10 Failed Transfers That Would Have Changed English Football

4. Robert Lewandowski To Blackburn Rovers

Polish international Robert Lewandowski is one of the most complete strikers in Europe. The Bayern Munich forward terrorizes defenders in the Bundesliga and the rest of Europe with his combination of strength, skill and unerring finishing. The rangy forward made his name in a Borussia Dortmund team known for polishing up rough diamonds, but if it wasn't for an Icelandic volcano Lewandowski could have been troubling Premier League goalkeepers in a trademark Sam Allardyce set piece routine. After top-scoring in the Polish top flight with Lech Poznan, Lewandowski was ready to make the next step in his career in 2010 and join one of Europe's big leagues. Allardyce, then in charge of Blackburn Rovers, had a bid in the region of £4m accepted by Poznan. The deal was set, with the striker due to fly in to watch a Blackburn game before signing on the dotted line. Unfortunately for Allardyce - but perhaps not for the player himself, as things turned out - the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull and it's now-infamous ash cloud meant that the flight from Poznan was grounded. The deal was off and Dortmund stepped in to sign the man whose goals would fire them to two league titles, a German cup, and a Champions League final. Blackburn, meanwhile, were taken over by an Indian poultry company later that same year. Venky's sacked Allardyce, appointed the untried Steve Keane and led the club to relegation and ridicule. Just think, if it wasn't for that volcano, Lewandowski could have been a part of all that...