Pepe lines up in LiveScore's XI of big-money Premier League flops

Premier League clubs have splashed the cash in recent transfer windows.

But not every high-profile acquisition has proven to be a success — and we have created an XI featuring some of the division's worst big-money signings.

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga is still the most expensive goalkeeper in history following his £72million move to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

The Spaniard — who is on loan at Real Madrid — never lived up to his price tag, keeping 59 clean sheets in 163 appearances across all competitions.

Right-back: Danilo

Danilo has been one of Juventus' key players since joining in 2019 but his two years at Manchester City were pretty forgettable.

The £26.5m acquisition played back-up to Kyle Walker and was used sparingly by Pep Guardiola in more unnatural positions.

Centre-back: Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire cost Manchester United £80m when he joined from Leicester in 2019.

His career at Old Trafford started promisingly but he is now way down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag after being stripped of the captaincy.

Centre-back: Eliaquim Mangala

When Eliaquim Mangala joined City in 2014 for £42m he was expected to take the Premier League by storm.

Instead, the Frenchman made error after error and was eventually axed by Guardiola five years later after loan spells at Valencia and Everton.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella

The signing of Marc Cucurella for a reported £60m has really not worked out for Chelsea.

His lacklustre displays last term saw him booed by Blues fans and he is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino.

Defensive midfield: Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips' £42m switch to City from Leeds has been a bit of a disaster.

Injuries and the presence of Rodri have resulted in the 27-year-old starting just four games for the Citizens in all competitions — the same number he has started for England in that timeframe.

Centre midfield: Tanguy Ndombele

Tanguy Ndombele scored on his Premier League debut for Tottenham after completing a £55m move from Lyon in 2019 — but that was to be one of the few highlights from his time in England.

Poor performances and questions over his professionalism saw Spurs loan him out for a third time this month, with Galatasaray his latest destination.

Centre midfield: Paul Pogba

United coughed up a then-world record fee of £89m to re-sign Paul Pogba in 2016.

There were occasional flashes of quality from the Frenchman at Old Trafford but he never came close to fulfilling his potential before re-joining Juventus on a free last summer.

Right wing: Nicolas Pepe

Before Declan Rice's move from West Ham, Nicolas Pepe was Arsenal's record signing at £72m.

The Gunners saw no real return on their investment, though, with the winger joining Trabzonspor this month after terminating his contract at the Emirates.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku's Chelsea comeback got off to the perfect start when he netted in a 2-0 win at Arsenal — but the £97.5m arrival scored only 14 more goals in the 2021-22 campaign and lost his place in the starting XI.

The Belgian is now on loan at Roma after spending last season with Inter Milan.

Left wing: Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho's £73m move to United reached its lowest point before the international break, when he accused Ten Hag of using him as a "scapegoat" after being omitted from the matchday squad for the 3-1 loss at Arsenal.

The 23-year-old has really struggled for form at Old Trafford since joining from Borussia Dortmund, netting just 12 goals in 82 appearances.