Some of the best and most controversial Deadline Day transfers
Transfer deadline day happens twice a season and is always a crazy day.
Let's explore some of the best and most controversial Deadline Day transfers.
Dimitar Berbatov - Tottenham to Manchester United in 2008
Earlier on this dramatic deadline day, it had appeared that Manchester City were going to shatter United's hopes after they had a bid of more than 20 million pounds accepted by Tottenham. United ultimately got their man and the Bulgarian would go onto win two Premier League titles and a League Cup whilst at Old Trafford. At the time of the transfer, one Manchester United fan said: "Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Berbatov - Is there a better attacking outfit? Now we are really ready to attack European football like we have done domestically."
There is constant debate about the overall effectiveness of 'Berba' during his time at Old Trafford. Some United believed he was the world class addition needed at the time, others argued he slowed down a vibrant and fast Manchester United attacking force.
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Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano — Corinthians to West Ham in 2006
These two signings were very controversial. Alan Pardew, the West Ham manager at the time, was clearly buzzing with his new additions: "Not only am I excited by the arrivals of Carlos and Javier, but the entire squad is too, and I am sure our supporters feel the same. What a day for West Ham United.
"I've already had three or four of our players on the phone. They are all very excited by the news, and I'm sure there will be a real buzz around the place when we report back for training on Tuesday morning. "
Sadly for Pardew and West Ham, it didn't really work out. Mascherano would sign for Liverpool only a few months later. Tevez departed for Manchester United at the end of the season but was important in keeping them in the Premier League.
Ashley Cole - Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006
Another controversial one. For just five million pounds and William Gallas, Cole must be considered one of the greatest bargains in Premier League history. The video below explores some of the reasons why Cole wanted to leave Arsenal.
Chelsea had been linked with Cole throughout the summer of 2006 but disagreements over the transfer fee stalled the deal. Chelsea eventually got their man and he would go onto win numerous trophies with the club including the Premier League in 2010 and Champions League in 2012.
Robbie Keane – Leeds to Tottenham in 2002
From a Spurs perspective, this wasn't controversial. For Leeds, it was a sign of things to come. At just £7m, the Irish striker was an absolute steal. Keane spent nine years at White Hart Lane over two spells between 2002 and 2011, broken up by a six-month stint with Liverpool. In 303 appearances he scored 122 goals, enough for him to rank among the top 10 goalscorers in Spurs history. This was until Harry Kane arrived on the scene.
He was also named Spurs’ player of the season three times, further outlining his level of performance in North London. Just a pity that he only lifted a single League Cup title in his time there.
Lucas Moura – PSG to Tottenham in 2018
Spurs love doing business on Deadline Day. Very few people would have envisaged the impact Lucas would later make in helping Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final. It was Lucas's stunning hat-trick against Ajax in the semi-finals second leg that got Spurs there in the first place. It was the most remarkable contribution of an otherwise solid career in north London backing up Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Watch the video above take yourself back to better times Spurs fans. It is expected that he will leave North London at the end of the 2022/2023 season. One Spurs fan told us: "I will be sad to see him go."
Sergio Ramos - Sevilla to Real Madrid in 2005
On Deadline Day in August 2005, Ramos was purchased by Real Madrid for €27 million, a then record for a Spanish defender. He was the only Spanish player brought in during Florentino Pérez's first stint as Real's president.
During his memorable time at the club, Ramos played 670 times and scored 101 goals, remarkable for a defender. He also won every trophy available.
