Spain’s clubs spend a lot of money on transfers. However, last summer’s newcomers are disappointing in every respect. Among them are some stars.
There was no sign of austerity in Spain last summer, at least not in football. The clubs in La Liga spent an incredible 1.5 billion euros on the transfer market together.
The big three of Spanish football are responsible for 60 percent of this astronomical sum: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. All three are gearing up for a successful future. So far, this has not worked for any of the clubs.
Joao Félix with starting problems
Atlético was responsible for the biggest bang on the transfer market last summer. For 126 million euros, Rival City secured the services of Joao Félix, one of the most promising talents in the world.
At the beginning, the 20-year-old offensive player was able to show something of his sensational technique, his breathtaking dribblings and his playing intelligence. These moments were rare, however, and after a one-month break due to a sprained ankle, they became even rarer.
Six goals and two assists are on the Portuguese’s work record after 27 compulsory matches. Not what the Rojiblancos hoped to get from the former Benfica player.
Griezmann does not find his role
Before the start of the season, one of the largest transfer theatres of recent years came to an end. For 120 million euros, FC Barcelona – after an eternal back and forth – released Antoine Griezmann from Atlético. It was the long-awaited coup that would finally make the Catalan offensive the measure of all things.
After 37 games of compulsory play for Barca, the Frenchman now has 14 goals and four assists. Not a bad read, but his development is far from that which the proud club signed him for.
With centre-forward Luis Suárez injured, Griezmann was keen to take on more responsibility and a similarly important role to that previously played at Atlético. Without success. For Barca, the current situation is – to put it mildly – mixed.
Hazard disappointed
Real Madrid also had a royal transfer to offer. Eden Hazard came to the Spanish capital for 100 million euros from Chelsea FC. Similar to Barca’s Griezmann transfer, a long-held wish of both parties.
But the arrival then had little royal touch. Hazard’s overweight could hardly be concealed at his introduction, and on the pitch, the Belgian seemed a bit ponderous. When he finally got in better and better shape, the big setback followed: a hairline crack in his foot.