Clubs miss out on star signings like Gift Orban and Kaka
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 5:43 AM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Several high-profile transfers to Premier League clubs fell through in recent years. Gift Orban, once linked with Tottenham in 2023 as a potential replacement for Harry Kane, has struggled for form while shifting between clubs, recently joining Amedspor on loan. Kaka nearly made a record move to Manchester City in 2009 but opted for Real Madrid six months later. Other significant near-misses include Rivaldo's decision to join Olympiakos over Bolton and Zinedine Zidane's rejected opportunity with Blackburn Rovers.
- •Gift Orban linked to Tottenham in 2023, deal collapsed over fee.
- •Kaka turned down Manchester City for Real Madrid in 2009.
- •Rivaldo chose Olympiakos over Bolton in 2004.
- •Zinedine Zidane rejected Blackburn's approach in 1995.
- •Orban recently loaned to Turkish side Amedspor.
- 5:43 AMYahoo Sports — What happened to star signings your club never made?
- 5:42 AMBBC Sport — What happened to star signings your club never made?
"BBC Sport takes a look at some star players who were close to moving to the Premier League, only for the deals to fall through.
"BBC Sport takes a look at some star players who were close to moving to the Premier League, only for the deals to fall through.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 5:43 AMWhat happened to star signings your club never made?
BBC Sport takes a look at some star players who were close to moving to the Premier League, only for the deals to fall through.
- BBC SportAug 2, 2026, 5:42 AMWhat happened to star signings your club never made?
BBC Sport takes a look at some star players who were close to moving to the Premier League, only for the deals to fall through.
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