From Francis Jeffers to Antony: 10 of the worst signings in English football history

The transfer window shuts tonight and the big-spending Premier League clubs are looking to avoid making a costly mistake

Erik ten Hag with Antony after signing the winger for Manchester United three years ago.

©Telegraph Media Group Holdings LtdToday at 06:30

It is remarkable, really, how seductive transfers remain to the average football fan. There is an entire industry devoted to coverage of employment changes in the sport and a good portion of its followers who take more interest in possible moves than the actual matches.

All of this is despite the overwhelming evidence that most incoming players do not significantly improve a team in the long run. Sometimes it is far worse than that. The cautionary tales below are littered with hubris, profligacy and wishful thinking.

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