10 Most Controversial Transfers Of The Premier League Era

10. Andy Cole To Man Utd

Andy Cole's transfer from Newcastle United to Manchester United in 1995 was so controversial that then-Magpies manager Kevin Keegan had to take to the steps of the Milburn Stand to explain his decision to sell the No.9 to irate Geordies. Cole was Newcastle's best player at the time, and had scored 68 goals in 85 appearances for the north east club. United were interested, and came in with a then-British-transfer-record £7 million bid for the English striker. Keegan decided to accept the bid, but later had to face up to the furious Toon army to defend his actions. He relived the moment in an interview with the Chronicle earlier this year.

€œWe sold Andy Cole and told Man United they could announce the deal and we would follow up. We were sat watching over the old club shop as the Geordies were walking in. You know when people walk and you can tell they aren€™t happy? Douglas Hall rang security to get two cars as we needed an operation to get out of there. I said 'you can€™t do that'. He asked what I was going to do."

With things getting hairy and a hoard of furious fans baying for blood, Keegan took matters into his own hands. He continued:

€œSo I said I was going to go down and talk to them. The security man said, 'You€™re kidding aren€™t you?€™ The first question, €˜What you doing selling Andy Cole?€™ I said, €˜When I came here a year and a bit ago our biggest rival was Southend United, now it€™s Man United. You have to trust me€™. The Geordies were all right with that. Then another said, €˜He wouldn€™t sell him without having somebody lined up would he?€™ Terry Mac was behind me and said, €˜Oh yes he would!€™ I was like, €˜You€™re no good at all, you!€™€

Newcastle's loss was United's gain. Cole went on to score 121 goals in 275 appearances for the Red Devils, helping them win five Premier League titles during his stay at Old Trafford, along with the Champions League.