Top 7 Transfers That Collapsed in the Summer 2025 Window
The summer 2025 transfer window had everything, big money moves, last-minute drama, and deals that shocked fans. But for every successful signing, there were also transfers that collapsed in unexpected fashion. Some were stopped due to medical issues, others because of paperwork problems, and a few ended in disputes between clubs.
These failed moves often leave supporters frustrated and players unsettled. In this article, we look at the seven most notable transfers that fell apart in the summer 2025 window, and explain exactly why they did not happen.
Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace to Liverpool
Liverpool thought they had secured Marc Guéhi for £35 million. The defender completed his medical and even recorded an exit video. But Crystal Palace shocked everyone by cancelling the move.
The reason? Palace were unable to bring in a replacement and feared losing their captain would weaken the team. Manager Oliver Glasner strongly opposed the sale, and the club pulled out at the last moment. Guéhi now looks set to leave Palace for free in 2026, but the failed deal left him unhappy and Liverpool disappointed.
Morgan Gibbs-White – Nottingham Forest to Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur were ready to sign Morgan Gibbs-White by activating his £60 million release clause. The player was preparing for a medical, and the move appeared close.
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But Nottingham Forest accused Spurs of making an illegal approach and breaching confidentiality. This sparked a dispute, and the club decided not to move forward. Gibbs-White then signed a new contract with Forest, completely ending Tottenham’s hopes. It was one of the most dramatic failed transfers of the window.
Viktor Gyökeres – Sporting CP to Manchester United (Rumored)
There was speculation that Manchester United were looking to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres. Reports linked him with a big-money move, and fans believed United might trigger his release clause.
However, no official talks or bids were confirmed. In the end, the move never got started, making it one of the biggest unfulfilled rumors of the summer.
Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan
AC Milan came very close to signing Victor Boniface on loan with an option to buy for around €24-30 million. The striker had agreed terms, and Milan were confident of completing the deal.
But things changed during his medical. Concerns about previous knee injuries were raised, and Milan decided to walk away. Boniface stayed at Leverkusen, and the Italian club had to look elsewhere for attacking options.
Javi Galán – Atlético Madrid to Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest had lined up a move for Spanish left-back Javi Galán. A verbal agreement worth €10-15 million was reached, and Galán was ready to sign a three-year contract.
But as the deadline approached, problems with paperwork and administrative delays meant the deal could not be registered in time. The transfer collapsed, leaving Galán at Atlético Madrid and Forest frustrated.
Nico Williams – Athletic Bilbao to Barcelona
Barcelona wanted to bring in Nico Williams to strengthen their attack, and talks with Athletic Bilbao advanced quickly. Many expected the Spanish international to switch clubs during the summer.
However, Williams made a surprising decision. Instead of joining Barcelona, he signed a long-term extension with Athletic Bilbao, committing his future to the club until 2035. This ended all speculation of a move.
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Summary Table of Collapsed Transfers
| Player | From Club | To Club | Reason for Collapse |
| Marc Guéhi | Crystal Palace | Liverpool | Palace cancelled after failing to find cover |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | Nottingham Forest | Tottenham Hotspur | Legal dispute; player signed new deal |
| Viktor Gyökeres | Sporting CP | Manchester United | Rumor only; no official talks |
| Victor Boniface | Bayer Leverkusen | AC Milan | Failed medical due to knee concerns |
| Javi Galán | Atlético Madrid | Nottingham Forest | Paperwork issues on deadline day |
| Nico Williams | Athletic Bilbao | Barcelona | Signed new long-term contract with Bilbao |
Conclusion
The summer 2025 transfer window showed just how unpredictable football can be. Liverpool thought they had Guéhi, Spurs almost had Gibbs-White, and Milan were close to Boniface. Yet each deal broke down in unexpected ways.
While some players, like Williams, chose loyalty, others were blocked by circumstances beyond their control. Fans will now look ahead to the January 2026 window to see if any of these transfers are revived.
FAQs
1. Which was the most dramatic failed transfer of summer 2025?
Marc Guéhi’s collapsed move to Liverpool is considered the most dramatic.
2. Why did Morgan Gibbs-White’s Tottenham move fail?
It failed because Nottingham Forest raised legal concerns and blocked the transfer.
3. Did Manchester United really try to sign Viktor Gyökeres?
There was speculation, but no confirmed talks or offers took place.
4. Why did AC Milan walk away from Victor Boniface?
His medical raised concerns about old knee injuries.
5. Could any of these transfers happen in January 2026?
Yes, especially Guéhi to Liverpool and Gyökeres to Manchester United.
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