Deadline day is always the most dramatic moment of every transfer window.
The adrenaline rush that comes with the race to complete signings before time runs out leaves clubs, players, and fans on the edge of their seats. While we’ve seen some incredible deals sealed on the last day, like Wayne Rooney to Manchester United and Luis Suárez to Liverpool, today, we’re not here to talk about the great. Instead, we’re diving into the downright disastrous! Here are the seven worst deadline day signings in football history. Spoiler alert: there’s a Ballon d’Or winner on this list!
5. Michael Owen to Newcastle United (2005)
Michael Owen, a former Ballon d’Or winner, joined Newcastle United from Real Madrid on deadline day in 2005 for a then-club record fee of £16.8 million. But his time at Newcastle was plagued by injuries. He suffered multiple setbacks, including an ACL tear during the 2006 World Cup, which kept him out for most of the season. Owen managed only 30 goals in four years at Newcastle, an average of less than eight goals a season. To make matters worse, Newcastle were relegated in his final season before he left on a free transfer to Manchester United.
4. Radamel Falcao to Manchester United (2014)
On the final day of the 2014 summer transfer window, Manchester United secured a loan deal for Radamel Falcao from Monaco, with an option to buy at the end of the season. The Colombian striker was put on a massive £265,000-a-week salary, making it a significant investment. However, Falcao struggled in the Premier League, scoring just four goals all season and even being relegated to the under-21 squad at one point. Needless to say, United did not take up the option to buy him.
3. Robinho to Manchester City (2008)
In the summer of 2008, the Abu Dhabi United Group completed their takeover of Manchester City on transfer deadline day and immediately made a statement by signing Robinho for €43 million from Real Madrid. The Brazilian had been on his way to Chelsea before City hijacked the deal. While his first season was decent, injuries and inconsistent form led to a rapid decline. Robinho returned to Brazil on loan after just one and a half seasons and later moved to AC Milan permanently. He was supposed to be City’s marquee signing, but instead, he became a massive flop.
2. Andy Carroll to Liverpool (2011)
Torres’ departure from Liverpool on deadline day forced the Reds to find a quick replacement, and they turned to Andy Carroll, signing him for £35 million. Carroll, who became the most expensive British footballer at the time, struggled to justify his price tag. Injuries delayed his debut, and when he finally played, he failed to impress. Carroll scored just 11 goals in 58 appearances for Liverpool before the club decided to cut their losses and sell him after just a year and a half.
1. Fernando Torres to Chelsea (2011)
On the deadline day of the January 2011 transfer window, Chelsea completed the shocking signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for £50 million, making him the sixth most expensive player in the world at the time. Torres had been phenomenal for Liverpool, and everyone expected him to continue his form at Chelsea. Unfortunately, his time at Stamford Bridge was a nightmare. The once-prolific striker became a shadow of himself, struggling to find the net and famously missing open goals. Despite winning the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea, Torres’ reputation never fully recovered.
Conclusion
These signings are a reminder that deadline day deals, while exciting, can often lead to disappointment. Clubs, desperate to fill gaps in their squads, sometimes make hasty decisions that they come to regret. As we look back at these infamous deals, it’s a stark reminder that not every last-minute signing turns out to be a masterstroke. Which deadline day signings from this year do you think might make this list in the future? Let us know in the comments!
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