Transfer flops: Bruno Cheyrou

With a good footballing history behind him, and interest from all over the Europe the future looked rosey for one of many French prodigies.Unfortunately for him, from the moment he arrived at Liverpool the burden imposed upon him was far too great.
Maybe one of the worst statements made by a manager about a new signing was heaped upon his shoulders. This was of course the moment Gerard Houllier described Cheyrou as 'the next Zinedine Zidane.' Huge mistake.

After what was a fruitful pre-season, it rapidly went downhill. Despite making a debut for the French national team shortly after signing in the summer of 2002 for £4.5m. In a four year Anfield career Cheyrou failed to reach even a half century of appearances. And when he did feature he often looked lost on the pitch, unsure of what to do and where his best position was. In short he could perhaps of been a talent wasted, but more than likely he just wasn't up to the demands of the Premier League.

There was however a brief patch when things looked like they could turn round in the 2003/04 season, and he could have an Anfield future after all. Cheyrou's most memorable game was at Stamford Bridge, where a first half strike earned his side a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. A short time later he also bagged a brace at Anfield, as Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 2-1. Could Cheyrou have a future after all?

No he couldn't. After two loan spells back to France, Marseille 2004/05 and Bordeaux 2005/06, came the inevitable sale with Rennes swooping. After a three year stay he had a short spell in Greece with Anorthosis Famagusta, before moving back to France with FC Nantes.

Transfer flops: Steve Marlet

Arriving at Craven Cottage on the crest of a wave back in 2001, Steve Marlet was somewhat seen as the marquee signing to take Fulham to the next level.

Some years, millions of pounds and a court case later, and the French winger is remembered as one of the biggest Premier League flops.

After starting out at amateur French side Red Star in 1991, he made the step up to the big time with Auxerre after five years at the club.

At this point Marlet's career seeming to be heading in the right direction, with a switch to Lyon materialising in 2000.

The Premier League came knocking a year later, and Les Gones sold up after only a season.

Jean Tignan, then manager, paid £11.5 to secure the signing and expectation began to rise.

In fours year at Craven Cottage however Marley only mustered just over half a century of appearances, and a handful of goals.

There was also a loan spell at Marseille during this time, lasting two seasons.

In 2005 his nightmare in England came to and end and he signed for Wolfsburg, but for Tigana the nightmare was just beginning.

After some expensive, and terrible, signings Fulham chairman Mohammed Al Fayed became suspicious of who was now his former manager.

The millionaire started proceeding against Tignana claiming he was pocketing a share of transfers, hence the large fees shelled out.

Courts however found in favour of the former manager, who after a brief break slipped over to Europe to continue his managerial career.

Marlet however slipped into obscurity, he managed just one season in Germany before joining Lorient back in his native France.

One solitary season later and he was back on his way, taking a few years out of the game.

After a few unsuccessful trails he Marlet found his way back to the amateur leagues, plying his trade for CM Aubervilliers.