The most dramatic deadline day moves in previous years…
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Transfer deadline day is here, and before we get started on arguably the busiest 24 hours in the footballing calender, CaughtOffside takes a look at the ten most dramatic final day moves:
10) Robbie Keane (2009)
Having been signed by Liverpool in the summer of 2008 for an initial fee of £19m, the Irishman sealed a dramatic switch back to former club Spurs in January 2009 – with Tottenham paying just £12m.
9) Rafael van der Vaart (2010)
After denying claims that he was a “wheeler and dealer”, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp completed a dramatic deadline day swoop for the Real Madrid star in 2008, succeeding with an £8m bid just two hours before time ran out.
8) Andrey Arshavin (2009)
Arsenal clinched the signing of the Russia midfielder in January 2009, following on from his impressive showing in Euro 2008. The deal was not formerly completed until 24 hours after the formal deadline has passed.
7) Robinho (2008)
Manchester City’s first big-money purchase saw them recruit the Brazilian from Real Madrid. He would struggle at the club, but the move played a major role in helping City announce themselves as a major force in world football.
6) Carlos Tevez & Javier Mascherano (2006)
Despite both being linked with a whole host of top European clubs, the Argentine pair both signed for West Ham in 2006. They were both gone within a year, but Tevez’s goals did help fire them to Premier League safety.
5) Dimitar Berbatov (2008)
In a deal that went down to the final minutes, Manchester United clinched the signing of the Tottenham forward, who became their record buy back in 2008. Six years later, and United spent almost double the £30.75m fee on Angel di Maria.
4) Ashley Cole (2006)
After accusations of “tapping up” and secret meetings, Chelsea completed their controversial move for Arsenal defender Ashley Cole, who became known as “Cashley” Cole among the disgruntled Arsenal supporters.
3) Wayne Rooney (2004)
After turning down a £20m move from Newcastle United, Everton allowed teenage sensation Wayne Rooney to join Manchester United in a £24m deal. Ten years later, and the striker is captain of his club and country.
2) Fernando Torres (2011)
Chelsea completed a dramatic deal for Liverpool’s star centre forward on the final day of the transfer window in January 2011. The Blues paid a British record £50m for the player, but three and a half relatively unhappy years followed for the Spaniard before a move to AC Milan.
1) Andy Carroll & Luis Suarez (2011)
On that very same day, in surely the most dramatic transfer deadline day in history, Liverpool replaced Torres with Luis Suarez and record signing Andy Carroll. Their respective careers went in dramatically different directions following their moves from Ajax and Newcastle.
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