The top 10 most surprising transfers in football history | OneFootball

While most football transfers make perfect sense, there have been plenty of moves that have also left people scratching their heads.

For example, when Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009 as one of the most expensive football transfers at the time, the switch was unsurprising.

Ronaldo had achieved great things with the Red Devils, but the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Madrid legends such as Zinedine Zidane was impossible to resist.

By contrast, football transfer history is littered with unexpected player signings, many of which have had a major impact on the world’s most popular sport.

Without further ado, read on as we look at some of the most surprising football transfers, starting with one between two clubs who don’t generally get on with each other.

Eric Cantona – Leeds United to Manchester United

Man United’s signing of Eric Cantona from Leeds United in 1992 proved to be one of the most inspired moves in football transfer history.

The Frenchman was regarded as a troublemaker in France, but he appeared to have found a suitable landing spot in Leeds.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recognised what Cantona could bring to his squad, and the move was the catalyst for a period of sustained success.

Mo Johnston – Nantes to Rangers

Mo Johnston’s move from Nantes to Rangers in 1989 was one of the most surprising football transfers ever completed.

The Scottish giants had a policy of never signing Catholic footballers, but then-manager Graeme Souness decided to buck that trend.

The transfer was even more shocking as the former Celtic striker had publicly announced his intention to rejoin the Hoops before changing his mind.

Luis Figo – Barcelona to Real Madrid

When it comes to unexpected player signings, not many transfers can top the surprising nature of Luis Figo’s switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid.

Numerous players had previously moved between the two clubs, but Madrid’s acquisition of Figo in 2000 triggered unparalleled levels of outrage.

The Portuguese star famously had a pig’s head thrown at him at the Nou Camp, highlighting the bitterness his transfer generated.

Johan Cruyff – Ajax to Feyenoord

Johan Cruyff helped Ajax win three European Cups to establish himself as a legendary figure with the Amsterdam-based club.

However, when Ajax decided not to offer him a new deal in 1983, he stunned their fans by agreeing to sign for big rivals Feyenoord.

Cruyff rubbed salt in the wounds by helping them win the league and cup double in the Netherlands before hanging up his boots.

Ricky Villa & Ossie Ardiles – Racing Club & Huracan to Tottenham Hotspur

Players born overseas were once rare in English football, but that changed in 1978 when European legislation on freedom of movement superseded league rules.

Tottenham Hotspur quickly capitalised, signing Argentinian internationals Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles in a move that stunned fans nationwide.

The pair quickly became cult idols at Tottenham, injecting creativity and vibrancy into the team’s playing style.

Jay-Jay Okocha – Paris Saint-Germain to Bolton Wanderers

Anyone who has ever been to Paris and Bolton will know the two places have nothing in common. Paris is famed for glitz and glamour – Bolton isn’t.

However, that did not prevent Nigerian star Jay-Jay Okocha from leaving Paris Saint-Germain to sign for Bolton Wanderers in 2002.

Okocha made a mockery of the misconception about Bolton manager Sam Allardyce’s style of play by lighting up English football with his trickery.

Pele – Unattached to New York Cosmos

One of the most unexpected player signings in football transfer history occurred in 1975 when Pele signed for the New York Cosmos.

‘Soccer’ was struggling to gain recognition in North America, but acquiring the legendary Brazilian international transformed the landscape.

An estimated ten million people tuned in to watch Pele’s debut, which ultimately helped the sport break into the North American market.

Alan Shearer – Southampton to Blackburn Rovers

Alan Shearer’s decision to reject Man United and sign for Blackburn Rovers is unquestionably one of the most surprising football transfers ever.

While Rovers had financial backing from local businessman Jack Walker, beating the Red Devils to the punch to sign Shearer from Southampton was a major shock.

He played a key role in Rovers’ winning the Premier League in 1994/95. After joining his boyhood club Newcastle United in 1996, Shearer failed to win another trophy.

Tommy Lawton – Chelsea to Notts County

Surprising football transfers are not exclusive to the modern era, as evidenced by Tommy Lawton’s move from Chelsea to Notts County in 1947.

The England striker was still at the peak of his powers, but dropped down two divisions from the top flight to join the Midlands club.

Lawton scored 103 goals in 166 appearances for the Magpies and helped them climb into Division Two during his five-year stint there.

Michael Owen – Unattached to Manchester United

Michael Owen completed a surprise free transfer to Man United in 2009 after a thoroughly underwhelming spell with Newcastle.

Having previously made his name with Liverpool and Madrid, Owen scored just 30 goals in four seasons for the Magpies.

Aside from scoring a late winner in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in his first season, Owen’s time with the Red Devils was largely unremarkable.