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The summer transfer window slammed shut a few days ago but football fans are still thinking about what transpired over the last few weeks. Many saw their fantasy signings become realities as the world's biggest superstars switched clubs. Others, however, were left disappointed with the collapse of their dream transfers.
It is not a strange occurrence in football to see famous transfers falling through in the dying minutes. We've witnessed such cases over the years, with a number of big-name superstars reported to be on their way to a new club. But then, they end up making a shocking u-turn, or in some instances, an unforeseen circumstance put a spanner in the works.
It's such a big task to rank these instances as many options come to mind especially from the last few years. However, here's a list of five failed transfers that could have significantly changed football history.
#5 Ronaldinho to Manchester United
Before Ronaldinho became a household name in Europe, Manchester United were one of the first few clubs to see the potential of the Brazilian at Paris Saint-Germain. In fact, the Red Devils got really close to signing the Brazilian, who was also keen to join them in the summer of 2002.
However, he ended up making a shocking u-turn. Ronaldinho decided to tread the same path as other Brazilian greats by joining Barcelona instead, following advice from his friend. That proved to be a great move for his football career as he grew to become the best player on the planet during his time in Catalonia.
The attacking midfielder claimed two FIFA Best Player of the Year awards and one Ballon d'Or as a Barcelona player. He also won numerous trophies including the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester City
Manchester City reportedly tried to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer as the Portuguese decided to end his association with Juventus. The Cityzens were well-poised to lure the attacker to the Etihad Stadium until Manchester United popped up to disrupt their plans.
Knowing quite well they can't stand watching their legendary player represent a direct city rival, the Red Devils decided to hijack the transfer. They lured Ronaldo to Old Trafford instead in a deal worth €15 million + add ons, tying him down to a two-year contract.
#3 Lionel Messi to Manchester City
Manchester City had the opportunity to sign two of the greatest footballers in history this summer but somehow fell short in both cases. A few weeks before the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, an opportunity opened up for the Cityzens to prise Lionel Messi away from Barcelona.
City boss Pep Guardiola expected the Argentine to remain at Camp Nou, so he wasn't thinking about it. However, Barcelona couldn't tie Messi down to a new deal due to their financial troubles and had to let go of the attacker.
Paris Saint-Germain took advantage of the situation and quickly convinced the 6-time Ballon d'Or winner to sign a two-year contract with them. Thanks to the influence of Leo's best friend Neymar, things developed at the speed of light, giving Manchester City their first big blow of the summer.
#2 Diego Maradona to Sheffield United
In one of the most unfortunate misses in football history, Sheffield United let the opportunity to sign the greatest footballer in history pass them by. They could have signed Diego Maradona for almost nothing but they regrettably refused to do so.
Then manager Harry Haslam went on a scouting exercise in Argentina when he noticed the incredible talent of a 17-year-old Maradona. The tactician immediately began preparations for a £200,000 bid for the player but Sheffield's board opted against it. Instead, they signed another Argentine, Alejandro Sabella, for £160,000.
Maradona would later move on to make history with the likes of Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli. He's regarded by many as the greatest player in football history.
#1 Alfredo Di Stefano to Barcelona
Alfredo Di Stefano is well-known as one of the greatest players in Real Madrid history, but many are not aware of just how close he got to joining Barcelona. Even that sounds like an understatement as the Blaugrana actually signed the Argentine in 1953.
The Catalan giants reached an agreement with River Plate, who owned the player's rights. However, Real Madrid also struck a deal with Millionarios, the club the striker was playing for at the time of the deal.
Amid the confusion, it was ruled that the Argentine would play alternate seasons at the two clubs. Angered by the proceedings, Barcelona decided to pull out of the deal, allowing the player to join their rivals.
Di Stefano enjoyed a successful spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. The attacker helped Los Blancos dominate European football, leading them to claim five successive European Cups between 1956 and 1960.
