Top 10 worst deadline day transfers in football history

The 2024 summer transfer window is shutting down fast. Clubs are rushing for some last minute moves to bolster their squads. Some players and football agents are looking eager to pen new destinations.

But hang on! Not all of these last minute deals become a hit. Many of these rush moves have become devastating failures. Some of the losses were beyond repairs. So, as clubs cash on the last minute moves, have a look at the worst deadline day transfer deals in football history.

Worst deadline day transfer deals in football history:

10. Andre Santos: Fenerbahce to Arsenal (€ 7 million)

The Brazilian left-back was a rush signing by Arsenal, in desperate attempts to reinforce their defense in the summer of 2011. The transfer fee might be an average one, but his performance was way below average.

He never looked fit in the Arsenal squad and was loaned out to several clubs, before finally leaving for free in 2013. For the Gunners, he appeared in only 33 matches.

9. Christopher Samba: Anzhi to QPR (€ 15 million)

In 2013, QPR were trying hard to battle relegation and made several big signings. Samba, their star defender, was the record buy. But, his performance with Rangers was disappointing, playing only 10 games and conceding almost double the goals. He was traded back to Anzhi after just five months, for a lower fee.

8. Paul Konchesky: Fulham to Liverpool (€ 4.20 million)

The 2010 transfer window was a disappointing one for the Reds. Most of their arrivals didn’t click well. Konchesky, another left-back on the list, was one of the worst performers. The transfer fee may be a small one for EPL giants Liverpool FC, but the player’s impact didn’t even match that.

His stint was so poor that he played only 18 games with the club, before getting loaned out and sold to Leicester City a year later.

7. Benni McCarthy: Benni McCarthy: Blackburn to West Ham (€ 2.60 million)

The South African striker was a star at Blackburn Rovers when he switched to West Ham on the final day of the 2010 winter window. A lot of expectations were thrust upon him, but he matched none. His spell was so dull that despite being a striker he never scored a goal for the club. 

He was relieved after a year and a half, playing just 14 games. He played in South Africa after that and retired soon.

6. Javier Mascherano: Corinthians to West Ham (€ 14.60 million)

The Argentine star defender’s first club in Europe was West Ham, where he arrived on the final day of 2006. West Ham paid a handsome sum for the young defender, but he never got into the Hammers XI entirely.

Seeing his potential, Liverpool loaned him and he shined bright there, before his legendary era with FC Barcelona. Despite being a legend, his first European spell with West Ham is a bad one.

5. Michael Owen: Real Madrid to Newcastle (€ 25 million)

The English striker shocked everyone when he moved from the Spanish giants Real Madrid’s squad to Newcastle on the last day of the 2005 window. The former Liverpool legend stayed a part of Newcastle United for four years, before joining rivals Manchester United on a free.

Owen never matched his standard while playing for the Magpies. He remained injured for the maximum time, playing only 79 games and scoring only 30 goals. His leaving for free was bad from a financial viewpoint too.

4. Radamel Falcao: AS Monaco to Manchester United (loan deal)

Signing Falacao on a loan deal didn’t cost Manchester United much, but the Red Devils had huge expectations from him, as he was exceptional before coming to Manchester. His form took a sudden dip while representing the Red Devils, as he played 29 games, scoring four and assisting five only.

3. Fernando Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea (€ 58.50 million)

Once a Liverpool star, Chelsea spent a huge amount to lure the striker. Many expected him to replicate the heroics, But, what we saw instead was perhaps the biggest downfall. Torres tried hard but could manage 45 goals and 31 assists in over 170 appearances.

2. Xisco: Dep. La Coruna to Newcastle (€ 5.68 million)

Wondering why he is ranked so high in the list, despite having an ordinary transfer fee? Well, this move was a disaster for both the club and the player. After impressing in Spain, the player decided to try his talent in England, when Newcastle United lured him despite having six strikers.

With such high competition, he got minimal chances and was later loaned back to his ex-club. The Magpies were relegated this season. 

1. Andy Carroll: Newcastle to Liverpool (€ 41 million)

Andy Carroll signing in a big club like Liverpool, for a record fee was shocking to all. His transfer fee was way higher than his then market value. Carroll failed to justify the price tag since his arrival.

He got the No. 9 of Torres, after his departure, but never fitted in his shoes. He scored only 11 goals for the Reds, before finally moving out.