Top 5 Football Transfers That Fell Through Due to Failed Medicals
Victor Boniface recently became the latest footballer whose transfer was halted after failing a medical exam, as his anticipated move from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan was abruptly canceled.
Transfers in football are often filled with intense negotiations, unexpected last-minute changes, and dramatic turns. However, one of the most unforeseen and impactful obstacles is a failed medical examination. Throughout football history, numerous high-profile transfers have collapsed because players did not meet the medical standards required by their prospective clubs.
Examining the Most Notable Failed Medicals in Football History
1. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Manchester United (2000)
Back in 2000, Sir Alex Ferguson identified Ruud van Nistelrooy as the striker to spearhead Manchester United’s attack. An £18.5 million agreement was reached with PSV Eindhoven, but the transfer was derailed when Van Nistelrooy failed his medical due to knee ligament concerns. The deal was shelved, leaving the player disheartened. However, after a year of recovery, United revisited the transfer, successfully signed him, and Van Nistelrooy went on to net 150 goals in 219 appearances, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s finest forwards.
2. Nabil Fekir’s Near Move to Liverpool (2018)
In the summer of 2018, Nabil Fekir was on the verge of joining Liverpool for a hefty £53 million fee from Lyon. The midfielder had even participated in media events donning Liverpool’s kit. Unfortunately, Liverpool pulled out after medical scans revealed knee issues, halting the transfer. Fekir later signed with Real Betis, where he continues to showcase his talents.
3. Gabriel Milito’s Blocked Transfer to Real Madrid (2003)
Real Madrid supporters were thrilled at the prospect of signing Argentine defender Gabriel Milito. However, medical examinations uncovered significant knee problems, causing the deal to collapse. Milito instead joined Real Zaragoza and eventually moved to Barcelona, where he enjoyed success, including winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League under Pep Guardiola’s management.
4. Loïc Rémy’s Failed Move to Liverpool (2014)
In 2014, Liverpool were close to acquiring French striker Loïc Rémy from Queens Park Rangers. Yet, his medical revealed heart-related concerns, leading to the deal’s cancellation. Chelsea quickly capitalized on the opportunity, signing Rémy, who contributed to their Premier League title win in the 2014/15 season.
5. Victor Valdés and the Monaco Transfer That Didn’t Happen (2014)
After a distinguished tenure at Barcelona, goalkeeper Victor Valdés agreed to join Monaco once his contract expired. However, a severe knee injury requiring surgery caused him to fail the medical, prompting Monaco to withdraw. Valdés later signed with Manchester United but was unable to regain his previous form.
Additional Cases Worth Mentioning
- Demba Ba – Stoke City (2011): A knee problem halted his move, but Ba revived his career with Newcastle United and Chelsea.
- Victor Osimhen – Club Brugge (2017): An illness prevented his transfer, yet he later emerged as a star striker for Napoli.
These examples illustrate that failing a medical at one club does not necessarily end a player’s career prospects. Many players have overcome initial setbacks to thrive elsewhere, proving resilience and adaptability.
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