Spezia had been in Serie A for 3 seasons, relegated the year he joined them.
Same for Sheffield United.
Venezia two seasons in Serie A, relegated the year he joined them.
They may not have been the best clubs to join but that doesnt mean they were favourites for relegation either.
You also have to ask why are these clubs the best option when hes supposedly one of the "brightest young talents in Europe" or so WB keeps telling us.