Five Premier League transfers that failed on Deadline Day

Transfer Deadline Day brings with it a flurry of action from Premier League clubs trying to get deals over the line, but many are not successfully completed.

Any number of reasons can get in the way; clubs changing their minds at the last minute, players getting cold feet, a failure to get in a replacement on short notice or, as we saw on Monday, a failed medical.

Five Premier League transfers that failed on Deadline Day

Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace to AC Milan

Few footballers have had as devastating a Deadline Day as Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace striker thought he had secured a dream move to AC Milan after the two clubs agreed on a £30m transfer. He pushed for it thinking it would help secure a place in France’s squad at the World Cup.

In a cruel twist, the medical reportedly showed he needs surgery on his knee, which could potentially keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. In one fell swoop, two dreams died.

Read – Why Mateta transfer to AC Milan collapsed on Deadline Day

Dwight McNeil: Everton to Crystal Palace

Palace provided almost all of the drama on an otherwise sedate Deadline Day as they were involved in two failed transfers.

Dwight McNeil was ready to pack his bags and move to south London, but the £20m deal fell through. Palace requested a number of changes to the agreement late on, to which Everton agreed. But even with a deal sheet submitted, the Eagles ran out of time to complete all of the necessary paperwork.

The winger’s partner took to social media to vent their frustration, posting: “For it to be torn away from you at the last second, with absolutely no explanation. Going from everything to radio silence, no phone call, no communication, and be left, broken-hearted with nothing but confusion hurts more than I can say.”

Read – McNeil ‘heartbroken’ after being ‘left in the dark’ over failed Palace transfer

James Wilson: Hearts to Arsenal

After spending so much money last summer, Arsenal were not unsurprisingly quiet in this window. The only question surrounding them on Monday was, would they sign injury cover for Mikel Merino?

In the end, they did not. Their focus instead was on recruiting young prospects for the future. Reports emerged that the Gunners were in talks with Hearts over a deal for striker James Wilson.

The north London outfit were said to be discussing a loan with an option to buy, although it was also reported that they were effectively giving the 18-year-old a trial. Spurs swooped in late on to gazump their hated rivals and sign the youngster on similar terms.

Arsenal did, though, strike deals for teenagers Ewan Mooney and Jaden Dixon with St. Mirren and Stoke City respectively.

Transfer Deadline Day – Every deal completed by Premier League clubs

Ricardo Pepi: PSV Eindhoven to Fulham

Fulham were desperate to take some of the load off Raul Jimenez’s back by signing a new forward. The 34-year-old Mexican has been starting every game in the Premier League while Rodrigo Muniz has been sidelined by injury.

The Cottagers launched an ambitious bid to sign Ricardo Pepi, who has scored eight goals in 15 Eredivisie appearances for PSV Eindhoven this season. The Dutch giants were receptive to their offer over more than £30m, but sought a replacement before selling.

PSV tried to sign Troy Parrot from AZ Alkmaar amid a sensational campaign in front of goal, scoring 26 for club and country in all competitions this term. AZ had no interest in letting go of their star man, leaving Marco Silva disappointed.

Read – The most expensive Premier League deals in the January transfer window

Che Adams: Torino to Wolves

It’s fair to say that Wolves are in full preparation mode for the Championship. Jorgen Strand Larsen was sold to Palace for an initial £43m and replaced with Adam Armstrong from Southampton.

Wanderers also made a £6.9m bid to sign Che Adams from Torino, but it appears the Italian side were not interested in doing a deal, even though the striker was “keen” on returning to England.

Neither player are the kind of signing a club would make to stave off relegation.

Read – The five youngest players to reach 300 Premier League games