8 big transfers that fell through because of failed medicals, including Antonio Nusa’s Premier League switch
With fitness levels higher than ever, failing a medical is now very rare in football. But some big-name players have still seen their dream transfers fall apart at the last minute.
For example, earlier this month Ederson’s move from Atalanta to Manchester United hit a snag after medical tests in the U.S. flagged some knee issues. United had already agreed a £38 million deal and personal terms with the 27-year-old midfielder, but the transfer was paused. That doesn’t mean the deal is off—United might still sign him in the coming weeks, much like what happened with Ruud van Nistelrooy years ago.
Back in 2000, Van Nistelrooy’s £18.5 million transfer to United fell through after the club’s medical team raised concerns about his knee, which had a previous injury. He later called failing that medical the “lowest” point in his career. “I was about to sign and do the press conference when the doctor told me my knee wasn’t right and I couldn’t pass the medical,” he said on The Overlap. Luckily, he signed with United the following year and went on to score 150 goals in 219 games—a true success story.
Other players have also faced similar challenges. In 2019, Jordan Lukaku—Romelu Lukaku’s younger brother—had a medical at Newcastle. He knew he might fail because of a knee injury he got while playing for Lazio. “Not even being able to climb stairs when you’re young and fit hurts,” he said. Despite a loan to prove himself, more injuries stopped the move. Newcastle later signed Miguel Almiron instead.
In 2024, Brentford had a £31.5 million deal lined up for 18-year-old Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge, but the transfer fell through after tests showed possible knee and back problems. Nusa called it tough but said his family helped him get through it. Since then, he’s thrived, even playing for Norway at the World Cup and shining with RB Leipzig.
Chelsea nearly signed Arnautovic from FC Twente in 2009, but they pulled out after finding a foot fracture during the medical. Arnautovic went on loan at Inter Milan and later played for several clubs. Now, he plays in Serbia for Red Star Belgrade.
In 2016, Subotic almost joined Middlesbrough, but a rib injury found during his medical stopped the move. He said it was hard to deal with but stayed determined to get back fit. Subotic retired in 2021 after playing for clubs like Saint Etienne and Union Berlin.
In 2014, Remy was set to join Liverpool and even got offered the No.7 shirt, but his move from QPR collapsed after a medical in the U.S. QPR’s manager Harry Redknapp was confused since Remy had passed several other medicals before.
In the 2020/21 season, Fulham tried to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos after a rocky start, but he failed a medical and the £13 million deal fell through.
Finally, famous Irish player Steve Breen was ready to join Inter Milan after the 2002 World Cup, but a knee concern ended the transfer. He said it was a very tough moment and something he never fully got over. “You can check any player’s knee and find something wrong,” he said. “But it was a one-time chance, and when it didn’t happen, it was hard to move on.”
So, while medical failures are rare these days, they still happen and can change the course of players’ careers in big ways.