Football Transfers That Shocked the World
The transfer window in world football is a rollercoaster for fans, filled with excitement and anxiety. While Financial Fair Play aims to stop exorbitant fees, the unpredictability remains. Fans may see their team get that missing piece or lose a star to a rival. Football supporters can be fickle, turning on beloved players who join the wrong club. Here, we list eight surprising transfers that shocked and amused the football world.
Jesse Lingard to FC Seoul
After leaving Manchester United, Jesse Lingard was linked with several Premier League clubs in 2022. While West Ham and Newcastle showed interest, Nottingham Forest signed him for a surprising £200,000 a week. However, after a disappointing year, he was released.
In 2024, Lingard made an unexpected move to South Korean side FC Seoul, signing a two-year deal and becoming the highest-profile foreign player in K League history. He hopes this move will revive his career in Asia.
Figo to Real Madrid
Although not the first player to switch sides, Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid was the most shocking. Tired of stalled contract talks with Barca, he was drawn to Madrid, where Florentino Perez was beginning the Galactico era. Figo's €62m release clause, astronomical at the time, didn’t deter Madrid. Despite enduring intense abuse from Barcelona fans—culminating in a severed pig's head being thrown at him—Figo thrived. He won the Champions League with Madrid in 2002 and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona
Samuel Eto'o's departure from Barcelona was unexpected. In a surprising swap deal with Inter Milan, Eto'o left while Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Barca, along with a rumored €40 million fee. The move aimed to replace one world-class striker with another, but Ibrahimovic's notorious ego clashed with Barcelona's humble squad. Despite scoring 21 goals in 43 matches, Ibrahimovic didn't fit in well and frequently clashed with manager Pep Guardiola. After just one season, he was loaned to AC Milan, and the deal became permanent before the 2011-12 season.
Sol Campbell to Arsenal
Sol Campbell's move to Arsenal remains one of football's most shocking betrayals. While it was known Campbell would leave Tottenham for a new challenge, no one expected him to join their arch-rivals. At a surprise press conference at Highbury, journalists were stunned when Campbell, Tottenham’s captain, walked in instead of the anticipated Richard Wright. Spurs fans branded him Judas, especially after he had vowed never to play for Arsenal. Despite the controversy, Campbell thrived at Arsenal, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
Gennaro Gattuso to Rangers
Gennaro Gattuso is best known as an AC Milan legend, but few remember his teenage stint in Glasgow with Rangers. Initially hesitant to leave Italy, Gattuso was swayed by a conversation with his father, Francesco. His father insisted that he accept the offer, leading Gattuso to shake hands with manager Walter Smith and join the Scottish club. This unexpected move marked the beginning of his illustrious career.
Fernando Torres to Chelsea
What transfer slideshow would be complete without Fernando Torres? While rumors of Torres leaving Liverpool were circulating, the timing and price were shocking. Despite new management under Kenny Dalglish and ownership by Fenway Sports Group, Torres submitted a transfer request on January 27. Liverpool held out for a £50 million fee from Chelsea. The transfer turned out to be disastrous, with Torres struggling at Stamford Bridge. A summer transfer seems inevitable.
Neymar to PSG
Spanish law requires every footballer to have a buyout clause in their contract. Clubs often set these clauses very high to ward off potential buyers. Barcelona did just that with Neymar, setting his value at £198m. However, PSG shocked the football world by breaking the all-time transfer record in 2017, paying the full amount to sign him.
Carlos Tevez to Man City
Carlos Tevez spent much of his two years at Manchester United coming off the bench, feeling undervalued by Sir Alex Ferguson. Seeking a fresh start, he made a bold move to Manchester City's "noisy neighbors." The Argentinian quickly became a fan favorite, significantly contributing to City's success. In his first two seasons, City narrowly missed a Champions League spot in 2009/10 but finished third in the league and won the FA Cup in 2010/11, defeating United in the semi-final. Despite tensions with Coach Roberto Mancini, Tevez was instrumental in securing City’s first Premier League title. He left for Juventus in 2013, leaving behind a legacy at City.