World Football Transfer Rumours: The 20 Most Overrated Players on the Market
The madness of the summer transfer window is almost as thrilling as football itself. The eccentric rumours and audacious speculation coupled with surprise moves and overall the usual dominance of the heavily invested giants. It provides magnificent attention and debate over just who will end up where by the commencement of the upcoming season.
It is often young talent, whose ability achieved fruition with a small club, that is targeted whilst the best performers for their campaigns also command heavy attention. Near thousands are rumoured to be departing their clubs but little properly materializes.
However there is often the madness of clubs paying what appears to be a ridiculous amount for a player whose errors outweigh the plaudits. Destined to fail and such a commanding price it creates fury and anger throughout World Football fans.
The 2011 summer transfer window is destined to have all the ingredients of a sizzling period. Already much action has occurred with the likes of English sensation Phil Jones signing with Manchester United for £16 million and Jordan Henderson joining Liverpool for a potential £20 million.
However it is certain for the bigger sides to announce purchases for players barely worth the sum or signings that are just overrated in general. So in recognition of the whirlwind summer transfer window, Bleacher Report acknowledges the 20 most overrated players on the transfer market.
Denilson- Arsenal
1 of 20
The Brazilian has declared his intention to depart Arsenal after a stating he was tired of feeling sad. Denilson endured a traumatic season in which the 23-year-old had his reputation and calibre diminished in the eyes of the disgruntled Arsenal fans.
With the Gunners also enduring a tumultuous campaign, in which their notorious trophy absence was extended for a sixth successive season despite numerous opportunities to eradicate the burden, Denilson felt the full backlash of the Arsenal faithful.
The emergence of Jack Wilshere coupled with the commanding midfield presences of captain Cesc Fabregas and renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song furthered by Arsene Wenger's distinct lack of rotation, the former Sao Paulo midfielder was restricted to 32 appearances and no goals for the Gunners.
Although predominantly solid without spectacular moments, when injuries to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Alexandre Song occurred during Arsenal's toxic demise that followed after the Carling Cup defeat at the end of February. Densilon failed to perform as Arsenal began to lose their grip on their campaign, angering the fans.
The Samba star desires a move away from the English Premier League but demands to remain in the UEFA Champions League fray.
Joey Barton- Newcastle United
2 of 20
A renowned if slightly tainted presence in English Premier League football, the Englishman enjoyed a stellar season with Newcastle as they maintained their presence in the EPL.
Barton amassed 35 appearances and five goals for the Magpies. However, in recent talks with Newcastle, the former Manchester City playmaker has failed to come to an agreement on a contract extension and now desires an exit.
A tough, tenacious defender who possesses a sublime passing range and impressive composure. The 28-year-old has had his career darkened by off-field incidents and erratic behaviour, but there is no denying the relative quality of the former England international.
However, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with moves for Barton despite his reputation. Many believe the Englishman is too overrated to play for top tier sides due to his past incidents and ability to lose his cool.
Adel Taarabt- Queens Park Rangers
3 of 20
There is no denying Adel Taarabt has played and integral and influential role as QPR were promoted to the English Premier League after a stellar 2010/2011 in which the London side dominated the Championship proceedings from the commcement to the conclusion.
The Moroccan has become an outstanding prospect over the last three seasons with Neil Warnock's side, amassing 95 appearances and 27 goals, 19 of which formutaled this season. However, the 22-year-old often conveys a poor attitude at times with a slight tendency to believe he is one of Europe's best midfielder.
Taarabt publicly criticized Tottenham after the Morocco international failed to find his form at White Hart Lane and has now been linked with moves to Manchester United, Arsenal, Juventus and Lazio. The QPR midfielder is a strong player, but can he even make it a EPL level?
Lassana Diarra- Real Madrid C.F.
4 of 20
In order to play for Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid, one is evidently a superbly talented football player which highlights the ability of midfielder Lassana Diarra. The Frenchman has graced all the aforementioned giants but has become disgruntled at the Bernabeu after being unable to acquire a desired amount of playing opportunities with the presence of Sami Khedira.
A tough, incisive and composed midfielder, the 25-year-old desires an exit from Madrid but believes he is too good for any league but the EPL. It is rumoured there is a stunning £18 million price tag on his head with Manchester United and Tottenham notable buyers.
For such an outstanding fee for a player who has endured lapses in form over recent seasons and struggles to consistently perform for the France national side, it evokes the sense maybe Diarra is somewhat overrated.
Emmanuel Adebayor- Manchester City
5 of 20
The once immensely prolific striker who appeared destined for greatness as he secured 30 goals for Arsenal during the 2007/2008 season has endured a diminish in reputation and calibre as his goal efficiency began to dry.
After believing he was too good for Arsenal and a season after his striking success was offloaded to Manchester City, the Togolese striker has been unable to suficiently score.
Nineteen goals in 43 appearances for the Sky Blues before a forced loan move to Real Madrid which resulted in eight in 22 appearances this season is all the Togo international could muster.
Destined to depart the Eastlands, the 27-year-old has been linked with moves to Tottenham and Blackburn in deals that could potentially rise to £17 million.
Alexis Sanchez- Udinese
6 of 20
A highly chased youngster, Sanchez's excellent season with Italian outfit Udinese has ensured a number of European giants targetting the 22-year-old.
The Chiliean mustered 12 goals in 27 appearances this term, and his pace, balance and quick feet excelled out wide. Still a growing prospect at 22, many believe the Chile international will become one of the most devastating wingers in World Football.
However with the likes of Barcelona, who are the favourites for Sanchez's signature, Manchester City, AC Milan all targeting the dynamo, it is understood that Udinese demand what could amount to £30 million for their attacker. A fee that appears too high.
Fernando Gago- Real Madrid C.F
7 of 20
The Argentine midfielder has endured injury and form woes over the last few seasons which have greatly maligned his ability and development. The 25-year-old managed a mere seven appearances during 2010/2011 as injury intervened alongside Jose Mourinho's preference to utilize Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso as the giant's defensive midfielders.
Gago is desperate for a move away with former club Boca Juniour heavily interested however Madrid have instilled a £10 million price tag for the Argentina international which ensured the Argentina giants were unable to secure the services of the midfielder.
Ricardo Alvarez- Velez Sarsfield
8 of 20
This summer has already witnessed little known Argentine Ricardo Alvarez rise in status as the likes of Arsenal and even Manchester United showing immense interest in the 22-year-old.
Alvarez was rumoured as the first signing of Arsene Wenger's summer, but the deal failed to materialize.
Despite a far from impressive record for Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield, the midfielder is destined to either join the EPL or the Spanish La Liga.
A tall, powerful playmaker with imressive speed and composure, many will watch with intent to see just how good Alavarez is.
Melvut Erding- Paris Saint Germain
9 of 20
The Turkish striker has the ability to be an efficient, clinical striker, but 2010/2011 became a disappointing campaign for the 24-year-old who was restricted to a mere nine goals in 34 appearances. None the less, the PSG sharp shooter is attracting attention from the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham respectively and could command up to £12 million.
In 2009/2010, Erding proved his worth as a striker securing 19 goals in 36 appearances, highlighting his attacking prowess. However, the inability to maintain the form into 2010/2011 raises questions over whether the Turkey international has the ability to thrive in the English Premier League.
Paul Konchesky- Liverpool
10 of 20
The respected, veteran left back has been a mainstay in the English Premier League for over a decade, but his form at Liverpool in 2010/2011 evoked the theory that his time could be limited in the EPL as a diminish in speed, composure and strength appeared.
A no-nonsense, reliable left back, Konchesky has secured over 200 appearances in the Premier League alongside two England national caps. However, after a disappointing stint with the Reds, the 31-year-old is on the transfer market with Wolves and Wigan Athletic notable buyers.
Jack Rodwell- Everton
11 of 20
The midfielder, who made his debut for Everton as a 16-year-old in 2007, is touted as one of the best young prospects in the EPL ans is a destined English star. A composed, tough midfielder who possesses great versatility and many believe his future lies in the defensive line.
The 20-year-old has become a consistent presence in the Everton line up despite a tendency to be inconsistent. With over 90 appearances for the Toffees, Rodwell is a prime target for the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United with an estimated fee of up to £20 million.
A sum that still appears too heavy despite his youth.
Christian Poulsen- Liverpool
12 of 20
The Danish midfielder arrived at Anfield with fans expecting prominent things from Poulsen, yet unfortunately, it was an uneventful campaign for the 31-year-old who failed to justify his £4.5 million signing.
A veteran playmaker and renowned international, the former Juventus ace was unable to utilize his creativity and poise in the Reds line up as form lapses and the emergance of Jay Spearing restricted Poulsen to 12 Premier League experiences.
The Denmark international is now destined for a move with Stoke City showing the most interested.
Milan Jovanovic- Liverpool
13 of 20
The Serbian arrived at the English Premier League after greatly impressing during the 2010 World Cup, and Liverpool were excited of their promising winger. However, the 30-year-old became one of the failure buys of the campaign, and what's worse, it came at £120,000 a week.
The former Standard Leige dynamo looked out of depth in the EPL whilst lacked sufficient speed and balance to really threaten the tough Premier League defences. Jovanovic made a mere 18 appearances for the season, 10 of which were in the Premier League.
Liverpool are now eager to depart with their expensive attacker.
Robbie Keane- Tottenham
14 of 20
The Irish icon has endured a distinct lapse in goal scoring form which has resulted in the 30-year-old becoming out of favour at White Hart Lane as Harry Redknapp state his preference with strikers Roman Palyuchenko, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch.
Keane managed 10 appearances during the recent term which amounted a mere goal before a less than impressive loan spell with West Ham United that boasted 10 appearances and two goals.
However, the Ireland captain is a natural goal scorer who is renowned and experienced in the English Premier League and has over 90 EPL goals.
John Carew- Free Agent
15 of 20
Age has caught up with the imposing Norwegian striker who once terrorized World Football's most sterling defences. 2010/2011 was an immensely disappointing period as the 30-year-old failed to impact both Aston Villa before Stoke City on loan.
Thirteen appearances with no goals began for Carew before a further thirteen with two goals concluded a dismal season which highlighted the diminish of calibre the Norway international has endured.
However, considering Carew can be acquired on a free agent, a number of sides are likely to attempt to secure the giants services.
Shaun Wright-Phillips- Manchester City
16 of 20
The diminutive winger is past his prime and has fallen significantly down the pecking order at Manchester City ensuring he is destined to depart as Roberto Mancini attempts to alleviate wages. The 29-year-old was restricted to just 18 appearances in 2010/2011, eight of which were EPL fixtures, prior to that just 24 appearances in 2009/2010.
However, having graced Chelsea colours and become a renowned English international, there is calibre in Wright-Phillips despite his diminishing form, and a number of EPL sides have already expressed interested in signing the small dynamo.
Gael Clichy- Arsenal
17 of 20
The veteran French left back has grown frustrated at the Emirates due to Arsenal inability to secure silverware over the past six seasons, despite the Frenchman's distinct drop in form over recent seasons.
The 25-year-old is currently the longest serving Gunner in Arsene Wenger's squad boasting over 264 appearances.
Bojan Krkic- Barcelona
18 of 20
The striker looked destined to follow in Lionel Messi's footsteps as he made his debut in 2007 as a 17-year-old and promplty secured 12 goals in his first season with European kings Barcelona.
Bojan's form continued as the teenager grew rapidly evoking comparisons to Messi and other small strikers. However, in recent seasons opportunities and form have been hard to come by consistently for the young Spaniard who is now destined to depart Spain.
With a packed forward line of David Villa, Lionel Messi, Pedro and the prospect of Guiseppi Rossi joining Barcelona, it will only become harder for the 20-year-old to fulfil his obvious potential. However, there are a number of sides interested in signing Bojan with AS Roma leading the chase.
Nicklas Bendtner- Arsenal
19 of 20
Self confidence is always a good trait in football, particularly if your a striker. However there is a limit to how much one should possesses. Many would say Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner possesses somewhat too much as he often states he will become one of the best strikers in World Football.
The Danish sharp shooter has shown his ability. Last season Bendtner rose to promise as injuries to Robin van Persie and lapses in confidence and form saw Arsenal's strike power greatly limited before the Denmark international proved his worth and secured 12 goals.
However, 2010/2011 was an immense disappointment, restricted to just three Premier League appearances as the new year form of Robin van Persie which resulted in 18 goals in 17 appearances coupled with Wenger's inability to effectively rotate his young squad has resulted in lapses of form and confidence for Bendtner, which coincided with Arsenal's horrific demise of the last three months.
Bendtner has stated his desire to leave the Emirates and is expected to command up to £15 million.
Samir Nasri- Arsenal
20 of 20
Since arriving at the Emirates in 2008 for £15 million from French giants Olympique de Marseille as a highly touted dynamo who had dominated in the Ligue One, injuries and inconsistency had thwarted Nasri's skill and calibre blossoming to fruition.
However, it ceases to matter as the 23-year-old emerged as one of the most creative and devastating attackers in World Football after a superb season with the Gunners. After exclusion from the France 2010 World Cup squad, a refreshed Nasri thrived particularly in the first half of the season, in which the Frenchman was easily one the star performer in the EPL.
However, it appears Nasri's form has gone to his head. Currently entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal, the dynamo is reportedly unhappy with the amount Arsenal have offered in their new improved contract.
Nasri reportedly demands the same amount of pay a week as captain Cesc Fabregas, which is believed to be in the region of £110,00 a week.
The Frenchman is likely to leave should the increase not occur.
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