The summer transfer window of 2026 was filled with excitement and anticipation, but not all negotiations led to successful signings. Many deals were reportedly close to completion, only to fall apart at the last moment. These missed opportunities have left fans and clubs alike reflecting on what could have been.
One of the most notable cases involved Anan Khalaili, who was set to join Inter Milan. The Serie A club had reached an agreement with both the player and his former team, Union Saint-Gilloise, for a fee of €25 million plus bonuses. Khalaili even arrived in Milan and underwent initial medical checks. However, complications arose when the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) requested additional tests. On July 13, the winger was denied sporting clearance, leading to the cancellation of the transfer. Khalaili eventually signed with Crystal Palace.
Another significant deal that fell through was Ederson's transfer to Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder had been on the verge of leaving Atalanta for a reported €45 million. He completed part of his medical exams before the World Cup, but after Brazil's exit from the tournament, United opted not to finalize the transfer on July 10. Ederson chose to remain in Bergamo, later extending his contract until 2031.
Bamba Dieng also came close to making a move to Lazio. After becoming a free agent following his time with Lorient, Dieng arrived in Rome on August 19 for a medical examination. Unfortunately, the results prevented Lazio from proceeding with the registration, forcing the striker to find a new home with Red Star shortly after.
Roma's pursuit of Jamie Leweling was another dramatic saga. Initially, the club offered €5 million for a loan with a conditional obligation to buy for €35 million, but Stuttgart rejected the proposal. Roma later improved their offer, reportedly reaching an agreement with both the player and the club. However, Leweling ultimately changed his mind, leading to the collapse of the deal despite Roma's attempts to salvage it.
In another twist, Roma had also shown interest in Crysencio Summerville, ready to invest around €45 million for the West Ham winger. However, Al-Hilal intervened with a lucrative offer, both for the player and West Ham, prompting Summerville to choose the Saudi Pro League over a move to Italy.
Luiz Henrique's potential transfer to Roma was similarly thwarted. The Giallorossi had negotiated a paid loan with Zenit for €5 million and a purchase option of €30 million. Although agreements were in place, technical issues ultimately derailed the transfer.
Jayden Oosterwolde's situation was also unfortunate. He arrived in Rome for a medical after a loan agreement was reached with Fenerbahce, but medical concerns regarding his recovery time led Roma to withdraw from the deal, sending him back to Turkey.
Franck Kessié's transfer to Juventus was highly anticipated, with the Ivorian midfielder reportedly favoring a move to Turin. However, as the window closed, the necessary conditions for the transfer failed to materialize, prompting Kessié to return to Atalanta as a free agent.
Other notable deals that fell through included Emiliano Martinez to Juventus, Alexander Sørloth's potential move to the same club, and Joshua Zirkzee's transfer to Fiorentina. Each of these negotiations faced unique challenges, from financial demands to competing offers from other clubs.
As the transfer window closed, clubs were left to reassess their strategies and targets for the season ahead. The summer of 2026 will be remembered not only for the signings that were made but also for the high-profile deals that never came to fruition.
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