3 Players Who Should Have Never Moved To Barcelona – Manchester United Finisher Tops The List

5 times Champions League winners Barcelona have one of the strongest squads in Europe and are expected to compete for the biggest price every season. The likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Neymar Jr and Gerard Pique have been integral to the team’s success in recent times while the likes of Luis Suarez, Javier Mascherano and Sergi Busquets have played an equally important role in recent years. However, it has not always been rosy for the Spanish giants who have, in the past, spent on players who failed to have an impact in Spain.

With the capital not at all a problem, Barcelona have spent insane amounts of money on a number of players in the last decade but not every big money signing has been successful at the Camp Nou. With the transfer window now open, Barca will look to add a few players to their squad and it might be time to remind them of some of their least effective signings.

Here are three players who should have never made a move to Barcelona in the last decade.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden):

Unarguably one of the best strikers at the moment in world football, Zlatan has lifted most European domestic trophies and is now looking to make a similar impact in England. He is a top class striker who will walk into most top European squads and in 2009, the Swede moved to Catalunya from Italy.

He made a superb start to his career there, helping the side to some important victories that season. However, just a year later, he was frustrated with the lack of chances alongside Lionel Messi in the squad and decided to move to AC Milan on loan in 2011 after his relationship with Pep Guardiola, the then Barca manager, broke down. Till date, the Barca stint remains one of the worst in his career as a football player.

2. Alex Song (Cameroon):

Another player who made a high-profile move to Barcelona is the 29-year old Alex Song, who is currently playing his trade with Rubin Kazan. He had an incredible run in the first team at the Emirates from 2007-2012 and his performances for the English outfit saw Barcelona make a move for him in 2012.

Song started his career in Spain in fine fashion helping his team to a victory in an El Classico on his debut but he managed to stay at the club for just another year with Barcelona having a midfield of Iniesta and Xavi, leaving him no place in the side. He made 39 appearances for the Spanish giants before being sent out on loan to West Ham and he has failed to get back to his best as his stint at Barcelona spoilt his entire career.

3. Ibrahim Afellay (Netherlands):

The Dutch winger was one of the most exciting prospects in Europe a few years ago but the expectations that were laid on him in his stint in Spain saw him lose some confidence, which in turn, affected his entire career. The 30-year old was a long term servant for PSV Eindhoven in his home country but Barcelona were impressed with his returns and spent on him back in 2011.

He was content with 18 substitute appearances in his first season at the club but he failed to have the kind of an impact expected of him. He scored just 1 goals in 21 appearances in his two years at the club and quite evidently Barca were not impressed with his performances and sent him on loan for the next two seasons before completely selling him. He is a gifted player but he joined the long list of players who spoilt their careers with a move to Spain.