The transfer window is always good for both marquee signings and the inevitable flops. Unfortunately for some clubs, sometimes that big signing pans to be anything but. The last few years were no different, as clubs have shelled out big money for signings who have both impressed and disappointed. As the close of the window looms upon us, here is a look at some of the best and worst signings of the last five season.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment was Chelsea's Fernando Torres purchase. The Spaniard was in blistering form for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals in 102 appearances. He commanded a whopping 50 million pounds, smashing the British transfer record. Much was expected of Torres, however he failed to reproduce this form and took 903 minutes to score his first Chelsea goal. In fact, that was his only goal in his first season at Chelsea. Now know for several high profile gaffes, such as an open goal miss against Manchester United two seasons ago, Torres has endured a torrid Chelsea career. Two miserable seasons later, Torres' league goal tally stands at a mere 19.

On the topic of failed transfer, who can forget Liverpool's dreadful double coup of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing? While both showed promise for their previous clubs, the two failed miserably to adapt to Kenny Dalglish's system. Downing scored three goals in 65 appearances, while Carroll scored six in 44, before both were shipped out of Anfield. Liverpool did of course receive a more than suitable return of investment on Luis Suarez who has set the league on fire since his arrival. The Uruguayan scores goals for fun and leads the league in scoring with 24, despite missing the first 6 games due to suspension. He has 62 total in 95 appearances, and incredible record.

Ballon D'or finalist Franc Ribery has more than justified the hefty price tag paid for him by Bayern. The Frenchman's goal and assist tallies speak fore themselves, and he was instrumental in Bayern's league and european triumphs last year. A certain Swede has made in impression when making his big money transfer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in scintillating form for PSG. Coupled with his performances for his country, few can contest his pricetag.

Kaka is a player who cannout boast the same impact, as the Brazilian failed to inspire during his time at Madrid despite the massive 56 million paid for him. He struggled to hold down a place in the Madrid side and eventually returned to Milan on a free transfer. Madrid counterpart Athletico have however enjoyed a honorable return from former Barca hero David Villa. A forgotten man at Barca, Villa has proved his doubters wrong, and has formed quite the duo with Brazilian Diego Costa, propelling the club to second in the league.

A perhaps smaller profile signing, Swansea midfielder Michu has hugely impressed during his first two seasons at the club. A relatively unknown in La Liga, Michu's silky style has seen him adapt to the Premier League effortlessly, scoring 20 goals so far and making his first international cap in the process.

Fans can only hope that this year's transfers can reproduce the heroics of some the mentioned players. Juan Mata has gotten off to a good start with United, and Fulham will be hoping that Konstas Mitroglou can reproduce his goal scoring form from his days at Olympiakos.

Here are some transfer hits and misses from windows gone by...