Eberechi Eze Transfer Saga: Top 10 Biggest Transfer Hijacks in Football History

In a dramatic turn of events, Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s deal for Eberechi Eze, snatching the Crystal Palace midfielder with a lightning transfer worth around £67.5 million. 

Spurs appeared to have personal terms agreed and were expected to announce the move, but Arsenal swooped in at the last minute, offering better terms to Palace and winning over the player, who grew up as a Gunners fan and had previously been in their academy. 

In light of this big hijack, we take a look at 10 transfer hijacks in football. 

Arsenal were strongly linked with the dynamic Ukrainian talent from Shakhtar Donetsk and made multiple bids. 

Yet, Chelsea’s final package outshone theirs in terms of guarantees, payment structure, and bonuses. 

Despite Arsenal’s early groundwork, the deal ended with Mudryk heading to Stamford Bridge.

Lyon had reached an agreement with Feyenoord for Malacia’s transfer, and all media signalled a deal was done. 

Then Manchester United swooped in with a marginally better financial package and convinced the player directly. United sealed the move despite Lyon’s previous confidence in the deal.

Roma announced a deal with Bordeaux winger Malcolm, creating much fan speculation and celebration.

Yet overnight, Barcelona emerged as the real winner, having made a stronger late offer. Malcolm’s airport greeting was cancelled and Barca unveiled him the next day, leaving Roma fans furious.

Gazza was all set to join Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, only for Tottenham to hijack the deal by offering to build his family a house and provide other incentives. 

So enamoured was he, Gascoigne walked back on his handshake agreement with United and signed for Spurs instead.

One of the most audacious transfer hijacks in Premier League history happened in 2008 when Aaron Ramsey stunned fans by turning down Manchester United to join Arsenal instead.

Despite Manchester United publicly announcing that they had agreed a £5 million deal with Cardiff City, Ramsey ultimately chose after a personal meeting with Arsène Wenger. 

At just 17, he flew to Switzerland with his family to speak with Wenger, an experience he describes as surreal.

Sir Alex Ferguson had also phoned Ramsey and even met with Cardiff’s chairman, but the plan to loan him back to Cardiff did not appeal to the young midfielder.

Ramsey himself has spoken about how he felt genuinely wanted by Wenger, who laid out a clear plan for his development, something that made all the difference.  

Ramsey signed for Arsenal, and went on to enjoy an impactful 11-year career at the Emirates, winning three FA Cups and becoming a cult hero

One of the most striking hijacks of recent years involved Caicedo, who was dramatically snatched from Liverpool’s clutches by Chelsea in 2023.

Liverpool had agreed personal terms and reportedly reached a deal with Brighton for the Ecuadorian midfielder. 

Liverpool’s manager at the time, Jurgen Klopp, even confirmed that Caicedo was heading to Anfield. 

Yet in a stunning twist, Chelsea launched a last-minute £115 million bid that matched and topped Liverpool’s offer, ultimately winning the race for his signature.

Caicedo later admitted the decision was hugely personal, citing Chelsea’s persistent support and his emotional connection, he grew up supporting them.

Arsenal had also shown earlier interest, though Brighton held firm at the time.

Another recent heist saw Belgium’s rising midfield star Lavia slip from Liverpool’s radar into Chelsea’s midfield engine.

Alongside the Caicedo saga, Liverpool had also pursued Lavia following Southampton’s relegation. 

Despite progressing talks, the Reds could not close the deal. Chelsea swooped in, offering a compelling package and personal terms, ultimately securing the talented defensive midfielder in a deal reported around £53 million.

Part of Chelsea’s strategy was built on relationships, as Caicedo was reportedly persuaded Lavia to join by sharing encouragement. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s hesitation allowed Chelsea to edge ahead. 

Tottenham had a deal lined up: an agreement signed and medical done. Then Chelsea intervened, made a better offer, and tricked Willian into switching camp, even before Spurs realised it. It was one of the most cutthroat moves of recent years.

Willian was ever-present during his time at Chelsea, appearing 339 times for the club across seven seasons, winning two Premier League titles.

Chelsea seemed to have agreed with both Real Madrid and Robinho himself. The Brazilian was even pictured in a Chelsea shirt. 

However, Manchester City entered late, surpassing Chelsea’s bid and taking Robinho to the Etihad instead, and the football world watched in shock at the ruthless 11th-hour switch.

In an interview several years later, the Brazilian trickster admitted he mistook City for their local rivals Manchester United.

"Yes I thought I was joining Manchester United. I was mislead by all involved. I wasn't aware there was another Manchester club," he said.

Eze is not the first time Arsenal have one-upped their local rivals Tottenham, and this story remains a classic in transfer hijacks. Petit virtually had a deal with Tottenham, including a taxi waiting to take him to their stadium. 

As he prepared to ride, Arsenal summoned him to manager Arsène Wenger’s home, convinced him to switch allegiances, and signed him hours later. Petit's immediate impact helped Arsenal to begin their climb back to the top.

He once told the story on talkSPORT, where he narrated how it happened.

“I had meetings on the same day with Tottenham and Arsenal. I met Tottenham in the morning, but when I came to England I didn’t know about the rivalry between the two clubs,”he said.

"When I left the Spurs stadium, they booked me a cab and the cab driver asked me for directions, so I gave him the Arsenal address and I didn’t realise that the cab was pre-paid by Spurs, so they knew where I was going!

"I told Spurs that I needed time to think about it but knew that I had to see Arsenal, as well as other clubs in Italy and Spain.

“I told everyone that I’d make my mind up and when I knew the answer I would give it, but after a couple of days I signed for Arsenal and it went into newspapers and all of a sudden the story came. I realised the pressure of the rivalry then.”