5 Most Controversial Football Transfers Ever

4. Carlos Tevez (Manchester United To Manchester City)

Carlos Tevez had already caused a stir in transfer terms following his highly controversial move to the Premier League in 2005 when he and Javier Mascherano joined West Ham from Corinthians. This sounds innocent enough but caused a furore when it transpired that he was not owned by the Brazilian club he played for, and instead was owned by a third party (Media Sports Investment). Many questions were asked, mainly at the end of the season it has to be said, when his goals kept the Hammers in the top flight, leaving Sheffield United to face the drop. Despite this however, controversy was still never far away for the striker, who after moving to Manchester United from Upton Park, decided in 2009 that he was not being shown the respect he felt he deserved at Old Trafford. The fans adored him for his energetic performances, and were hopeful that he would remain with the club. Sir Alex Ferguson did not help the situation by substituting him inexplicably several times, but in the end offered the Argentine a five-year contract, which to his horror was rejected. Tevez had other ideas. The only team that was interested in signing him were arch rivals Manchester City, who were at the time starting to become a recognised force in the Premier League. Tevez, predictably considering his character, signed for City for an undisclosed fee. After the transfer was completed, posters were erected all over Manchester with Tevez in blue accompanied by the slogan, "Welcome to Manchester," causing even more animosity between the two clubs and an irrevocable relationship between Tevez and United.