A Deal Destined to Fail Before It Even Started
Manchester United nearly signed Ander Herrera much earlier than most fans remember.
However, in a twist no one expected, the transfer fell apart in bizarre fashion.
Three conmen posing as club officials disrupted the entire deal.
Their actions sent shockwaves across European football and exposed a serious lack of security.
While clubs normally battle over wages and fees, this time fraud crushed everything.
The year was 2013.
United desperately needed midfield reinforcements after a chaotic summer.
Ander Herrera stood out as the perfect fit.
He had the technique, energy, and vision United lacked.
Negotiations with Athletic Bilbao moved quickly—or so it seemed.
United Believed the Deal Was Done
At Old Trafford, everyone assumed the deal was nearly complete.
Even the media reported that Herrera was “hours away” from becoming a Red Devil.
The player had already cleared medical exams and agreed personal terms.
Fans eagerly waited for an official announcement.
But then, everything collapsed.
Instead of finalizing the deal, the situation descended into madness.
Unknown individuals showed up at La Liga headquarters in Spain.
They claimed to represent Manchester United.
They said they came to pay Herrera’s €36 million buyout clause.
League officials sensed something was wrong almost immediately.
The Shocking Identity of the Three Strangers
When questioned further, the trio failed to prove any club connection.
Their documents looked suspicious.
They spoke with broken knowledge of English and football operations.
La Liga contacted Manchester United directly for verification.
The Premier League giants denied sending any representatives.
Panic ensued in both camps.
United officials scrambled to contain the situation.
Herrera’s camp grew nervous.
Athletic Bilbao stood firm, refusing to deal with anyone but verified agents.
Trust evaporated in minutes.
The transfer window ticked toward its final hours.
Suddenly, the dream move disintegrated.
Herrera Waited… But No One Came
In Bilbao, Herrera reportedly waited at the hotel for final instructions.
He had packed his bags, excited to join the Premier League.
His agent kept calling, but no update came.
Confusion turned into frustration.
With no resolution in sight, the player returned home disappointed.
Later, Herrera confirmed he had no clue about the fake agents.
He expressed sadness and confusion over the failed deal.
Athletic Bilbao issued a statement rejecting the chaos.
They said the release clause was never paid and negotiations never formalized.
United Faced Massive Embarrassment
The incident left Manchester United humiliated.
It marked the first time in club history fraud halted a major signing.
Fans criticized the board for their failure to control the transfer process.
Some accused Ed Woodward of mismanaging key details.
Others blamed the last-minute approach.
Meanwhile, the press devoured the story.
Headlines mocked the club for being “tricked by amateurs.”
Pundits questioned how a club of United’s size lacked better safeguards.
Rival fans had a field day, especially online.
A Lesson That Changed Club Policy
In the aftermath, Manchester United overhauled their transfer protocol.
They ensured future deals included verified legal representation.
Additionally, all agents had to register with both FIFA and national leagues.
No outsider could act on behalf of the club again.
The lesson cost millions, but it protected future signings.
United never revealed whether they pursued legal action.
However, law enforcement investigated the three conmen.
Their identities were never made public.
Some reports suggested they had targeted other clubs before.
The entire saga remains one of football’s strangest scandals.
Herrera Finally Joined the Next Year
Despite the chaos, Ander Herrera eventually got his move.
In the summer of 2014, Manchester United returned with an official bid.
This time, they followed every rule.
The buyout clause was paid in full, without delay.
Herrera signed and became a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
He brought energy, passion, and a strong connection with supporters.
Over the next five years, he made more than 180 appearances.
He won the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League.
Though his start was bizarre, his journey ended in respect.
Fans Still Talk About the Collapse Today
Supporters still joke about the infamous failed transfer.
It’s remembered as a symbol of United’s chaotic post-Ferguson era.
While humorous in hindsight, it exposed serious weaknesses.
The story serves as a cautionary tale for clubs across Europe.
Even now, young fans discover the bizarre saga online.
It stands out in the history of modern football.
Transfers usually break down due to money or egos—not fraud.
But in Herrera’s case, three imposters destroyed a multi-million euro deal.
Conclusion: One of Football’s Weirdest Moments
Football is full of drama, but few stories compare to this one.
Ander Herrera’s delayed move showed how unpredictable transfers can become.
Three strangers, posing as club officials, rewrote football history.
Fortunately, the player still reached his dream in the end.
But Manchester United will never forget the day fraud beat football.
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