The most bizarre deals completed in the English top tier.
On Tuesday Stoke City completed the signing of FC Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic, much to the surprise of many onlookers to the Premier League from around the world.
Although Bojan never really lived up to the hype that surrounded him, to go from loan spells at AC Milan and Ajax to the Britannia Stadium is certainly a little strange.
So here Caughtoffside takes a look back at 10 of the weirdest deals to have been completed in the English top tier.
10. Michael Owen, Newcastle United to Manchester United
Although the Englishman was a former Ballon d’Or winner, in 2009 when Owen’s contract was up at St James’ Park his career had peaked and injuries had ravaged the striker’s form.
Plus he was a Liverpool hero, so when Sir Alex Ferguson moved to bring the forward to Old Trafford for the next three years it was certainly a little odd.
9. Patrick Kluivert, FC Barcelona to Newcastle United
Having been among the best attackers in Europe when the Dutchman’s contract was up at the Nou Camp in 2004 it was surprising that the Magpies swooped.
It was a happy relationship however, with Kluivert accused of being lazy and returning to Spain 12 months later with Valencia.
8. Ronnie Ekelund, FC Barcelona to Southampton
In 1994 Barca boss Johan Cruyff gave this left winger to Saints manager Alan Ball on-loan as a gift and St Mary’s found themselves a new cult hero.
Although Ekelund played just 17 matches for the Hampshire club he is still fondly remembered at the club.
7. David Bellion, Sunderland to Manchester United
Having barely impressed at the Stadium of Light the Frenchman was then snapped up by the Red Devils in 2003 at a cost of £2m in compensation.
Bellion was not worth the trouble and would go onto play just 35 matches for the club in three years and score six goals.
6. Fabrizio Ravanelli, Juventus to Middlesbrough
In 1996 then Boro manager Bryan Robson sanctioned a £7m deal for the Italian, who started life at the Riverside with a bang with a hat-trick on his league debut.
Ravanelli spent just one year in the North East and although played well could not stop the club from being relegated in 1997.
5. Dong Fangzhou, Dalian Shide to Manchester United
Those that claim that the biggest clubs in the world simply sign players to make themselves more appealing in foreign territories need look no further than this deal.
The Chinese striker would play just once for United and eventually return to his home nation before a strange period in Poland.
4. Fernando Hierro, Al Rayyan to Bolton Wanderers
Having been the captain of Real Madrid and Spain and being highly decorated as one of the best defenders in the world, when Hierro arrived at the Reebok Stadium it was certainly a shock.
The Spaniard would spend just one year with the Trotters on the advice of Steve McManaman and Ivan Campo.
3. Bebe, Guimaraes to Manchester United
The 13-time Premier League champions have certainly made some odd choices over the years and acquiring this unproven forward is up there with the best.
Still on the books at the Theatre of Dreams, Bebe has never established himself at the club despite costing £7.4m back in 2010.
2. Ali Dia, Unknown to Southampton
This is one of the best known gaffes in English football as Graeme Souness was essentially conned by Dia, who claimed he had been recommended by Sir Bobby Robson.
Souness signed the Senegalese player and brought him on as a sub, only to take him back off again shortly afterwards as it became abundantly clear he wasn’t a footballer after all.
1. Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, Corinthians to West Ham United
When two Argentina internationals arrived at Upton Park in 2006 there were more than a few raised eyebrows at how this had come about.
Whilst Mascherano swiftly moved onto Liverpool, Tevez would greatly help the Hammers that year by scoring the goal against Manchester United that saved them from relegation – despite not being properly signed.
SEE ALSO: Most expensive Premier League transfers ever.