Manchester City and the Messi Coup (Summer 2020):
During the summer transfer window of 2020, Manchester City came tantalizingly close to securing the signature of Lionel Messi. With Messi openly expressing his desire to depart from Barcelona, the English club seemed poised to welcome the Argentine maestro. The preparations were reportedly comprehensive, extending even to plans for Messi’s grand unveiling. However, in an unexpected twist, Messi’s hopes of a free exit were dashed as he reluctantly activated the €700 million release clause. The possibility of a legal battle led Messi to remain at Barcelona until the end of the 2020 transfer window. By the time the 2021 transfer window arrived, Messi’s connection with Manchester City had waned, prompting his move to PSG.
Mbappe’s About-Face (2021):
In 2021, Kylian Mbappe appeared all but set to swap Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid. The deal was on the cusp of realization until a last-minute reversal, reportedly influenced by the incumbent French president. Ultimately, Mbappe opted to remain with PSG, much to the relief of the club’s supporters.
The Kroos Conundrum (2014):
Toni Kroos’ trajectory might have taken a markedly different turn had he chosen Manchester United over Real Madrid in 2014. During the 2013/14 season, then-Manchester United manager David Moyes was keen on acquiring Kroos from Bayern Munich. Moyes even met with the German midfielder and his family, a meeting that seemed promising. Kroos and his partner, Jessica, were seemingly swayed by Moyes’ pitch and agreed to a transfer to United. However, a seismic shift occurred just 48 hours after a loss to Everton. Moyes was dismissed from his managerial role, severing United’s ties to Kroos. During the 2014 World Cup, Kroos’ representative engaged with both Real and Barcelona, ultimately leading to Kroos joining Madrid after a direct call from Carlo Ancelotti.
Vinicius’ Barca Rejection (2019):
Emerging Brazilian star Vinicius revealed that he had the chance to join Barcelona, a move that was accompanied by a substantial financial offer. However, Vinicius ultimately chose Real Madrid, citing it as the “best project.” Despite Barcelona’s more lucrative proposal, Vinicius believed that the Madrid transfer offered greater long-term value.
Leroy Sane’s Desired Destinations (Winter 2016):
Leroy Sane attracted significant attention during the 2016 winter transfer window, with clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Liverpool vying for his signature. Eventually, Sane opted for Bayern Munich, finding his new home in Germany.
Rodrygo’s Real Calling (2019):
Rodrygo Goes, one of Real Madrid’s brightest prospects, disclosed his near move to Santiago Bernabeu. Despite Barcelona’s advances, Rodrygo chose to join Real Madrid in 2019, propelled by what he deemed a better football project. His dream became reality when Real Madrid officially contacted his father, paving the way for his arrival.
N’Golo Kante’s Alternate Path (2015):
N’Golo Kante, the French midfield dynamo, shared that he could have chosen to join Arsenal instead of Chelsea in 2015. Kante revealed that had Arsenal pursued him more aggressively, he might have opted for the Emirates over Stamford Bridge.
These near-miss transfers provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of football deals, where a mere twist of fate could have changed the trajectory of legends and clubs alike. While these stories remain confined to the realm of “what could have been,” they offer a tantalizing narrative of the ever-evolving transfer market.
