There was a time—not so long ago—when football fans found out about transfers after they happened.
But in the age of social media and transfer gurus like Fabrizio Romano, those days are long gone. Now, fans aren’t just watching the drama unfold—they’re part of it. And in some cases, they’ve even killed transfers before they could happen.
Here are 7 big-name moves that were scrapped because fans made their voices impossible to ignore.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo to Atletico Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo at Atletico? Sounds like a FIFA career mode move. But in real life, the idea didn’t sit well with anyone—not least the Atleti fans. After years of tormenting them in a Real Madrid shirt, Ronaldo was linked with a shock return to Spain… but to their bitter rivals. Fans made their feelings clear with protests and a massive “CR7 NOT WELCOME” banner. The message was loud and clear. That was the end of that.
2. Lee Bowyer to Liverpool
In 2002, Liverpool tried to snap up Lee Bowyer from Leeds for £9 million. A tidy deal, on paper. But Bowyer brought more than just talent—he came with controversy. Accusations of racism and a brash attitude didn’t sit well with Liverpool fans, and they let the club know. The backlash was enough to sink the deal. West Ham signed him months later, and fans protested that move too. He only lasted 10 league games.
3. Ross Barkley’s Return to Everton
Ross Barkley was once seen as the next big thing. But after a forgettable stint at Chelsea, a return to Everton seemed on the cards. Problem was, Everton fans remembered how he left. Barkley sat out with an injury, then skipped town for just £15 million—well below what the club could’ve earned. When Chelsea tried to offload him back, Evertonians weren’t having it. They made it clear: no homecoming here.
4. Steven Gerrard to Chelsea
In 2005, Gerrard nearly did the unthinkable—he almost left Liverpool for Chelsea. Fed up with coming close but never quite winning, he considered the move. But when fans found out, they exploded. Shirts were burned, effigies set alight, even a knife was sent in the mail. Gerrard stayed. He became a Liverpool legend, but never did win as many trophies as he might have at Stamford Bridge.
5. Marko Arnautovic to Manchester United
In 2022, United fans were desperate for a marquee signing—and were instead handed Marko Arnautovic rumors. No disrespect, but he wasn’t exactly the name fans had in mind. Add in his controversial past, including accusations of xenophobic remarks, and the backlash was swift. Emails were sent, petitions signed, and even pundits like Gary Neville were speechless. United pulled the plug and moved on.
6. El Hadji Diouf to West Ham
Few players have divided opinion quite like El Hadji Diouf. Talented? Sure. But his antics—diving, taunting injured opponents, constant drama—were too much for most fans. When Sam Allardyce tried to bring him to West Ham in 2011, supporters immediately pushed back. Big Sam insisted they’d love him once they saw him play. The fans disagreed. Loudly. That was the end of that.
7. Paul Pogba to PSG
In 2021, PSG were reportedly close to signing Paul Pogba. On paper, it looked like a perfect match. But there was one major problem: Pogba grew up a Marseille fan. And in Paris, that’s practically a crime. PSG ultras protested at the club’s training ground with signs like, “Pogba, listen to your mother—she doesn’t want you here, and neither do we.” Harsh? Maybe. But effective? Absolutely.
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