Five deals that nearly happened during the transfer window

A great deal of work goes into a transfer deal, but anything can change right up until the last minute. 

In the video below, Fabrizio Romano shares five huge deals that fell through at the final stages.

1. Milan Škriniar to PSG

There were a lot of negotiations between the player and Paris Saint-Germain – and between Inter Milan and PSG. But ultimately Inter’s president Steven Zhang decided that he was too useful for Inter Milan and decided to hold onto him.

2. Jules Koundé to Chelsea

Koundé was one step away from signing, but there were some key disagreements between Sevilla and Chelsea. This stumbling block was enough for Barcelona to swoop in and sign the French centre-back.

3. César Azpilicueta to Barcelona

Barcelona wanted Azpilicueta and had agreed with him on personal terms to make the move, but Chelsea wanted to change the mind of the Spanish captain, who Tuchel values highly.

Tuchel succeeded and Azpilicueta signed a new deal with Chelsea.
 

4. Tyrell Malacia to Olympique Lyon

The Manchester United player had already scheduled his travel for a medical at Lyon, but Manchester United called him up and convinced him to sign a new deal.

5. Raphinha to Chelsea

Chelsea missed out on one of their biggest targets: to sign the former Leeds winger Raphinha.

The transfer looked set to happen, but in the end Barcelona managed to influence the deal and sign him on a permanent contract.