Take a look at some of the shock transfer moves in football.
After Ched Evans almost signed for Oldham Athletic we take a look at some of the most controversial transfers in football history…
READ MORE:
Convicted Rapist Ched Evans Releases Statement With First Apology To Victim
QPR Boss Harry Redknapp Says Convicted Rapist Ched Evans Should Be Allowed To Play Again
Ched Evans Should Not Play Football Again Says Respected Author
Sol Campbell – Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal – 2001
Campbell came through the ranks at Tottenham, vowing that he would never play for their North London rivals – yet the defender did just that in 2001.
After running down his contract, refusing a deal to make him the club’s highest earner, and turning down an array of offers from top European sides, the defender quickly signed for the Gunners on a free transfer.
Ashley Cole – Arsenal to Chelsea – 2006
Cole was famously given the nickname ‘Cashley’ after complaining that Arsenal’s offer of £55,000 per week was not enough.
The Blues offered the left-back £90,000 per week and moved to Stamford Bridge in 2006. The move was, however, subject to a tapping up scandal – as a year before Cole and his agent Jonathan Barnett were discovered meeting up with Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon in a London hotel.
Luis Figo – Barcelona to Real Madrid – 2000
Moving between Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid would never have been accepted by the fans – even if Barcelona were to receive a then world-breaking transfer fee of £37m.
On his first return to the Nou Camp a pig’s head was famously thrown in Figo’s direction from the stands – although the Portuguese won’t have minded after going on to win the Ballon d’Or following the move that year.
William Gallas – Chelsea to Arsenal – 2006
Gallas’ departure from Stamford Bridge was a bitter move. There aren’t many players that have taken on Blues boss Mourinho and succeeded – yet Gallas did just that.
After a transfer request to force a move to Arsenal fell on deaf ears, the West Londoners released a statement claiming that the French defender threatened to score an own goal if selected for their opening game of the season against Manchester City. The deal was completed on deadline day.
John Obi Mikel – Lyn Oslo to Chelsea – 2006
In one of the strangest transfer sagas in football, Nigerian media created rumours that Obi Mikel was in fact kidnapped by Chelsea in the summer of 2006.
The midfielder disappeared for nine days and when he reappeared a deal had been agreed to join the Blues. However, only a year earlier Mikel had agreed to join Manchester United in a deal that was announced by The Red Devils.
The Blues were forced to pay £12m to United and £4 to Lyon.
Paul Ince – West Ham United to Manchester United – 1990
Paul Ince was pictured in a Man United shirt before any deal was done – tarnishing all respect from West Ham fans.
Ince’s agent advised the forward to claim the photo was taken before going on holiday, but he remains a villain at Upton Park.
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano – West Ham – 2006
When then West Ham boss pulled off the signing of the two Argentinians eyebrows were raised for two key reasons. Firstly, the pair seemed far too good to be playing for a relegation-threatened side, and secondly, because of their illegal third-party ownership.
While the Hammers were fined £5m and had to pay £18m to Sheffield United after Tevez’s goals resulted in the Blades’ relegation, the move was deemed well worth the money in keeping Alan Pardew’s side in the Premier League.