Eberechi Eze To Arsenal: Reliving The 7 Best Hijacks In Premier League History
Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 20:28 IST1 / 7 Number 7, Arjen Robben to Chelsea (2004): After visiting Old Trafford and meeting the legendary Alex Ferguson, Robben seemed destined for United. But Chelsea’s then-CEO Peter Kenyon convinced him with a bigger package. The Dutch winger lit up Stamford Bridge instead of Manchester. (AFP)2 / 7 Number 6, Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United (2008): Manchester City had made a bold bid, but Berbatov was clear that he only wanted United. This time, Ferguson personally greeted him at the airport to seal the deal. Spurs gave in, selling him for a then-club-record £30.75m to Old Trafford. (AFP)ADVERTISEMENT3 / 7 Number 5, Robinho to Manchester City (2008): Chelsea were confident of signing Robinho until Manchester City’s new owners shocked the world. On deadline day, they broke the British transfer record with a £32.5m bid. Robinho even admitted he thought he was joining Manchester United, highlighting the chaos of the move. (AFP)4 / 7 Roy Keane to Manchester United (1993): Blackburn had agreed terms with Keane and awaited paperwork when Ferguson stepped in. United moved swiftly, offering better wages and convincing him within two days. Keane went on to become one of United’s greatest captains and fiercest midfielders. (AFP)ADVERTISEMENT5 / 7 Eberechi Eze to Arsenal (2025): This is a deal that's all but official. Tottenham agreed broad terms with both Palace and the player, believing they had landed Eze and were waiting for him to say his goodbyes, only for Arsenal to swoop in with a £67.5m offer. The player’s childhood affinity for the Gunners proved decisive in the hijack. The move has left Spurs stunned, as they will now watch their target cross North London. (AFP)6 / 7 John Obi Mikel to Chelsea (2005): One of the most sensational twists till date. Mikel (C) posed in a Manchester United shirt after agreeing a deal, but Chelsea contested the transfer. A long legal battle followed, with the London club eventually paying compensation to United and Lyn Oslo. The saga ended with Mikel moving to Stamford Bridge, where he stayed for a decade. (AFP)ADVERTISEMENT
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