Sports News Report
League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: Transactions

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

Clubs miss out on star signings like Gift Orban and Kaka
Summary

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.

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Yahoo SportsBBC Sport
By the Numbers
  • •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.
Latest Updates
  • 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?
What they're saying
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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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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.

Related Teams & Leagues
Manchester CityTottenham HotspurBayern MunichAC MilanEPLSoccer

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