Transfer Deadline Day: 5 Late EPL Transfers Who Will Flounder

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With the Transfer Deadline now at a close, many clubs used the last minutes to tie up some big deals.

However, securing a move doesn't always mean it is a good move for the player, and some most certainly won't succeed at their new clubs.

Of the transfers made just before the deadline, here are five players who will flounder at their new home.

1. Andre Santos (Arsenal)

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Although he is a full Brazilian international, Andre Santos is not considered by most as a top left back. Certainly his performances in the Copa America did little to raise his stock.

With the problems that engulf Arsenal's defense, Wenger needed to bring in more than just "above average" players; he needed proven stalwarts. He did bring in established German international Per Mertesacker, but Santos' arrival did little to raise the spirits of the Gunner fans.

At 28, Santos is not a youngster and should be playing his peak football.  While that may work well against mid-table sides such as Fulham or Aston Villa, Santos will be exposed when facing the likes of the EPL elite.

Santos offers little that youngster Kieran Gibbs does not, but at least the Gunners will have some cover besides the inexperienced Carl Jenkinson.

2. Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)

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Craig Bellamy earned himself a return to his former club Liverpool within the dying hours of the deadline. After leaving the Reds in 2007 for West Ham United, Bellamy has spent the last few years in decline between spells on the Manchester City bench and a season in the Championship will Cardiff City.

The 32-year-old is no longer the dynamic firecracker of a forward who left in 2007, and he will certainly need time to adapt to life in the Premier League once again, especially at a club of Liverpool's standing.

While Bellamy can play either out-wide or as a forward, he will find himself behind in the pecking order in both circumstances, with forwards Luis Suarez, Dirk Kuyt, Andy Carroll and wide players Stewart Downing, Maxi Rodriguez, and Jordan Henderson all likely to be available before the Welshman.

While Bellamy's playing time will certainly increase from Manchester City (where it was zero), Bellamy will still find it hard to garner significant time on the pitch.

3. Owen Hargreaves (Manchester City)

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After Manchester United let his contract expire at the end of last season, Owen Hargreaves found himself in limbo.  The former Bayern Munich star even posted videos on Youtube to try and prove his fitness.

It was rumored that the former English international would join West Bromwich Albion, so it came as a shock when the 30-year-old was seen having a medical at Manchester City on August 30th, before he was signed on a one year deal on the 31st.

The bizarre move puzzled many, and for several reasons.

Hargreaves hasn't really played consistently since 2008, and his most recent action was November 6th, 2010 where he played the first five minutes of a match before pulling out injured.  A player with an injury history and lack of recent playing experience usually doesn't get picked up by a club challenging for the EPL title.

Additionally, City already have cover in the defensive midfield position.  Mancini already has both Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry at his disposal, without considering that Yaya Toure can also play a holding midfield. Considering the talent ahead of him, it was not in Hargreaves best interest to move to a club where he probably won't get much playing time. 

4. Peter Crouch (Stoke City)

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After two seasons at White Hart Lane, Peter Crouch sealed a move to Britannia Stadium moments before the deadline came.  Signing a four year contract for a £12 million fee, Crouch will certainly be a big fish at Stoke City.  

However, star players must perform, and unfortunately Crouch has not been a prolific goalscorer at Tottenham.  Tony Pulis must hope that Crouch's recent form will not repeat at Stoke.

At Tottenham, Crouch had service from the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Rafael van der Vaart. At Stoke, the service will come from Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Etherington, and Rory Delap.  The drop in quality will most likely effect Crouch's scoring proficiency, and thus the giant striker will once again fail to replicate his top level form. 

5. Yossi Benayoun (Arsenal)

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Signed on season loan from Chelsea, Benayoun was probably brought in by Wenger as insurance in case the Arteta deal fell through.  Now that Arteta has been confirmed, he will most certainly fill the creative hole left by Cesc Fabregas.  

Benayoun excelled in that role at Liverpool, and will once again fail to reprise his preferred role.  This will adversely effect the Israeli captain's ability to influence the game.  

Wenger likes to play a 4-2-3-1, and with Gervinho, Arteta, and Walcott seemingly the first choice attacking midfielders, Benayoun will once again struggle for significant playing time.  

Additionally, Benayoun is coming off of a season missed through injury.  Without getting significant time on the pitch, the 31-year-old will find it difficult to recapture his dangerous form.

 

What do you think about the deadline day transfers?  Who will succeed at their new clubs, and who will fail?