Top 6 Transfers in football that never happened

The football world has had tons of transfers that have changed history for both, good and bad. Drogba to Chelsea and Ronaldo to Manchester United were huge transfers that changed the destiny of both the clubs and the players.

On the other hand, some transfers have not lived up to their hype. Gareth Bale to Real Madrid was a huge move, but many argue it has not paid off entirely. Fernando Torres to Chelsea was another big move which did not work out too well individually for the Spaniard.

Having said that, in this article, I touch on 9 transfers that did not take place, which had the potential of changing history.

Disclaimer - These failed transfers are in no particular order

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1.Gerrard to Chelsea

Steven Gerrard was supposed to move to Chelsea in the summer of 2005

When you think of Liverpool, Steven Gerrard almost always comes to mind. Gerrard twice had the opportunity to leave Liverpool for Chelsea. It was reported that he even agreed on a fee to join Chelsea but eventually had a change of mind due to the hate that his family was subjected to.

Liverpool is thankful for his change of heart as he ended up becoming one of their greatest players ever and after guiding them to Champions League glory in 2005. Looking back it is almost impossible imagining Gerrard with any other club. In some ways, the premier league and the football world is better off with Gerrard staying in Liverpool and not going to Chelsea to team up with Frank Lampard.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Arsenal

"Zlatan doesn't do trials"

Arsenal should be termed as the club of "almost". They almost signed so many players and Zlatan is one of them. When Zlatan was 16, he was invited to Arsenal. All seemed to be going well until Wenger asked Ibrahimovic to take a trial to which Zlatan replied: “Zlatan doesn’t do auditions”. Typical Zlatan!

One can only imagine what would have happened if Zlatan played in the premier league at such a young age. Imagine the likes of Henry and Zlatan in Arsenal. Deadly to say the least.

3. Kaka to Manchester City

Kaka rejected advances from Man City to move to Real Madrid

In 2009 Manchester City had the resources to lure Kaka from AC Milan and that is exactly what they tried to do. It is said that an offer above £100m was offered to Kaka. This was a huge amount in 2009. Unfortunately the Brazilian felt that the timing for the move was not right. He eventually did move to Real Madrid, where he teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo. That would in some ways be the twilight of his career.

Manchester City ended up getting Robinho.

4. Zidane to Blackburn Rovers

"Why Zidane when we have Sherwood?"

Blackburn had won the premier league in 1995. They were looking for a star player who could make them even better. Kenny Dalglish (the Blackburn manager) suggested Zidane to which the club owner replied: "Why do you want to sign Zidane when we've got Tim Sherwood?". The rest is history.

Perhaps Zidane may consider managing Blackburn Rovers someday!

5. Eden Hazard to Manchester United

Eden Hazard has spent seven seasons at Chelsea now

Sir Alex Ferguson felt that paying more than 30 million pounds for Eden Hazard was not worth it. That may have been one of his few mistakes. Hazard has gone on to become one of the best players of the premier league and has led Chelsea to two premier league titles as of 2018. Manchester United, on the other hand, have tried Kagawa, Depay, Di Maria, Sanchez and now Martial, on the left wing.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo to Arsenal

Another one that went by for Arsenal

Much Like Zlatan, Arsene Wenger also had the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Wenger could not complete the deal. Sir Alex Ferguson eventually bought Ronaldo and gave him the legendary number 7 shirt. Ronaldo went on the become a legend for Manchester United as he led them to multiple premier league titles.