After Eze’s U-Turn: 5 Other Famous Transfers Hijacked at the Last Minute
Eberechi Eze’s recent move to Arsenal from Crystal Palace grabbed the headlines – not least because, for weeks, he looked destined to join Tottenham. When everything seemed set, the situation flipped in an instant, and Arsenal snatched the player their North London rivals thought was theirs. It’s far from the first time something like this has happened. Football history is full of dramatic transfer U-turns. Here are five of the most famous cases.
1. Willian (2013)
- From: Anzhi Makhachkala
- Almost joined: Tottenham
- Hijacked by: Chelsea
This might be the most iconic modern example. Willian arrived in London, completed his medical, and was on the verge of becoming a Spurs player. But when Chelsea got wind of the situation, they moved fast. Roman Abramovich personally intervened, hijacked the deal, and Willian signed for Chelsea instead. Spurs fans still haven’t forgotten that day.
2. Robinho (2008)
- From: Real Madrid
- Almost joined: Chelsea
- Hijacked by: Manchester City
When Robinho left Real Madrid, it was practically a done deal that he would join Chelsea. But on deadline day, newly rich Manchester City swooped in with a record-breaking bid and turned the whole saga upside down. Robinho signed for City – and even mistakenly said in his first press conference that he was delighted to join… Chelsea!
3. John Obi Mikel (2006)
- From: Lyn Oslo
- Almost joined: Manchester United
- Hijacked by: Chelsea
John Obi Mikel was officially unveiled as a Manchester United player. He posed in the shirt, and the club announced the transfer. But Chelsea also had an agreement with his then-club Lyn Oslo, sparking a legal tug-of-war. Eventually, Chelsea got their way – and Mikel went on to spend a decade at Stamford Bridge.
4. Mykhailo Mudryk (2023)
- From: Shakhtar Donetsk
- Almost joined: Arsenal
- Hijacked by: Chelsea
Arsenal fans were convinced. Mudryk himself teased the move on social media, and all signs pointed to a switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to North London. But Chelsea swooped in with a monster bid and a more lucrative wage package. Within hours, everything changed – Mudryk flew to London, but landed on the wrong side of the city for Arsenal supporters.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (2003)
- From: Sporting CP
- Almost joined: Arsenal
- Hijacked by: Manchester United
Before Cristiano Ronaldo became a Manchester United legend, he was on the verge of joining Arsenal. Arsène Wenger later admitted that the deal was all but done. But after a dazzling display against United in a friendly, Sir Alex Ferguson acted immediately. The rest is history – and Arsenal fans were left to imagine what could have been.
Drama Looms as Transfer Window Closes
Football is full of moments like these – when negotiations, agents, and last-minute bids completely change the course of a player’s career. For some supporters, they remain painful what-ifs. For others, they become the start of a glorious new chapter.
And with the transfer window entering its final week, the drama is far from over. Deals can collapse or be hijacked in a matter of hours, and history shows that the biggest twists often come right at the end. Keep your eyes on the headlines – the next shocking U-turn could be just around the corner.
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