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10 High-Profile Football Transfers That Collapsed After Failed Medicals
The most recent example came in 2025, when Nigerian striker Victor Boniface saw his much-anticipated move from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan collapse after medical scans revealed a knee issue. The development has stirred widespread discussion in the football world.

The football transfer window is often packed with excitement, anticipation, and the occasional heartbreak. One of the most dramatic ways a transfer can fall apart is due to a failed medical—something that has derailed the dreams of many players and clubs over the years.
The most recent example came in 2025, when Nigerian striker Victor Boniface saw his much-anticipated move from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan collapse after medical scans revealed a knee issue. The development has stirred widespread discussion in the football world.
Here’s a look at 10 major football transfers that infamously fell through after failed medical examinations:
1. Nicolas Jackson – Villarreal to Bournemouth (2023)
Jackson was set for a £22.5 million move to Bournemouth in January 2023. However, the Premier League club pulled out after medical tests flagged a serious hamstring injury that would sideline him for months. He later secured a move to Chelsea, where he went on to make a strong impact.
2. Hakim Ziyech – Chelsea to Al-Nassr (2023)
Looking for a fresh start, Ziyech was on the verge of joining Al-Nassr from Chelsea. The deal collapsed after a medical revealed knee problems that raised long-term fitness concerns. While the Saudi club withdrew, Galatasaray swooped in later that summer to sign him.
3. Nabil Fekir – Lyon to Liverpool (2018)
Liverpool were close to landing the French playmaker in a £53 million deal, with Fekir even completing club media duties. But final medical scans showed issues related to an old knee injury, forcing the Reds to walk away. Fekir later joined Real Betis.
4. Loïc Rémy – QPR to Liverpool (2014)
Rémy had agreed to join Liverpool after Suárez’s exit, but the move was abandoned when a heart irregularity was discovered during his medical. Interestingly, Chelsea later signed him despite the same findings, highlighting the differences in club risk assessments.
5. Victor Valdés – Free Agent to AS Monaco (2014)
After leaving Barcelona, Valdés was set to join AS Monaco as a marquee signing. However, concerns over his recovery from an ACL injury led Monaco to back out. Months later, he joined Manchester United, though he never regained top form.
6. Demba Ba – Hoffenheim to Stoke City (2011)
Stoke City backed out of a deal for Ba after medical checks revealed long-term knee concerns. Ironically, Ba went on to have a successful Premier League career with West Ham, Newcastle, and Chelsea, proving that a failed medical isn’t always the final word.
7. Gabriel Milito – Real Zaragoza to Real Madrid (2003)
Real Madrid called off Milito’s signing after medical staff raised alarms over knee damage. The Argentine later joined Barcelona, their fierce rivals, where he became a key squad member and even captained his national team.
8. Ruud van Nistelrooy – PSV to Manchester United (2000)
United had agreed a £19 million fee with PSV, but scans revealed ligament issues. Days later, Van Nistelrooy suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in training. Sir Alex Ferguson waited a year to complete the deal, and Van Nistelrooy went on to become a club legend.
9. John Hartson – Multiple Clubs (2000)
In a span of months, Tottenham, Rangers, and Charlton all walked away from potential deals for Hartson after medicals flagged knee and general fitness issues. He eventually joined Celtic, becoming a fan favorite and prolific scorer.
10. Nwankwo Kanu – Ajax to Inter Milan (1996)
Perhaps the most dramatic case of all. During his medical at Inter Milan, doctors discovered a life-threatening heart defect. The transfer stalled, and Kanu underwent major heart surgery. He made a remarkable recovery and enjoyed a decorated career with Arsenal and Nigeria, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope.
Failed medicals may be devastating in the short term, but as these stories show, many players bounce back to achieve greatness elsewhere.