Top 7 most unexpected transfers of the 2016-17 summer window

Gonzalo Higuain
No one expected Higuain to move to Juventus from Napoli

6) David Luiz: Paris Saint-Germain → Chelsea FC

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David Luiz
David Luiz returning to Chelsea was certainly a shock
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Chelsea’s desperation to sign a centre-back has not been kept quiet. The signing of N’Golo Kante from Leicester City has been speculated to be one of the best signings of the window, but with the ageing of John Terry, Gary Cahill’s inconsistency and Kurt Zouma’s long term injury, Chelsea’s options at the back were limited. After scouring the Serie A for quality defenders and coming up with nothing, they turned to Ligue 1.

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Chelsea have developed somewhat of a reputation for resigning former club members. Jose Mourinho and Nemanja Matic immediately spring to mind. But Premier League fans were still dumbfounded by the signing of David Luiz on deadline day.

This was a transfer that seemingly came out of nowhere. Through the course of the summer, there were no rumours about Luiz departing PSG, forget about leaving for Chelsea until the second last day of the window. Even then, many were speculative of the deal going through.

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Chelsea fans’ reaction to such a shocking transfer were mixed. Many were relieved to sign a center back, while others were not so sure. Luiz, although a very good player, is known for frequently venturing up the field, which has led to many conceded goals. He is also very rash, giving away penalties on many occasions. Additionally, he has the odd own goal in his game. Plus, his disastrous performance in Brazil’s 7-1 thumping from Germany has left him scarred.

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Although he enjoyed many fantastic performances for the Blues, his brashness caused Mourinho to ship him off to PSG in the summer of 2014. At PSG he enjoyed much success and looked to have found a home in Paris. Which makes his transfer back to Stamford Bridge all the more perplexing.

While the re-signing of the Brazilian defender will pay off for Conte is debatable, but for a Premier League neutral, this signing is exciting. David Luiz brings passion and joy to every match and is one of football’s biggest entertainers.

Edited by Staff Editor
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