Ranking the 5 biggest flops in Barcelona history

Barcelona have made some terrible transfers in the last decade
Barcelona have made some terrible transfers in the last decade

Barcelona is a club most young footballers dream of playing for. While the current situation at the Catalan club is a bit of a mess, they remain one of the most powerful and successful European teams in the history of the game.

Some of the best players in the world have played for the Spanish giants. The likes of Figo, Neymar, Ronaldinho and many others have had the pleasure of playing for this wonderful club.

Barcelona have made some poor signings

Due to their rich history and commercial strength, Barcelona have been able to sign some amazing players over the years. While many have done well, a decent number of players have struggled with the Catalan club.

These players have come to the club proving their worthiness on the pitch yet face a difficult time at Camp Nou. On that note, let's take a look at those top players who have flopped while playing for the Spanish giants.


#5 Alex Song

Ajax Amsterdam v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League
Ajax Amsterdam v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had a terrific vision in identifying talented players around the world. One such player was Alex Song, who was then playing for Bastia in Ligue 1.

Arsenal signed him in 2005, initially on loan and then making the move permanent the following year. With the Gunners, Alex Song performed exceptionally well with his defensive abilities and amazing talent for creating plays from midfield. He made 136 Premier League appearances for the Gunners but was unsuccessful in winning any silverware.

A frustrated Song left to play for Barcelona in the summer of 2012 for a transfer fee worth £15 million. Although he won La Liga in his debut season, his form took a massive dip in Spain.

He struggled to start regularly and failed to stand out among the top midfielders at the club. After a loan spell with West Ham United, he was sold off to Rubin Kazan in 2016. Song made 65 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring just once.


#4 Malcolm

Malcolm struggled immensely with his football in Spain
Malcolm struggled immensely with his football in Spain

The Brazilian winger was very impressive during his time at Bordeaux in Ligue 1. In 84 league appearances, Malcolm scored 20 goals and 12 assists with the French club at the age of 21.

Eager for his signature, Barcelona were successful in securing the move for a transfer fee worth £36.5 million in the summer of 2018. Unfortunately, the Brazilian struggled to adapt to the demands of the league and failed to take his chances.

In 24 appearances across all competitions, Malcolm managed to score four times and registered just two assists for the Catalans. He was sold off to Zenit Saint Petersburg after a season at Camp Nou.

#3 Ousmane Dembele

FC Barcelona v SD Huesca - La Liga Santander
FC Barcelona v SD Huesca - La Liga Santander

Barcelona are currently in a tricky situation with Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman's lack of discipline and behavioral issues led the club's management to try to offload in the January transfer window.

Surprisingly, no deal took place and Dembele is still at the club. While the Spanish giants are trying to make the best out of the situation, it remains to be seen how the situation plays out.

Ousmane Dembele was sensational during his time at Borussia Dortmund. At the German club, he scored 10 goals and registered 20 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Barcelona signed him for an enormous transfer fee of £135.50 million in 2017. Since then, the French forward has struggled to perform on a consistent basis. He has managed just 31 goals and registered 22 assists in 130 appearances for the Blaugrana.


#2 Antoine Griezmann

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - Supercopa de Espana Final
FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - Supercopa de Espana Final

After five great seasons with Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann attracted interest from many European clubs. He ended up signing for Barcelona for a transfer fee worth £103 million in 2019.

With Atletico, Griezmann scored 133 goals and registered 43 assists in 255 appearances. Unfortunately, his time at Camp Nou has been nothing but disappointing. The French forward has massively struggled in front of goal, managing to score just 35 goals in 102 appearances.

Griezmann has failed to step up, especially when the Catalan club desperately needed him to. He is currently back at Atletico Madrid on loan, with the possibility of the move being made permanent next season.


#1 Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho was simply outstanding with Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho was simply outstanding with Liverpool

The Premier League was blessed to see Philippe Coutinho in his prime when he played for Liverpool. With the Reds, the Brazilian scored 54 goals and registered 42 assists in 197 appearances.

Using his amazing playmaking abilities, Coutinho was a beast of a player in England's top-tier division. He was signed by Barcelona for a transfer fee worth £142 million in 2018. Somehow the Brazilian has failed to regain the same form with the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian has been on loan at Bayern Munich for the 2019-20 season and is currently playing on loan at Aston Villa. With the amount of money spent on Coutinho, it surely seems like a failed signing so far. He has scored just 26 goals in 106 appearances for the Catalans.

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Edited by Ritwik Kumar
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