Sport
Orban, Kaká, Zidane: The Premier League transfers that never happened
On August 2, 2026, BBC Sport published a retrospective on star transfers never completed to the Premier League, focusing on four key cases. Nigerian striker Gift Orban was linked to Tottenham Hotspur in summer 2023, but the club refused to pay £25 million. In 1995, Blackburn Rovers declined the opportunity to sign Zinedine Zidane and Christophe Dugarry, future World and European champions. In January 2009, Manchester City offered £108 million for Kaká, an offer refused by the Brazilian midfielder. In 2004, Rivaldo chose Olympiakos over Bolton Wanderers. Steven Gerrard was also pursued by Chelsea in 2005 for approximately £32 million, but opted to remain at Liverpool.