Rio's brother is the perfect example of an average player becoming a poor signing. He was picked up for a whopping £8 million, and became the most expensive outfield player signed by - you guessed it - Roy Keane. In fairness to Ferdinand, he was actually a good defender. There were times he'd hold a shocking defence together, and his absence would be hugely noticeable during games in his first season. However, results turned and Ferdinand lost his settled starting position. Within 18 months of signing, he was on rocky ground and wasn't even given a squad number at the start of the 2010/11 campaign. He reportedly fell out with Steve Bruce and was soon shipped out to QPR for just £1 million. Ferdinand certainly wasn't the worst defender around, far from it, but the logic behind his arrival and departure earn him a place on the list. Firstly, he wasn't worth the fee to start, and secondly, he was worth more than the measly amount to ship him out of the Stadium of Light. His stint roughly cost £7 million plus huge wages. Over-spending. Sunderland-style.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
