10 Most Controversial Transfers Of The Premier League Era

4. Xisco To Newcastle United

Another controversial Premier League signing befell Kevin Keegan in 2008 during his second spell in charge at Newcastle. That year, United had just signed Spanish striker Xisco from Deportivo La Coruña. The midfielder got off to a good start by scoring on his debut but even as he put the ball in the back of the net there were hostilities over the nature of his transfer. Xisco's first appearance for the club was overshadowed by anti-Mike Ashley protests as fans rallied against their controversial owner while Keegan stormed out of St James' Park because the Spaniard had been signed behind his back. It turned out director of football Dennis Wise and vice-president Tony Jimenez had sanctioned the move without consulting King Kev. Xisco's signing, coupled with more interfering by Ashley behind the scenes, ultimately resulted in Keegan's resignation. Explaining his decision, he said: "a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want." Keegan would go on to take Ashley to arbitration over his shock resignation, claiming unfair dismissal, and the Premier League ruled in favour of his case, awarding him £2 million in damages.