What If…?: Five Football’s Most Dramatic Failed Transfers

You may think that the only shocking and surprising news in football is players injuries or dismissed coaches, no!!! another is club transfers. Players for long time have transitioned from one club to another or from one league to another.

Following the called off transfer deal between Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen and Al Nassr which was at it’s most advanced stage, several other transfers have happened in similar fashion that has made enthusiasts of the sport to wonder and imagine “what if…?”. Well, this piece is set to explore five of the most dramatic failed transfers in the history of football.

David de Gea to Real Madrid (2015)

In 2015, Manchester United’s goalkeeper David de Gea who has elevated himself from his humble beginnings at Atletico Madrid to becoming one of the greatest goalkeeper of his generation. He was on the brink of joining Real Madrid, who had expressed so much interest in his experience and require his service to improve their squad or better still replace aging Iker Cassilas.

The transfer, valued at £29 million, was set to proceed on deadline day. However, a faulty fax machine delayed the necessary paperwork, causing the documents to arrive minutes past the deadline. This technical glitch led to the collapse of the deal, leaving de Gea to remain at Old Trafford.

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Daniel James to Leeds United (2019)

In January 2019, Leeds United aimed to sign Swansea City’s winger Daniel James. The clubs agreed on a £10 million deal, and James completed his medical and media duties at Leeds. However, in a surprising turn, Swansea City pulled out of the deal minutes before the deadline, leaving James and Leeds frustrated. However due to the failed transfer, he later joined Manchester United.

Nabil Fekir to Liverpool (2018)

French midfielder Nabil Fekir was close to joining Liverpool in 2018. The transfer fee was agreed upon, and Fekir had completed his medical. However, concerns arose over a previous knee injury, leading Liverpool to reconsider the terms. Disagreements between the parties resulted in the deal collapsing, and Fekir remained at Lyon.

Hakim Ziyech to Paris Saint-Germain (2023)

In January 2023, Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech was set to join Paris Saint-Germain on loan. What a transfer deal that will give him the opportunity of partnering with Kylian Mbappe and arguably greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi and most importantly restore his declining career.

Ziyech traveled to Paris, completed his medical, and awaited final confirmation. However, Chelsea reportedly sent the incorrect paperwork multiple times, causing delays. The necessary documents were not submitted before the transfer window closed, leading to the deal’s collapse.

Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn Rovers (2010)

In 2010, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was set to join Blackburn Rovers. A visit was scheduled for Lewandowski to tour the club’s facilities. However, the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland led to widespread flight cancellations across Europe. Unable to travel, Lewandowski’s move was postponed and eventually fell through. He later signed with Borussia Dortmund, where he rose to prominence.

Conclusion

However, not only Boniface had suffered from such circumstance of failed transfers at its dying moments but several other players have add their own share of the tragedy. While others like de Gea and Ziyech would be a big regret not only for the player but for the fans, others like lewandowski own is like a blessing in disguise.

These instances highlight the unpredictable nature of football transfers, where deals can unravel due to technical errors, last-minute decisions, medical concerns, administrative mishaps, or unforeseen natural events.