Soccer Nostalgia: Transfers that did not happen, Part Sixteen

1- English Superstar Kevin Keegan could have joined Juventus in 1980 after leaving SV Hamburg. According to the player the Juve Management were wishy-washy. One day, they would say the borders (for transfers) would be open soon and another day no. Keegan lost patience and joined Southampton.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 19, October 1981

(Kevin Keegan at Southampton)

2-Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud’homme, while serving suspension in 1984, as part of the Standard-Waterschei scandal, disclosed that he had been approached by three clubs: Kaiserslautern, Bordeaux and Nottingham Forest (who seemed the most eager).

However, the interested clubs were forced to back out since their respective Federations would not sanction the transfer of suspended players.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 70, November 1994

(Michel Preud’homme)

3- In June 1976, Benfica contacted former Real Madrid Manager Miguel Munoz. However, Munoz declined on financial terms

Photo From: Onze, Issue 102, June 1984

(Miguel Munoz as Manager of Spain, 1983/84)

4- In the summer of 1992, Bayern Munich wanted to acquire Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Helmer.

Helmer’s contract stipulated a release fee of 10 Million French Francs, but only to a foreign club and it seemed Dortmund were reluctant to sell him to a Bundesliga competitor.

Bayern General Manager Uli Hoeness (publicly) suggested to French club Auxerre to acquire him and after a few weeks Bayern Munich would come and buy him from them.

In the end, Helmer joined Bayern outright and this faux-transfer did not have to be exercised.

It is also important to note that German National Team Manager Berti Vogts had warned Helmer that if the situation was unresolved he would not be part of the 1992 Euros Finals squad. This could perhaps explain why this option was thought of, because a quick resolution was needed.