Transfers that did not happen, Part Fifteen

1- AC Milan’s Dutch star Ruud Gullit missed just about the entire 1989/90 season due to a serious injury. There were even doubts that he might not be able to recover fully.

In February 1990, AC Milan took an option on Romanian star Gheorge Hagi of Steaua Bucharest. Since Gullit recovered, the option was not exercised and Hagi joined Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Photo From: World Soccer, October 1990

(Gheorge Hagi at Real Madrid, 1990/91)

2-Belgium’s François Van der Elst had agreed to join Standard Liege in the summer of 1983. He had agreed on personal terms and was even presented to the public before a friendly in that summer. However, his Manager at West Ham United, John Lyall informed him that Standard had not made any financial agreements with the club. The deal was called off and within weeks Lokeren came and signed him.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Hors-Serie, Issue 5, 1979

(François Van der Elst at Anderlecht)

3- During the summer of 1981, Spanish club Valencia were eager to sign West Germany’s Hans-Peter Briegel. However, his club Kaiserslautern announced that his price was 2.5 Million US Dollars and Valencia backed off. 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 10, November 1989

(Hans-Peter Briegel)

4- In July 1974, Bobby Charlton refused an offer to Manage Atletico Madrid. He preferred to stay with Preston North End.

Photo From: World Soccer, September 1973

(Bobby Charlton and Preston North End squad, 1973/74)

5- In 1978, it was reported that Nottingham Forest Mananger Brian Clough had wanted to buy Kevin Keegan, but the deal did not materialize. 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 29, June 1991

(Kevin Keegan)

Photo From: Voetbal International Goal, Nummer 35, August 28-September 2, 1972

(Brian Clough)