Football enthusiasts across Europe are gearing up for Transfer Deadline Day, with energy drinks and pizza menus at the ready.
The summer window slams shut at 11pm on Friday (30 August), and all of Europe’s top clubs will be on the hunt for some last-minute deals.
It has already been quite the summer window, and it’s set to rumble on with the futures of Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling up in the air. But, as we know, the final day of the window is full of surprises Daily Star Sport takes a look at some of the most outrageous Transfer Deadline Day moments….
Harry Redknapp’s Range Rover interviews
(Image: YOUTUBE)
It’s said that the transfer window isn’t officially closed until Harry Redknapp has fired up his Range Rover and given an interview to Sky Sports from behind the wheel.
The ex-Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur boss was always keen to assist the reporters, many of whom were stationed outside the training ground from dawn till dusk.
While he often played his cards close to his chest regarding transfers, he was always there to provide memorable transfer moments while leaning out of his car window.
What’s your favourite Transfer Deadline Day moment? Let us know in the comments section
Fans’ 15 seconds of fame
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Any sports journalist can attest to the chaos and frenzy of deadline day.
But those who truly have the most to say about the unpredictability of deadline day are the reporters of Sky Sports News.
Reporters are often left exposed outside football clubs’ stadiums and training grounds, at the mercy of fans looking to create their own memorable deadline day moments on camera.
Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam found himself in an awkward situation when a fan threw an inflatable sex doll into his shot while he was live on air. Despite the unexpected interruption, McAdam managed to keep his composure.
In contrast, an Italian journalist covering the 2016 transfer window at Stamford Bridge lost his cool after being repeatedly pestered by a fan with an inflatable banana. The reporter snatched the inflatable and proceeded to hit the fan with it, all while still live on air.
This incident has since been remembered as one of the funniest Deadline Day moments ever.
Even when reporters are discussing the biggest transfers of the window, viewers can be easily distracted by antics happening in the background.
Former Sky Sports reporter Kate Riley experienced this first-hand in 2013 when two Norwich City fans appeared to simulate sex behind her while she was live on air. Unaware of what was happening behind her, Riley continued with her report.
Peter Odemwingie’s infamous transfer saga
(Image: Sky Sports)
Perhaps one of the most notorious failed transfers in deadline day history involves former West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie. The Nigerian forward took matters into his own hands after hearing from his agent about a potential move to Queens Park Rangers.
Odemwingie hopped in his car and made the journey down to London, only to be told upon arrival that a fee hadn’t been agreed upon. He was left stranded for hours in the car park.
The forward insists that a deal and buy-out clause had been settled, but the transfer fell through as Julian Hoilett couldn’t make the switch to the Baggies.
The sex toy debacle
(Image: Sky Sports News)
In 2015, Sky Sports reporters collectively exhaled in relief when they were permitted to report from within football club grounds.
This change was prompted by an unfortunate incident involving an Everton fan who embarrassed a Sky Sports reporter on live TV by thrusting a large, blue sex toy into his ear.
While fans mourned the loss of the iconic image of supporters gathering behind reporters on deadline day, they likely understood the reasoning behind the decision.
De Gea’s dream move thwarted by tech glitch
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
In 2015, Real Madrid’s pursuit of David De Gea was arguably the biggest transfer story of the summer.
Their long pursuit of the Spanish player seemed to have ended with Los Blancos securing their man. However, just when it appeared the deal was sealed, a faulty fax machine halted the move in its tracks.
United alleged that this prevented crucial documents from reaching The Bernabeu, resulting in Real’s inability to register him before the 10pm deadline. Both United and the 13-time champions pointed fingers at each other for the failed deal, and De Gea remained at United where he continues to play today.
City’s initial step towards European dominance
(Image: Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
From a performance standpoint, Robinho’s transfer to Manchester City was a flop. However, City’s surprise acquisition of the samba star from Real Madrid signalled a major declaration that the Citizens were serious contenders.
Within days of being acquired by their current owners, City shattered the British transfer record by spending £32.5m on the Brazilian.
This set the stage for the wave of talent that has since graced the Etihad Stadium.
Leicester registers Adrien Silva 14 seconds too late
(Image: GETTY)
Transfer Deadline Day shows no mercy to football clubs who procrastinate their business until the last minute.
Leicester City learned this lesson the hard way when they believed they had successfully signed midfielder Adrien Silva for £22m.
Unfortunately for The Foxes, they submitted the documents to FIFA 14 seconds too late, forcing the midfielder to wait until January to play his first match.
Saido Berahino stamps his foot
(Image: Getty Images)
Once upon a time, Saido Berahino was considered one of the brightest prospects in English football. His impressive performances for West Bromwich Albion caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, who were keen on signing the young talent.
However, when the West Brom chairman demanded a hefty £25m, Spurs‘ chairman Daniel Levy was taken aback by the price tag and withdrew from the negotiations.
An irate Berahino then took to Twitter and vented: “Sad I can’t say exactly how the club has treated me, but I can officially say I will never play for Jeremy Peace.”
Don’t go to bed just yet
(Image: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Ah Leeds United, a treasure trove of incredible moments.
It’s 1 September 2014 and the clock has just hit 9.49pm on Transfer Deadline Day, the Peacocks post a message on Twitter: “Don’t go to bed just yet… there is still work to be done #DeadlineDay #lufc.”
Leeds would go onto to sell their two starting strikers before announcing they were done – leaving fans furious.