The 10 most scandalous transfers in football history

In the history of football, there have been many transfers that have provoked mixed reactions from fans and excitement in the media. You can talk about these transfers for a long time, but it is better to highlight the top 10 most high-profile transfers.

John Obi Mikel (UEFA Champions League – Chelsea)

The peculiarity of this transfer is that MJ have already presented the 19-year-old Nigerian as their player. However, he went to London immediately after the presentation and there discussed the details of his contract with Chelsea. Mikel ended up opting for the Aristocrats. The latter, in turn, paid MJ £12 million in compensation to resolve the conflict.

Carlos Tevez (MJ – Man City)

Another scandalous transfer also concerns the Red Devils. Back in 2008, forward Carlos Tevez left for the struggling club Manchester City. However, the Manchester clubs were already feuding with each other.

John Robertson (Nottingham Forest – Derby County)

This transfer took place back in 1983. For those who do not know the history of English football, it should be said that in the early 80s, Nottingham Forest and Derby County were not only rivals, but also major contenders for the league title. Therefore, the transfer of John Robertson, considered the leader of the Forest, was a real sensation and shock for the coach of “Forest” Brian Clough.

Robin van Persie (Arsenal-MIU)

Already in 2012, the departure of stars from Arsenal was a fairly common occurrence. But it was the Dutchman’s transfer to Man Utd that was particularly painful for the Canaries. It was confirmation that Arsenal are no longer the grandees of English football, with their perennial leader claiming a “higher step in his career” and a chance of finally becoming English champions when he moves to a rival.

Ashley Cole (Arsenal v Chelsea)

Ashley was brought up at Arsenal and played for the Canaries for 8 years. However, in 2005, Cole began to negotiate with a principled rival behind Arsenal’s back. Cole’s meeting with Jose Mourinho, who was then in charge of Chelsea, became a real sensation and the most discussed news. In the end, Cole did end up in the Aristocrats’ squad and became an unwelcome guest at the Emirates Stadium.

Johein Cruyff (Ajax vs Feyenoord)

In 1983, the 36-year-old star of world football did not get a new contract at his hometown club and unexpectedly all went to Rotterdam to the main rival Ajax – Feyenoord. As Cruyff himself later stated, this decision was driven by a desire to take revenge on his hometown club who “threw him away like rubbish”.

Roberto Baggio (Fiorentina Juventus)

“Juve and Fiorentina have never been bitter rivals. However, in 1990, following Roberto Baggio’s transfer, the clubs started to hate each other. The Fiorentina fans were unhappy with the departure of the team leader and even went on a rampage that left half a hundred people injured.

Saul Campbell (Tottenham vs Arsenal)

Saul was Spurs’ leader and captain in 2001. But even this status did not prevent him from joining the principal rival – Arsenal. Campbell argued his move with the desire to play regularly in the Champions League. It should be noted that Saul joined the Canaries as a free agent.

Mo Johnston (Nantes – Rangers)

Johnston was due to move to Celtic in 1989. He even attended the presentation ceremony at Celtic Park. However, a few weeks later, his picture appeared in the shirt of Celtic’s worst enemy, Rangers. This decision by Mo was influenced by better financial conditions. This transfer of Johnston was not only disliked by Celtic fans, but also by Rangers fans. This was due to the fact that Mo had previously played for Celtic and was also a Catholic (most Gers fans are Protestant).

Luis Figo (Barcelona v Real Madrid)

The move from Barça to Real Madrid is always a controversial one. It comes as a shock for everyone when the leader of a team switches to a rival team. Therefore, in Catalonia, even after 20 years, Figo is still spoken about unflatteringly and considered a traitor.