A transfer isn’t complete until you hear an official announcement or see the player wearing his new kit, but even then the deal can be hijacked.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both stolen players from under the noses of their bitter rivals, but they’ve also been on the receiving end.
Here are some memorable examples of players who were all set to join one club, only to then sign for somebody else.
Tyrell Malacia
Lyon held talks with Feyenoord for Malacia in the summer of 2022 and negotiated a fee of €13million upfront plus €2million of add-ons.
The left-back agreed to a five-year contract with Lyon and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano even gave the deal his ‘Here We Go!’ treatment.
But Manchester United hijacked the deal at the 11th hour, offering Feyenoord a guaranteed €15million with a potential further €2million in add-ons.
The Ligue 1 side raised their offer by €1million, only for Malacia to inform them that he had chosen to join United.
“If we don’t have the means to recruit, we can’t bring in players of that level, generally speaking, whatever their love for Lyon might be,” Lyon general director Vincent Ponsot said. “So it’s not a case of having the means.
“But I’m going to be very clear: the institution is always stronger than any player. Sometimes there are demands – that’s how it is in the world of football – that can’t be made. It’s true that it can sometimes collapse deals. But we want a left-back, and we’ll find a good left-back.
“I think the president [Jean-Michel Aulas] is happy to be able to sleep soundly at night and not see the police show up in the morning. Likewise for me. I can’t say everything. It should have been signed on Tuesday – it’s still not been completed, ask yourself that question.
“He still hasn’t signed, but for us it’s over. Because the club’s integrity is more important. We’re proud to be working for a club like this.”
David Silva
After 10 successful years at Manchester City, Silva looked set to sign for Lazio on a free transfer in 2020 after a medical was scheduled in Rome.
But the Spain international reportedly ignored phone calls from the Serie A club before signing a two-year contract with Real Sociedad instead.
“I learned about David Silva’s transfer to Real Sociedad,” Lazio sporting director Igli Tare said in a statement on their official website. “I have great respect for the player, but not for the man.”
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