Top 10 most expensive La Liga signings in 2022/23

La Liga 2022/23 has already determined the championship title, which belongs to Barcelona with significant contributions from newcomer striker Robert Lewandowski. In this regard, let’s take a look at the successes and failures of the 10 most expensive signings in La Liga this season.

1: Aurelien Tchouameni – Real Madrid (€100 million)

Aurelien Tchouameni’s excellent performances in Monaco’s jersey earned him a move to Real Madrid for a fee of 80 million euros, plus additional fees including bonuses totaling 20 million euros. Tchouameni – one of the best defensive midfielders quickly proved his abilities, with some even praising Real Madrid’s smart choice as a replacement for Casemiro after the Brazilian midfielder moved to Man Utd.

However, Tchouameni’s initial burst of form only lasted in the early stages of the season. Towards the end of the season, he visibly declined and often found himself relegated to the bench by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Additionally, Tchouameni lost his starting position both at the club and the French national team to compatriot Eduardo Camavinga.

2: Raphinha – Barcelona (€58 million)

58 million euros is the amount Barcelona spent to acquire Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds in last summer’s transfer window. Statistical data shows that the Brazilian player has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists for Barcelona this season across all competitions.

In reality, Raphinha had to work hard after joining Barcelona. Initially, he was not the first choice for coach Xavi in the right-wing forward position at Barcelona this season. Ousmane Dembele was the preferred option by Xavi, and Raphinha only got his chance after the French international had to stay off the field for an extended period due to an ankle injury.

3: Jules Kounde – Barcelona (€50 million)

At the start of the 2022/23 season, Jules Kounde arrived at Barcelona from Sevilla for a fee of 50 million euros. The French international quickly integrated into the team, despite being consistently deployed as a right-wing back by coach Xavi instead of his preferred center-back position.

Despite being a defender, Kounde managed to contribute to 7 goals for Barcelona across all competitions (1 goal, 6 assists). The French defender was also one of the key factors that helped Barcelona win La Liga after a four-year wait.

4: Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (€45 million)

After 8 seasons at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski joined Barcelona last summer for a fee of 45 million euros. His experience and quality have played a crucial role in Xavi’s rebuilding plan for Barcelona.

With 23 goals scored, Lewandowski currently leads the top scorers’ list in La Liga 2022/23. The reward for his impressive performance is the La Liga title this season with Barcelona. Both Benzema and Lewandowski are currently top stickers in the world.

5: Umar Sadiq – Real Sociedad (€20 million)

In an effort to strengthen their attacking options, Real Sociedad spent 20 million euros to bring in striker Umar Sadiq from Almeria. Despite high expectations, the Nigerian forward has been a major disappointment.

In reality, the 26-year-old player has only appeared in 6 matches and scored a mere 3 goals. Sadiq’s limited playing time and goal tally can be attributed to persistent injury troubles.

6: Nahuel Molina – Atletico Madrid (€20 million)

Atletico Madrid spent 20 million euros to bring Nahuel Molina from Udinese last summer. The Argentine international quickly integrated into Diego Simeone’s team, playing as a right-back for Atletico.

With his strong athleticism, Molina has performed well on the right flank for Atletico, contributing to 7 goals in total: scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this season.

7: Tanguy Nianzou – Sevilla (€16 million)

To secure the services of center-back Tanguy Nianzou, Sevilla had to pay Bayern Munich 16 million euros in last summer’s transfer window. Sevilla brought in Nianzou with the hope of filling the gap left by fellow Frenchman Jules Kounde, who joined Barcelona.

However, continuous injuries have limited the playing time of the French defender. Specifically, Nianzou has only appeared in 18 matches in La Liga during the 2022/23 season.

8: Brais Mendez – Real Sociedad (€14 million)

Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez joined Real Sociedad from Celta Vigo in June 2022 in a transfer deal worth 14 million euros. Playing as an attacking midfielder, Mendez quickly adapted and performed well in the colors of Sociedad.

This was evident as Mendez scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in 44 appearances for Sociedad. Additionally, Mendez played a significant role in helping Sociedad secure a fourth-place position in the La Liga 2022/23 standings.

9: Marcao – Sevilla (€11 million)

Alongside Tanguy Nianzou, Sevilla also brought in another center-back, Marcao, from Galatasaray last summer. Sevilla paid 11 million euros to secure the signature of the Brazilian defender.

Unfortunately, Marcao has been plagued by long-term injuries, spending most of his time on the sidelines. As a result, Marcao has only made 5 appearances in La Liga during the 2022/23 season.

10: Mohamed Ali Cho – Real Sociedad (€11 million)

Sociedad invested 11 million euros to acquire the services of French striker Mohamed Ali Cho from Angers in July of last year. The presence of Ali Cho was expected to provide an additional attacking threat for Sociedad. However, he failed to make an impact, as he has yet to score a goal in 17 appearances for Sociedad in the 2022/23 La Liga season.

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