Eight deals that shocked the world in recent times.
Some transfers can come right out of left field, whilst others you can see coming a mile off but still leave you scratching your head. The transfers below have come as a shock to the world of football over the last few years.
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8. Emile Heskey and Eidur Gudjonsson to Bolton
Nobody ever expected to see Heskey kick a ball in English football ever again, while many already believed the Icelandic star had retired long ago. However, he returned to his former stomping ground with the ex-England star in tow, and when the two combined for the former to score against Blackburn they almost succeeded where Kim Kardashian failed by breaking the internet.
7. Julio Cesar – Inter Milan to QPR
From the Champs League to chumps league. The west Londoners did well to snap up a seasoned Brazilian international from such a prestigious institution, but they ultimately set about ruining him as they plonked a weak defence in front of him as they slipped back down to the Championship.
6. Esteban Cambiasso – Inter Milan to Leicester City
By far the classiest player to feature in a Foxes shirt. It says a lot about him as a player that he would be willing to join a less glamorous club for a new challenge rather than return home or take a big pay day to take it easy in the MLS. He’s been in fine form for the Premier League strugglers, too.
5. Mario Gotze – Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich
After all the badge kissing in Dortmund, Gotze broke his fans hearts just before they were due to take on Bayern in the Champions League final when they found out he would be heading for the Alianz Arena are the end of the season. He’s not lived it down since, despite his success.
4. Bojan – Barcelona to Stoke
Bojan may not be the player that everyone thought he would be by this stage of his career, but his arrival at Stoke was met by some heavy confusion. Are the Potters going for a more flair style, or is Bojan just looking to go somewhere he knows the pressure will be less of a burden to bare.
3. Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid to Bayern Munich
After being the string puller in Real’s midfield for so long, nobody could quite believe that they’d agreed to sell him. Additionally, the decision to join the German giants came as a shock, too, especially as he had been tipped to return to Liverpool.
2. Andy Carroll – Newcastle to Liverpool
Liverpool’s decision to splash out £35m on a player with injury issues and a only a season-and-a-half of actual football experience under his belt was shortsighted to say the least. Likely still paying for him as they sold him at a loss of half what they paid, football chairmen will be wary of giving Kenny Dalglish a chequebook anytime soon.
1. Frank Lampard – Chelsea to Manchester City
When Lampard penned a deal with MLS expansion side New York City FC, nobody expected Man City to swoop in and bring him to the Etihad, despite owning the American club. What turned out to be a short term loan has now emerged as a season long affair and his goals could give the side the edge over his former club in the race for the Premier League title.