All kinds of reasons can get in the way; clubs changing their minds at the last minute, players getting cold feet, failure to find a replacement at short notice or, as we saw on Monday, failed medical treatment.
Five Premier League transfers failed on Deadline Day
Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace to AC Milan
Few footballers have experienced as devastating a Deadline Day as Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace striker thought he had secured a dream move to AC Milan after the two clubs agreed a £30million move. He insisted on it because he thought it would help secure a place in the France squad at the World Cup.
In a cruel twist, the medical showed he needed surgery on his knee, which could see him sidelined for the rest of the season. In one fell swoop, two dreams died.
Dwight McNeil: Everton to Crystal Palace
Palace provided almost all the drama on an otherwise calm Deadline Day as they were involved in two failed transfers.
Dwight McNeil was ready to pack his bags and move to South London, but the £20 million deal fell through. Palace belatedly requested a number of changes to the agreement, which Everton agreed to. But even when a deal form was submitted, the Eagles ran out of time to fill out all the necessary paperwork.
The winger’s partner took to social media to vent his frustration, posting: “To have it ripped away from you at the last minute, without any explanation. Going from everything to radio silence, no phone call, no communication, and being left heartbroken with nothing but confusion hurts more than I can say.”
Read – McNeil ‘heartbroken’ after being ‘left in the dark’ over botched Palace transfer
James Wilson: Hearts for Arsenal
After spending so much money last summer, Arsenal have unsurprisingly been quiet during this period. The only question on their minds on Monday was: would they sign injury cover for Mikel Merino?
In the end they didn’t. Their focus was instead on recruiting young prospects for the future. Reports emerged that the Gunners were in talks with Hearts over a deal for striker James Wilson.
The north London team are said to be in discussions over a loan with option to buy deal, although it was also reported that they were actually giving the teenager a trial. Spurs swooped in late to face their hated rivals and sign the youngster on similar terms.
Ricardo Pepi: PSV to Fulham
Fulham were desperate to take the burden off Raul Jimenez’s back by signing a new striker. The 34-year-old Mexican started every match in the Premier League, while Rodrigo Muniz was sidelined due to injury.
The Cottagers launched an ambitious bid to sign Ricardo Pepi, who has scored eight goals in fifteen Eredivisie matches for PSV Eindhoven this season. The Dutch giants were receptive to their offer of more than £30 million but sought a replacement before selling.
PSV attempted to sign Troy Parrot from AZ Alkmaar during a sensational campaign in front of goal, scoring 26 times for club and country in all competitions this season. AZ had no interest in letting go of their star man, leaving Marco Silva disappointed.
Che Adams: Turin to Wolves
It’s fair to say that Wolves are in full preparation mode for the Championship. Jorgen Strand Larsen was sold to Palace for £43 million and replaced by Adam Armstrong from Southampton.
Wanderers also made a £6.9million bid to sign Che Adams from Torino, but it appears the Italian side were not interested in a deal even though the striker was keen to return to England.
Neither player is the kind of signing a club would make to avoid relegation.
Read – The five youngest players to reach 300 Premier League games
See also – January 2011: The story of the biggest Deadline Day ever
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