Football transfer sagas can captivate fans and dominate headlines for months or even years. Kylian Mbappé is the most recent example of this – he’s been linked with a move for Real Madrid for years during his time at PSG, and eventually got his move this summer.
Here are 19 massive long-running football transfer sagas that nearly happened but ultimately didn’t.
1. David De Gea to Real Madrid
For several transfer windows, Real Madrid pursued De Gea, but the move collapsed dramatically in 2015 due to a last-minute paperwork issue. Despite recurring rumors, De Gea never left Manchester United for Madrid.
2. Paul Pogba to Real Madrid
Pogba’s potential move to Real Madrid was a staple of transfer rumors, especially under Zinedine Zidane’s management. However, despite years of speculation, Pogba never left Manchester United for Los Blancos and ended up returning to Juventus.
3. Cesc Fàbregas to Manchester United
After leaving Barcelona, Fàbregas was heavily linked with Manchester United in 2014. Despite multiple attempts by United, he chose to join Chelsea instead to the dismay of Arsenal fans.
4. Wayne Rooney to Real Madrid or Chelsea
Rooney’s possible exit from Manchester United was a recurring theme, with Real Madrid and Chelsea frequently mentioned as destinations. Despite contract disputes and public speculation, he never joined either club.
5. Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United
Griezmann was heavily linked with Manchester United for several seasons, with rumours peaking in 2017. Despite the speculation, he never moved to Old Trafford and eventually joined Barcelona.
6. Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United
The Dutch midfielder was linked with Manchester United almost every transfer window during his peak years at Inter Milan, but a move never materialised and he never played for the Red Devils.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo to Paris Saint-Germain
After leaving Real Madrid, Ronaldo was frequently linked with a move to PSG. However, he chose Juventus and later returned to Manchester United instead of moving to Paris.
8. Gareth Bale to Manchester United
United’s interest in Bale spanned years, especially during his time at Tottenham and even after he joined Real Madrid. Despite serious interest, the Welshman never made the move to Old Trafford.
9. David Beckham to Barcelona
Beckham’s potential move to Barcelona was a major saga when he left Manchester United in 2003. He ultimately chose Real Madrid, becoming part of the Galácticos.
10. Sergio Ramos to Manchester United
Ramos was frequently linked with Manchester United as he negotiated new contracts with Real Madrid. Despite the rumors and public posturing, he never joined the English Premier League giants.
11. Patrick Vieira to Real Madrid
Arsenal’s captain was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid at the start of the first Galacticos era but stayed at Arsenal before eventually moving to Juventus in 2005.
12. Luka Modric to Chelsea
Before his move to Real Madrid, Modric was the subject of a protracted transfer saga involving Chelsea. Tottenham’s refusal to sell to a Premier League rival kept the Croatian from moving to Stamford Bridge.
13. Eden Hazard to Paris Saint-Germain
Before joining Real Madrid, Hazard was often linked with PSG, especially given his Belgian roots and the club’s interest. However, he remained at Chelsea until his move to Madrid.
14. Luis Suárez to Arsenal
Arsenal’s infamous £40,000,001 bid in 2013 to trigger Suárez’s release clause at Liverpool became a saga. Despite the drama, Suárez stayed at Liverpool and never moved to the Gunners.
15. Fernando Torres to Real Madrid
Torres was persistently linked with a move to Real Madrid during his time at Atlético Madrid and later at Liverpool. Despite the speculation, he never joined Los Blancos.
16. Alexis Sánchez to Manchester City
Sánchez was close to joining Manchester City from Arsenal in January 2018, but the move fell through at the last minute, and he ended up signing with Manchester United instead.
17. John Stones to Chelsea
Stones was a key target for Chelsea while at Everton, with multiple bids rejected over several windows. The saga ended when he moved to Manchester City, but he never played for Chelsea.
18. Neymar to Real Madrid
Following his record-breaking move to PSG, Neymar was frequently linked with a move to Real Madrid. Despite prolonged negotiations and interest, he has remained in Paris.
19. David Villa to Arsenal
Arsenal pursued Villa over several transfer windows during his time at Valencia and even Barcelona. Despite mutual interest, a move to the Premier League never happened, and Villa never played for Arsenal.
