The 2025 summer transfer window will be remembered as one where the North London rivalry was rejuvenated following the hijack of Eberechi Eze by Arsenal Football Club.
The football world had their mind set on the player lacing his boots for Spurs at the end of the transfer window after everything had been agreed between the player and Crystal Palace.
What is transfer hijack in football?The transfer market is no stranger to drama, but there are a few stories that capture attention quite like a transfer hijack. These are the moments when a deal that looks all but complete is suddenly turned on its head, with a rival club swooping in at the final hour to secure the player.
Over the years, football has witnessed several of these high-profile twists, reshaping careers and frustrating hopeful fan bases. Here are five of the most memorable transfer hijacks in football history.
(1) Willian – Tottenham Hotspur to Chelsea (2013)
Willian’s hijack will go down as one of the most popular hijacks in Premier League history. The Brazilian was in London, had even passed a medical at Spurs, and was expected to sign for Tottenham. However, Chelsea swooped in at the last moment, outbidding Tottenham and convincing the Brazilian to join the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
(2) Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United to Manchester City (2021)
In summer 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo was close to joining Manchester City after leaving Juventus. However, once Manchester United got wind of the deal, they moved quickly, with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly intervening personally. Ronaldo ended up returning to Old Trafford as against the Etihad in a blockbuster hijack.
(3) Malcom – Roma to Barcelona (2018)
Roma had announced the signing of Malcom from Bordeaux, and fans were already preparing to welcome him. But just hours before he was due to fly to Italy, Barcelona offered more money and hijacked the deal, leaving Roma furious.
(4) John Obi Mikel – Manchester United to Chelsea (2005)
Mikel famously posed with a Manchester United shirt after the club announced his signing from Lyn Oslo. However, Chelsea claimed they already had an agreement with the player, leading to a messy legal dispute. In the end, Mikel joined Chelsea, and United received compensation.
(5) Gareth Barry – Liverpool to Manchester City (2009)
Rafa Benítez wanted Barry at Liverpool, but the club hesitated over the transfer fee. Manchester City, recently taken over by new owners. The Cityzens swopped in and signed Barry from Aston Villa. It was one of the first signs of City flexing their financial power in the transfer market.
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