Predicting the Biggest Premier League Transfer Flops of the 2024/25 Season
The Premier League is known for its intense competition and high-stakes transfers, where clubs spend vast sums to secure top talent. However, not all transfers live up to their billing.
As we look ahead to the rest of the 2024/25 season, three players stand out as potential transfer flops despite their high-profile moves: Leny Yoro at Manchester United, Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, and Evanilson at Bournemouth. Here’s why we here at EPLNews think they will flop.
Leny Yoro (Manchester United)
Leny Yoro’s move to Manchester United was met with significant excitement. The young French defender, previously at Lille, was highly regarded as one of the brightest prospects in European football. However, despite his potential, Yoro could struggle to meet the expectations placed on him at Old Trafford.
One of the primary concerns is his lack of experience. At just 18 years old, Yoro is still very raw and has only a limited number of top-flight appearances under his belt. The Premier League is unforgiving, and Manchester United is a club where the pressure to perform is immense. Yoro will be stepping into a team that demands immediate results, and any mistakes he makes could be heavily scrutinised.
Additionally, the physicality of the Premier League may pose a challenge for Yoro. While he has shown great composure and technical ability, the speed and physical nature of the English game could expose his inexperience. If he struggles to adapt quickly, he could find himself out of favour, especially with United’s depth in central defence.
Finally, the weight of expectations at Manchester United cannot be understated. The club’s fans and media are known for their high standards, and if Yoro does not hit the ground running, the pressure could become overwhelming. In a season where United is expected to challenge for major honours, any perceived weakness could see Yoro quickly labelled as a flop, despite his obvious talent.
To top it all off, he has started the season with a foot injury that will keep him away from the pitch until close to the end of the year. Not a great beginning to life in Manchester for a player who could end up costing £60 million.
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Mikel Merino’s transfer to Arsenal from Real Sociedad was one of the summer’s biggest talking points. A seasoned midfielder with a reputation for dictating play in La Liga, Merino was brought in to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield. However, there are concerns that he might not live up to the lofty expectations at the Emirates.
Firstly, the transition from La Liga to the Premier League is notoriously challenging, especially for midfielders who are accustomed to a less physical style of play. Merino’s previous experience in the Premier League with Newcastle United was underwhelming, and there are doubts about whether he can cope with the intensity and pace of English football this time around.
Moreover, Arsenal already boasts a wealth of midfield talent, including Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. Finding the right balance in midfield and ensuring Merino fits into Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup could be tricky. If Arteta struggles to integrate Merino into the starting XI, the Spanish midfielder might find himself on the fringes, reducing his impact on the team.
The weight of expectations could also play a role. Arsenal fans are hungry for success, and they expect immediate results from big-money signings. The Spanish midfield maestro falls into that category as well, after the Gunners had to part ways with the better part of £35 million for his services. If Merino fails to adapt quickly or if his performances are inconsistent, he could face intense scrutiny, which could affect his confidence and lead to him being labelled as a flop.
Just like in Yoro’s case, Merino’s challenges are compounded by news of a training ground injury that saw him fracture his shoulder, sidelining him until mid-October.
Evanilson (Bournemouth)
Evanilson’s move to Bournemouth from FC Porto was a significant statement of intent by the south coast club. The Brazilian striker arrived with a strong goal-scoring record in Portugal, but there are concerns that he may struggle to replicate that success in the Premier League.
One of the main challenges Evanilson faces is adapting to the physical nature of English football. The Premier League is a step up in intensity and quality compared to the Portuguese league, and strikers often take time to adjust. Evanilson’s game, which relies on technical ability and smart movement, might not translate well against the robust defences in England.
Additionally, Bournemouth’s style of play could pose problems for Evanilson. At Porto, he thrived with a team built to dominate possession and create numerous chances. At Bournemouth, he may not receive the same level of service, forcing him to create opportunities on his own. This shift could lead to a decrease in his goal output, making it difficult for him to justify his transfer fee.
The pressure of being one of Bournemouth’s most expensive signings (a rumoured fee of over £40 million) could also weigh heavily on Evanilson. If he does not start scoring quickly, doubts could begin to creep in, affecting his confidence. In a league as competitive as the Premier League, strikers who lack confidence often struggle to regain their form, leading to prolonged periods of poor performance.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Premier League season will undoubtedly produce its share of transfer successes and failures. Leny Yoro, Mikel Merino, and Evanilson are all talented players, but they each face unique challenges that could see them struggle to meet expectations.
While they have the potential to prove their doubters wrong, the harsh realities of the Premier League could lead them to be remembered as some of the biggest transfer flops of the season. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these players to see if they can rise to the occasion or if they will join the long list of high-profile signings who failed to deliver.