubs were careful about spending big last summer. A few players who were signed were tipped to hit the ground running but haven't done so in their debut campaign in the Premier League.
On that note, let's take a look at five such Premier League signings this season that have failed to live up to their hype.
#5 Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham Hotspur)
Also coveted by Manchester United, Sergio Reguilon was hailed as a shrewd acquisition made by Tottenham Hotspur.
While on loan from Real Madrid, Reguilon played a pivotal role at Sevilla last season, helping the club win the UEFA Europa League. Nevertheless, Real Madrid sold him to Tottenham Hotspur for £27 million, and Reguilon was instantly considered as an upgrade on Ben Davies.
However, it would be fair to say that Reguilon has not enjoyed a good first season in the Premier League. The left-back has received significant game time, but he has not excelled at Tottenham Hotspur the way he did at Sevilla.
Reguilon has made 23 starts in the Premier League this season, providing three assists. However, after a bright start, Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to get going this season and are struggling to qualify for Europe.
#4 Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Thomas Partey's talent and quality is undeniable, but his first season at Arsenal has been a sort of a mixed bag.
The excitement was palpable when the Premier League club announced the signing of Partey from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £45 million. The 27-year-old is a world-class midfielder entering his prime and was seen as an ideal addition to the Arsenal midfield.
However, Partey has taken his time to get going, and injuries haven't helped his cause either. Arsenal have been abysmal for much of the season, and the Ghana international's impact in north London has been minimal.
Arsenal have made a heavy investment on Partey and will hope he comes good next season. The midfielder has made just 16 Premier League starts in 2020-21, providing two assists.
Also Read: 5 most iconic moments in Premier League history.
#3 Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)
Hakim Ziyech, who was linked with a move away from Ajax, arrived in the Premier League when Chelsea signed him on a £36 million transfer last summer.
A highly creative player with strong technical ability, the Morocco international was tipped for success at the Premier League giants. Chelsea had released veteran forwards Willian and Pedro, so Ziyech was viewed as a replacement of sorts.
Ziyech is capable of playing in various forward positions but has not featured consistently for Chelsea. He has also been plagued by injuries, but the 28-year old has often been utilised from the bench.
Chelsea have an abundance of talented young forwards to choose from, so manager Thomas Tuchel is spoilt for options. However, Ziyech's limited opportunities have seen him being linked with a move away from the club. He has made just 15 starts in the Premier League, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
#2 Donny van de Beek (Manchester United)
It has become customary to see Donny van de Beek look forlorn in the Manchester United bench.
Like Ziyech, Van de Beek was a crucial component of the Ajax side under Erik ten Hag. He arrived at Manchester United for a fee of £35 million last summer and was intended to provide strength and depth in midfield.
However, the Dutchman has barely featured this season. The imperious form of Bruno Fernandes has meant that Van de Beek has had very limited opportunities.
The Netherlands international has made only three starts in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Like Ziyech, the 24-year old has been linked with a move away from the Premier League. But reports suggest that Van de Beek is not interested in leaving Old Trafford just yet.
#1 Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
One of the best young players last season, Kai Havertz, was the talk of the town last summer. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea were all said to be interested in his services.
It was Chelsea who eventually managed to land Havertz, acquiring him from Bayer Leverkusen on a £72 million transfer. However, it was evident that Chelsea were investing that money on Havertz's incredible potential despite not necessarily needing a player of his skillset.
The 21-year old has had a quiet debut campaign in the Premier League. Havertz scored 18 goals in all competitions in 2019-20 for Bayer Leverkusen but has struggled to get going in the Premier League. It would be unfair to call him a flop, as he has provided glimpses of his potential.
More will be expected from the Germany international next season. There have been clear signs of Havertz's improvement under Thomas Tuchel. The young German has made 18 Premier League starts, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
Also Read: 4 reasons why Lionel Messi may never win the Ballon d'Or again.
