8 long-drawn and irritating transfers in club football
Transfer windows are exciting times for the football fans with all the buzz and speculation over potential moves. However, there are some transfer stories that never seem to end. Often looking close to completion, these transfer moves would end up finding a new twist or a roadblock, which would prolong the wait. When the move finally goes through, often theres a sigh of relief that its finally done and everyone can get on with the game.We look at eight transfers in club football which caused a lot of media hype but took ages to complete.
#8 David Beckham Manchester United to Real Madrid
David Beckham struggled to get a regular spot in the starting XI in Manchester United team in the 2002-03 season after an injury, and rumour mills got busy with talks of a potential move abroad.
In February 2003, following a defeat in the FA Cup, an angry Sir Alex Ferguson kicked a boot which struck Beckham just over his eye and needed him to get stitches, causing a clear rift between the duo. These were compounded by reports of his wife, Victoria Beckham, wanting to leave England and live abroad.
In the summer transfer window of 2003, Barcelona president Joan Laporta (who had won his presidential campaign largely on his promise to sign Beckham) seemed to have a deal in place to sign Beckham, and reports emerged that Manchester United were looking to sell Beckham.
It was widely believed that Barcelona would be his destination, but instead Beckham opted to join their arch-rivals Real Madrid where he was unveiled in July 2003 as the latest of their Galacticos.