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Marco Boogers
Sparta Rotterdam to West Ham United (GBP 1m) 1995

Harry Redknapp paid Sparta Rotterdam 1 million pounds for the comically named Boogers in 1995.

In only his second appearance, he came on as a substitute and was immediately sent off for a reckless challenge on Gary Neville.

Boogers promptly disappeared, and was found some weeks later, hiding out in a Dutch caravan park.

"He was a good player, but a nutter," Redknapp explained as he offloaded him on a free transfer to Groningen.

Chris Sutton
Blackburn Rovers to Chelsea, (GBP 10m), 1999

A prolific striker both before and after his one season at Chelsea, the goals mysteriously dried-up for Sutton at Stamford Bridge.

He scored just once in 28 appearances for the Blues - in a 5-0 drubbing of Manchester United.

Sold on to Celtic he found his form again, netting 63 goals times in 130 appearances.

Massimo Taibi
Venezia to Manchester United (GBP 4.5m), 1999

When Peter Schmeichel left for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United searched high and low for a replacement and came up with Taibi.

The Italian made just 4 appearances and conceded 11 goals, including five in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Winston Bogarde
Barcelona to Chelsea (Free), 2000

A 'free' transfer from Barcelona, Bogarde ended up costing Chelsea a fortune in wages as he chose to sit out a 4 year contract despite being told that he was not wanted by the club.

Made just 11 performances as he ran down his contract before retiring.

Juan Sebastian Veron
Lazio to Manchester United (GBP 28m), 2001

Touted as one of the best midfielders in the world, Veron failed dismally to live up to that billing during his time in England.

He saw out just two years of a five year deal at Old Trafford before United cut their losses and sold him on to Chelsea.

After 14 appearances the Blues loaned him out to Internazionale, then to Estudiantes before releasing him on a free.

Steve Marlet
Lyon to Fulham, (GBP 11.5m), 2001

Marlet was Fulham's record signing, but he made just 54 appearances for the club scoring 11 goals.

After a bust-up with manager Chris Coleman he was loaned to Marseille - while Fulham continued to pay his wages for the next two years.

Francis Jeffers
Everton to Arsenal, (GBP 8m), 2001

Signed as a 'fox in the box' by Arsene Wenger, Jeffers proved to be anything but. He scored only four goals in 22 appearances for the Gunners before being sent back to Everton on loan.

Recently released by League One Sheffield Wednesday, which says it all really.

Bosko Balaban
Dinamo Zagreb to Aston Villa (GBP 6.5m), 2001

John Gregory signed the Croatian striker for 6.5 million pounds in 2001. Balaban spent 3 seasons at Villa Park but played just 45 minutes of football, and was eventually released from his contract.

He has been a prolific striker everywhere else he's played.

Fernando Morientes
Real Madrid to Liverpool (GBP 6.3m) 2005

Rafa Benitez had an extremely patchy record in the transfer market during his time at Liverpool, but this was one of his worst signings.

Arriving on Merseyside to a wave of excitement and optimism, it was soon evident that Morientes had neither the pace nor fitness to succeed in the Premier League.

After just eight goals in 32 league games Benitez sold him on to Valencia for 3 million pounds.

Robinho
Real Madrid to Manchester City (GBP 32.5m), 2009

Manchester City were positively gloating when their new-found wealth allowed them to beat Chelsea to the signing of Robinho, but the Brazilian's form at Eastlands was nothing to smile about.

He endured a torrid time in England before being allowed to move to Santos on loan, while City continue to supplement his huge pay-packet.

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