Football’s transfer market has produced some of the game’s most dramatic stories. While fans celebrate blockbuster signings every summer, there are also deals that come incredibly close to completion before collapsing at the final moment.
Sometimes it is paperwork, sometimes medical concerns, and sometimes a change of heart that stops a move that looked certain to happen.
Here are ten famous transfers that were virtually done—until they weren’t.
David de Gea
Man United to Real Madrid
The failed move involving David de Gea from Manchester United to Real Madrid remains one of football’s most famous transfer collapses. In 2015, Real Madrid had agreed a deal for the Spanish goalkeeper, who was widely expected to replace the ageing Iker Casillas.
The transfer appeared certain as both clubs completed negotiations late on deadline day. However, the paperwork was submitted moments after the window closed, reportedly due to technical delays in sending the documents.
The move was rejected by Spanish football authorities, leaving De Gea at Manchester United. He later signed a new contract and remained one of the club’s key players for several more seasons.
Nabil Fekir
Lyon to Liverpool
A few years later, Nabil Fekir came incredibly close to joining Liverpool FC from Olympique Lyonnais in 2018.
Liverpool had agreed a transfer fee and the attacking midfielder travelled for his medical. Reports even suggested the club had already prepared promotional material ahead of the announcement.
However, concerns raised during the medical about a previous knee injury caused Liverpool to withdraw from the deal. Fekir eventually joined Real Betis the following year.
Peter Odemwingie
West Brom to QPR
Few transfer sagas were as bizarre as the one involving Peter Odemwingie and Queens Park Rangers in 2013.
The striker believed his move from West Bromwich Albion had been agreed and drove to QPR’s stadium on deadline day expecting to complete the transfer.
West Brom, however, had not approved the deal. The move collapsed publicly, leaving Odemwingie stranded outside the stadium in one of the Premier League’s strangest deadline-day moments.
Ronaldinho
PSG to Man United
In 2003, Manchester United believed they had secured the signing of Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain.
Negotiations had progressed significantly and United were confident the deal would be completed. However, events took a dramatic turn late in the process.
FC Barcelona entered the race and ultimately convinced Ronaldinho to join them instead, where he would go on to become one of the club’s greatest players.
Robert Lewandowski
Lech Poznan to Blackburn
Before becoming one of Europe’s most feared strikers, Robert Lewandowski was close to signing for Blackburn Rovers from Lech Poznań in 2010.
The English club had arranged talks and were optimistic about completing the move. Lewandowski was expected to travel to England to finalise negotiations.
However, the eruption of an Icelandic volcano grounded flights across Europe, preventing the trip. The deal collapsed and Lewandowski instead joined Borussia Dortmund.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Malmö to Arsenal
Long before he became a global superstar, Zlatan Ibrahimović nearly joined Arsenal from Malmö FF.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger invited the young striker to London and proposed a trial period before offering a contract.
Ibrahimović famously rejected the idea, reportedly telling Wenger that “Zlatan doesn’t do trials.” He later joined AFC Ajax instead.
Loic Remy
QPR to Liverpool
Another move that fell apart late involved Loïc Rémy and Liverpool FC in 2014.
Liverpool had agreed a fee with Queens Park Rangers and the striker travelled for his medical.
The deal collapsed after concerns were raised during the medical examination. Rémy later signed for Chelsea FC instead.
John Obi Mikel
Lyn to Man United
One of football’s most complicated transfer disputes involved John Obi Mikel in 2005.
Manchester United initially announced they had agreed a deal with Norwegian club Lyn Oslo for the young midfielder.
However, Chelsea FC claimed they had a prior agreement with the player. After a lengthy dispute involving FIFA, Mikel eventually joined Chelsea.
Roy Keane
Nottingham Forest to Blackburn
In 1993, Roy Keane was on the verge of leaving Nottingham Forest for Blackburn Rovers.
The move appeared agreed, with Blackburn owner Jack Walker ready to complete the transfer.
However, Manchester United intervened late and convinced Keane to join them instead, beginning one of the most successful careers in Premier League history.
Robinho
Real Madrid to Chelsea
Finally, Robinho looked set to join Chelsea FC from Real Madrid in 2008.
Chelsea had pursued the Brazilian winger for months and appeared close to completing the signing.
But on transfer deadline day, Manchester City hijacked the move following their new ownership takeover, signing Robinho in a dramatic late deal.
Football’s transfer market will always produce excitement, but stories like these remind fans that even the most certain deals can collapse at the final moment.
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