Will there be any clubs making rash decisions in the coming days…
The January transfer window is coming to an end, with less than a week remaining to get business done. Of course, there is always a risk at this point that teams might make a decision they live to regret.
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Below is a list of ten current and former players that clubs are likely to have regretted selling or allowing to leave on free transfers over the years:
10) Gary Cahill (Aston Villa)
Cahill was never able to establish himself as a regular at Villa Park. He was sold to Bolton in 2007 where he became a firm fan favourite. He moved to Chelsea in 2011, winning multiple titles and becoming an England regular.
9) Eric Cantona (Leeds United)
Leeds’s downfall arguably began when they inexplicably allowed the French striker to leave the club. After asking over United defender Dennis Irwin, they ended up selling their star striker, who went onto enjoy great success at Old Trafford.
8) Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
An iconic figure at Chelsea, but perhaps one that was let go to soon. Lampard joined Premier League title rivals Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract and has since become a valuable player for them, even scoring against the Blues at the Etihad Stadium.
7) Gerard Pique (Manchester United)
Made just 12 league appearances for United before leaving for Barcelona in 2008, costing the La Liga giants just £5m. He has since become one the highest-rated defenders of his generation, leading both club and country to huge success.
6) Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea)
The 23-year-old Belgian international made just three Premier League appearances for Chelsea before being sold to Wolfsburg in 2014. While a fee of £18m represented good business for Jose Mourinho and co, is the decision to let a player with such potential leave something they’ll live to regret.
5) Arjen Robben (Real Madrid)
Never quite found top form during his time with Real Madrid, managing just 11 league goals in 50 appearances. Joined Bayern for around €25m in 2009, since scoring 66 times in 119 games and winning 11 major honours.
4) Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich strengthened their rivals by selling Hummels, and spent big on defensive reinforcements such as Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez despite already having the solution within their ranks.
3) Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City & Chelsea)
Was inexplicably allowed to leave twice. Moved to Chelsea on a free transfer, but struggled to hold down a first-team place at Stamford Bridge, joining Liverpool in 2013 for just £12m. He has, barring his recent injury, been in fine form ever since.
2) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Matic’s inclusion is mainly down to the cost involved. Originally signed for £1.5m in 2009, he made just two league appearances before leaving for Benfica. Chelsea paid £21m and Matic to sign Benfica defender David Luiz, before signing the Serbian back three years later for another £21m. It’s a good job he’s worth it.
1) Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Pogba managed just three Premier League appearances before leaving for Juventus on a free transfer. The Frenchman has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, while his energetic and powerful style of play emphasises everything the current United side is missing.