5 high-profile summer signings who have failed to impress so far

The summer transfer window of 2014 saw a flurry of activity from the big clubs as previously unheard of transfers suddenly got the green light. David Luiz’s £50 milion transfer to PSG, Suarez’s £70 million move to Barcelona and Angel Di Maria’s last-gasp move to Manchester United were the highlights of a transfer window that saw many more high-profile moves.But amongst the good and the great, there were some signings that appeared to be a match made in heaven, but for one reason or the other have failed to shine. We take a look at the 5 high-profile summer signings who have failed to impress so far

#5 Filipe Luis

From: Atletico Madrid

To: Chelsea

Transfer fee: £16 million

An ever-presence in the title-winning Atletico Madrid side that narrowly missed out on the UEFA Champions League, left-back Filipe Luis had a sensational 2013/14 season. But the 29-year-old was tempted by the advances of Chelsea and Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2014 and with Atletico set to receive a fee of £16 million, the deal was done in record time.

Luis was expected to replace the departing Ashley Cole and make the leftback slot his own, much like he did at Atletico Madrid. But fierce competition from Cesar Azpilicueta, a rightback equally at home on the left flank, and the emergence of Branislav Ivanovic as a genuine attacking threat from the right flank has led to the Brazilian being relegated to third-choice fullback at Chelsea.

This season, Luis has feaured in only 5 Premier League matches – three of them as a substitute – and has mainly been used in the Champions League. And the lack of first-team football, compared to last season, has shown in the Brazilian’s play. The intensity and aggression that made him a threat for opponents seems to be missing, and the price-tag is suddenly looking like money wasted, rather than invested.

Still, with Chelsea expected to fight on many fronts, both domestic and European, Luis will get more game-time as the season progresses. Hopefully we will get to see the same level of performances as those that earned him a nomination for best La Liga defender last season.