7 Crazy Premier League Transfer Fees and Situations in History

The Premier League has seen its fair share of sensational transfers, but not all of them have been wise investments. Some transfers have left fans and analysts scratching their heads due to exorbitant fees, peculiar clauses, or baffling payment terms.

While recently we’ve talked about the worst Premier League transfers in history, mostly based on how the players performed after each respective move, today we delve into seven of the most ridiculous Premier League transfers in history, each with its own story of financial folly. Spoiler: there are two players who feature here as well.

7. Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United – Swap Deal and Wage Debacle

The 2018 transfer of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal to Manchester United involved a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and while no traditional transfer fee was paid, the financial terms were staggering.

Sanchez reportedly earned £500,000 per week, including bonuses, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. His tenure at United was a disaster, with just five goals in 45 appearances. The deal’s exorbitant wages and poor performance made it a textbook example of how not to structure player contracts.

6. Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to West Ham – Third-Party Ownership Controversy

In 2006, West Ham signed Argentine stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians in a deal involving third-party ownership, a practice later banned by the Premier League.

The transfer fees were shrouded in mystery, and the club was later fined £5.5 million for breaching rules on third-party influence. While Tevez played a crucial role in keeping West Ham in the Premier League, the transfer’s legality and financial implications were heavily scrutinised, making it one of the most controversial deals in football history.

5. Winston Bogarde to Chelsea – £10 Million Contract

While the transfer fee for Winston Bogarde from Barcelona to Chelsea in 2000 was relatively low, his contract turned out to be a financial disaster. Bogarde was offered a four-year contract worth £40,000 per week, a massive sum at the time.

Despite being deemed surplus to requirements almost immediately, Bogarde refused to leave, preferring to sit out his contract. He made just nine appearances for the club, effectively earning millions for doing almost nothing. This transfer highlighted the dangers of long-term contracts without performance incentives.

4. Jo to Manchester City – £19 Million

Manchester City’s 2008 signing of Brazilian striker Jo for £19 million from CSKA Moscow is another example of a hefty fee for an underwhelming player. Jo struggled to adapt to the Premier League, scoring only six goals in 41 appearances.

He was loaned out to Everton and Galatasaray before being sold to Internacional in Brazil. Jo’s transfer is a reminder that even significant financial backing doesn’t guarantee transfer success.

3. Bebe to Manchester United – £7.4 Million

In 2010, Manchester United shocked the football world by signing Bebe for £7.4 million from Portuguese club Vitória Guimarães, despite Sir Alex Ferguson admitting he had never seen him play.

The transfer was orchestrated by then-assistant manager Carlos Queiroz. Bebe’s tenure at United was marked by poor performances and limited appearances, totaling just seven games. He was subsequently loaned out multiple times before being sold. This transfer is often cited as one of United’s biggest transfer blunders.

2. Andy Carroll to Liverpool – £35 Million

In January 2011, Liverpool made headlines by signing Andy Carroll from Newcastle United for a staggering £35 million. At the time, Carroll had shown promise but was far from a proven star, given how he only had half a season of Premier League football under his belt.

The fee was heavily influenced by Liverpool’s urgency to replace Fernando Torres, who was sold to Chelsea for £50 million. Carroll struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, scoring just 11 goals in 58 appearances before being sold to West Ham for £15 million. The transfer remains one of the most perplexing in Premier League history due to the high fee for an unproven talent.

1. Ali Dia to Southampton – The Infamous Trial

In 1996, Southampton manager Graeme Souness fell victim to one of football’s most notorious pranks. Ali Dia, a supposed cousin of George Weah, was signed on a one-month contract after an agent’s recommendation.

Dia’s transfer was unique not for the fee, which was minimal, but for the sheer audacity of the con. He made one appearance, coming on as a substitute and then being subbed off himself 53 minutes later due to his lack of ability. This farcical episode showed just how important rigorous scouting and verifications are in transfers, especially since there was no connection between Dia and the great George Weah.

Conclusion

The Premier League has witnessed countless transfers, but these seven stand out due to their ridiculous fees, bizarre clauses, and questionable financial wisdom. From inflated fees for unproven talents to contracts that defy logic, these transfers serve as cautionary tales for clubs navigating the high-stakes world of football transactions.

It remains to be seen if we will have any additions to this EPLNews list in years to come off the back of this summer’s transfer window.