1. Hakim Ziyech
Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech had his sights set on joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, aiming to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately, Ziyech failed the medical exams not once, but twice, due to knee problems. As a result, the deal was canceled, and he remained at his current club.
2. Samuel Umtiti
In 2022, Samuel Umtiti was on the verge of joining Rennes when he failed his medical examination. However, he didn’t let this setback dampen his spirits. Instead, Umtiti joined Lecce in Italy on loan, where he worked hard to improve his fitness and regain confidence.
3. Andrea Arshavin:
Andrea Arshavin, known for his impressive performances with Zenit Saint Petersburg and the Russian national team, faced a hurdle when he was set to join Arsenal. During his first medical check-up, a heart problem was detected. Arsenal gave him a second chance, and after passing the tests, Arshavin officially became an Arsenal player in 2009.
4. Falcao:
After struggling to find his form during loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea, Falcao had an opportunity to return to his former club, Monaco. However, he failed the medical exams, leading to his return to Chelsea and further setbacks in his career.
5. Ruud van Nistelrooy:
Before becoming a legendary figure at Manchester United, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s initial move to the club fell through due to a failed medical examination. He was recovering from a knee injury, and the two clubs involved couldn’t agree on additional fitness checks. However, van Nistelrooy eventually joined Manchester United a year later and enjoyed great success.
6. Victor Valdes:
After leaving Barcelona in 2014, Victor Valdes sought a move to AS Monaco. However, a failed medical test due to a previous cruciate ligament injury resulted in the cancellation of the deal. This injury also cost Valdes his place in the Spanish national team for the 2014 World Cup.
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7. Marko Arnautovic:
Marko Arnautovic, a promising talent at FC Twente, was close to joining Chelsea, but his dreams were shattered when he failed the medicals due to a foot problem. Undeterred, Arnautovic moved to Inter in Serie A and eventually passed the medical tests.
8. Demba Ba:
The prolific Premier League striker, known for his time at West Ham, Newcastle, and Chelsea, was set to join Stoke City. However, a failed medical examination prevented the transfer from materializing.
9. Patrick Schick:
Patrick Schick impressed during his time at Sampdoria, attracting the attention of Juventus. The club activated his release clause but encountered a setback when Schick failed two separate medical examinations. Consequently, Juventus had to withdraw from the deal.
10. Gabriel Milito:
In 2003, Gabriel Milito, a promising young defender, was on the verge of signing for Real Madrid. However, his medical revealed that his knee hadn’t fully recovered from a previous injury. Concerned about his long-term fitness, Real Madrid decided not to proceed with the deal.