The 2025 summer transfer window reignited the fierce North London rivalry, highlighted by Arsenal Football Club’s unexpected acquisition of Eberechi Eze.
Despite widespread expectations that Eze would join Tottenham Hotspur-following a near-complete agreement with Crystal Palace-the Gunners intervened decisively, securing the player in a dramatic late-stage transfer twist.
Understanding Transfer Hijacking in Football
Transfer hijacking is one of the most captivating and unpredictable elements of the football transfer market. It occurs when a chelsea-vs-benfica-club-world-cup-knockout-clash-was-suspended-for-over-2-hours/” title=”Why … vs Benfica Club World Cup Knockout Clash Was Suspended for Over 2 Hours”>club, often a direct rival, disrupts an almost finalized deal by swooping in at the last moment to sign the player, overturning prior agreements and fan expectations.
Such incidents have repeatedly altered the trajectories of players’ careers and reshaped club fortunes. Below, we explore five of the most striking examples of transfer hijacks that have left a lasting impact on football history.
1. Willian’s Switch: Tottenham Hotspur to Chelsea (2013)
Willian’s transfer saga remains one of the Premier League’s most talked-about hijacks. The Brazilian winger was on the verge of joining Tottenham, having even passed a medical examination. Yet, Chelsea’s last-minute intervention, offering a superior contract, persuaded Willian to sign for the Blues instead, much to Spurs’ disappointment.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return: Manchester United Over Manchester City (2021)
In the summer of 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared set to join Manchester City after departing Juventus. However, Manchester United acted swiftly upon learning of the potential deal, with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly playing a key role in convincing Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford, outmaneuvering City in a high-profile transfer reversal.
3. Malcom’s Barcelona Move: Roma’s Last-Minute Loss (2018)
Roma had publicly announced the signing of Malcom from Bordeaux, with fans eagerly anticipating his arrival. Yet, just hours before his scheduled flight to Italy, Barcelona presented a more lucrative offer, effectively hijacking the transfer and leaving Roma’s supporters and management frustrated.
4. John Obi Mikel’s Controversial Transfer: Manchester United to Chelsea (2005)
John Obi Mikel’s transfer saga is infamous for its complexity. Initially unveiled as a Manchester United player, Chelsea claimed they had already secured an agreement with Mikel. The ensuing legal battle concluded with Mikel joining Chelsea, while Manchester United received financial compensation, highlighting the murky nature of transfer negotiations.
5. Gareth Barry’s Move: Liverpool to Manchester City (2009)
Rafa Benítez sought to bring Gareth Barry to Liverpool, but the club hesitated over the transfer fee. Manchester City, under new ownership eager to assert their financial muscle, capitalized on the opportunity and signed Barry from Aston Villa. This transfer marked an early example of City’s emerging dominance in the market.
Transfer Hijacks: A Reflection of Football’s Competitive Edge
These transfer hijacks underscore the intense competition and strategic maneuvering that define modern football. Clubs with greater financial resources or sharper negotiation tactics can dramatically alter transfer outcomes, often reshaping league dynamics.
As the 2025 summer window demonstrated, even deals that seem finalized are vulnerable to last-minute disruptions, keeping fans and clubs alike on edge until the very last moment.
Stay updated with the latest sports news and transfer developments on X and Facebook.
0 Comments