Football transfers are often decided long before a player pulls on his new club’s shirt, but even agreed deals can collapse at the final hurdle — the medical examination. Following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan falling through after club doctors raised concerns during his medical, forcing the Serie A giants to pull out despite advanced negotiations.
Mateta’s case joins a growing list of high-profile transfers that have broken down due to medical issues, ranging from knee and heart conditions to long-term injury risks. Over the years, several elite players have seen moves cancelled or delayed after failing to meet a club’s medical standards, underlining how health assessments can shape careers and alter transfer market plans.
1. Jean-Philippe Mateta – AC Milan (2026)
Mateta became the most recent addition to this list after his move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan collapsed today. The Italian club reportedly identified concerns during medical checks, believed to be linked to his knee, and decided against proceeding with the transfer despite agreeing on personal terms.
2. Victor Boniface – AC Milan (2025)
Boniface’s highly anticipated switch to AC Milan fell apart after medical tests revealed issues that raised red flags for the club’s medical team. The Nigerian striker later remained with his parent club as Milan withdrew from the deal.
3. Hakim Ziyech – Al-Nassr (2023)
Ziyech failed medical examinations on two separate occasions during talks with Al-Nassr. Persistent knee problems ultimately convinced the Saudi club to abandon the transfer, despite the winger agreeing to terms.
4. Samuel Umtiti – Rennes (2022)
Rennes pulled out of signing Umtiti after medical checks highlighted ongoing fitness and injury concerns. The French defender’s career had already been affected by recurring knee problems.
5. Nicolas Jackson – Bournemouth (2023)
Bournemouth terminated their pursuit of Jackson after hamstring issues were detected during his medical. He later completed a move elsewhere and continued his professional career.
6. Demba Ba – Stoke City (2011)
Stoke City cancelled Ba’s transfer after medical examinations suggested a long-term injury risk. Ba would later go on to enjoy success in the Premier League with other clubs.
7. Patrick Schick – Juventus (2017)
Schick failed two medicals at Juventus, leading the Italian giants to call off the deal. He eventually joined Roma and revived his career in Serie A.
8. John Hartson – Multiple clubs (2000)
Hartson’s potential moves to clubs including Tottenham, Rangers, and Charlton were scuppered after medical concerns, primarily linked to knee issues, were flagged.
9. Ruud van Nistelrooy – Manchester United (2000)
Manchester United initially pulled out of signing Van Nistelrooy after knee problems emerged during his medical. The Dutch striker passed a year later and went on to become a club legend.
10. Nwankwo Kanu – Inter Milan (1996)
A heart defect was discovered during Kanu’s medical at Inter Milan, halting the transfer. He underwent corrective surgery and later enjoyed a hugely successful career, particularly at Arsenal.
11. Gabriel Milito – Real Madrid (2003)
Real Madrid abandoned their move for Milito after medical checks revealed serious knee concerns. The Argentine defender later flourished at Barcelona.
12. Loïc Rémy – Liverpool (2014)
Liverpool withdrew from the deal after a heart irregularity was detected during Rémy’s medical. He later signed for Chelsea after further assessments.
13. Victor Valdés – AS Monaco (2014)
Monaco cancelled Valdés’ transfer after discovering a cruciate ligament injury during medical examinations.
14. Raul Tamudo – Rangers (2000)
Tamudo’s move to Rangers collapsed following medical issues. He remained in Spain and went on to become a club legend at Espanyol.
15. John Carew – Unspecified club
Carew was involved in a failed transfer after medical examinations raised concerns, though he still enjoyed a long and productive career across Europe.
16. Marko Arnautović – Early career
Arnautović reportedly failed a medical early in his career, delaying a potential move before he later secured transfers elsewhere.
17. Leroy Fer – Everton (2013)
Everton pulled out of a proposed £8.6 million deal for Fer after knee concerns emerged during his medical.
18. Kurt Zouma – Shabab Al-Ahli (2024)
Zouma’s move to Shabab Al-Ahli was cancelled after medical checks flagged lingering injury problems.
19. Bamba Dieng – Leeds United/Nice
Dieng saw his proposed transfer fall through after medical concerns were raised during examinations, forcing clubs to reconsider the deal.
20. Koffi Kouao – Dinamo Zagreb (2024)
Kouao’s move to Dinamo Zagreb collapsed after he failed the club’s medical tests, with the specific reasons not publicly disclosed.
These cases highlight how medical examinations remain one of the most decisive and unforgiving stages of the modern transfer process, capable of reshaping careers and altering club plans in an instant.
