The Top Five Most Controversial Transfers In Premier League History
Today, we will be looking at what we think are the most controversial transfers of the Premier League era.
Moving from one rival to another can cause an uproar among supporters, and a lot of the players in our top five are on this list for that reason.
It’s not only the fact that they left to join a bitter opponent, but it was the way they decided to leave which caused much consternation at the time.
Press the next page as we count down the Premier League’s most controversial moves.
5) Fernando Torres – Liverpool to Chelsea
The Liverpool forward opted to hand in a transfer request to force through his transfer to Chelsea during the 2011 January transfer window.
Torres got his wish when the Blues opted to pay £50m for the Spanish international but the move to Stamford Bridge didn’t really work out for the striker, as he scored only 20 league goals in 110 appearances.
4) Carlos Tevez – Manchester United to City
The infamous “Welcome to Manchester” sign was erected after Tevez controversially decided to make the switch from United to City in 2009. It was designed to make it seem as though City was the only team in Manchester, but Sir Alex Ferguson claimed it made them look like a “small club with a small mentality.”
Tevez won Premier League titles at both teams so, while United fans will still lament the way he left, he will feel that the move didn’t adversely affect his career.
3) Ashley Cole – Arsenal to Chelsea
When talks over a new contract stalled, Chelsea saw their chance to snatch an England international from one of their London rivals. Cole had expressed dismay that he was only offered £55,000 a week by Arsenal, leading to his nickname “Cashley”.
However, it should be pointed out that Cole felt he was being lied to after a higher sum was promised. A breakdown between the club and the player led to the move to Stamford Bridge finally going ahead in 2006. The fullback won plenty of trophies during his time with the Blues.
2) Eric Cantona – Leeds to Manchester United
The Frenchman’s move proved controversial not only because he joined Leeds’ biggest rival but also because he was sold for such a low fee.
United signed Cantona for just £1m but many pundits at the time thought the striker’s sale was decent business, considering he had been a problem for Howard Wilkinson in the dressing room. Even so, he went on to thrive at Old Trafford, playing a key role in United’s dominance in the early years of the Premier League.
1) Sol Campbell – Tottenham to Arsenal
Running down your contract and then joining your club’s fiercest rivals is probably the worst thing a player can do, and Campbell did just that in 2001.
Tottenham fans labelled the defender “Judas” but the centre-back didn’t really seem to mind the flak as he became part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” team and won six major trophies in the process.
You may also be interested in reading:
Predicting The FIVE BIGGEST Premier League Transfers That Could Happen This Summer
FIVE High Profile Stars With Release Clauses That Premier League Teams Could Exploit This Summer
FIVE High Profile Stars You May Be Surprised To Learn Are Out Of Contract This Summer
The Top Five Managers Who Have Spent The Most Money On Signings In Football History
The FIVE Routes That Marcus Rashford Could Take As Doubts Increase Over His Future At United
FIVE Premier League Managers Who Could Lose Their Jobs
The Four Potential Paths That Paul Pogba Could Take As His United Future Remains Far From Certain
Premier League January Transfer Signings: Best XI (PART TWO)
Or
You can visit our blog home page to read more news about Manchester United here