Premier League Transfers: 15 Talented Imports Who Completely Flopped

6. Patrick Kluivert

Until recently Patrick Kluivert was - perhaps surprisingly - the highest goal scorer in the history of the Dutch national team. He was the lead striker of the Ajax golden generation of the 90€™s and alongside teammates such as Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf, fired the team to Eredivisie and European success. After an unsuccessful period at AC Milan, Kluivert joined FC Barcelona where he enjoyed personal success in a lean period for the Catalans - though he did win a La Liga title. As Barcelona began to transform itself back into a European force, Kluivert, Rivaldo and other players of their era were phased out, which led to the Dutchman€™s transfer to Newcastle United. By the time of Kluivert€™s 2004 arrival, Alan Shearer was ageing and a long term replacement was needed. Despite seemingly being around forever, Kluivert was still in his twenties at this point and it was perfectly feasible the he could be the man for the job. His time at the club however, made clear why Frank Rijkaard had shipped him out of the Nou Camp. Kluivert is one of those players who apparently peaked early and declined quickly with age. Whereas Ajax teammates like Seedorf and Edwin Van Der Sar maintained their quality well into their thirties - Kluivert could not do the same. His one and only season with Newcastle provided a decent, but underwhelming return of goals, and he became a journeyman for the rest of his career, before announcing his retirement in 2008. And meanwhile, Newcastle are arguably still looking for that Alan Shearer replacement.