The nature of the transfer window means that many deals come close to happening, but never materialise.
Some come ridiculously close.
A recent example was Marc Guehi’s Liverpool move, which saw him complete a medical and sign all papers, only to be told he wouldn’t be leaving in the final hours of the window.
Dave Edwards has a similar story from his playing days, involving a former Chelsea, Aston Villa and Fulham midfielder, who almost signed for Wolves.
Dave Edwards tells brilliant Steve Sidwell story where Wolves move falls apart at the last second
As a midfielder for the Old Gold at the time, Edwards must not have been thrilled to see a similar profile of player coming through the door at Molineux.
Steve Sidwell was heavily linked with Wolves, going as far as to arrive for his medical.
Speaking on The Official Wolves Podcast, Edwards recalls: “I remember, we had Steve Sidwell linked to Wolves. Everyone expected him to come in.
“He came in for the medical, and he was actually on that chair in the corner of the physio room while everyone else was in there, doing his tests in a Wolves training kit.”
Usually, donning a club’s badge is a good indicator of a move gone through, but no.
He continues: “You thought it was a done deal. And then his agent just pops his head through the door, and says, ‘Steve, can I have a quick word with you?’
“So he unstraps himself out of the machine, heads out, and we never saw him again. The following day, he signs for Fulham.”
Edwards was probably glad of the development, but from a Wolves perspective, it would have been an interesting signing.
Wolves had a similar situation with Ivan Toney in 2014
Just a couple of seasons later, Wolves were close to confirming a deal for then Northampton Town striker Ivan Toney. The 18-year-old was a promising striker who Wolves were prepared to pay £500,000 for.
The agreement was reached, the player was introduced at the club, but an issue arose on the medical that raised alarms.
The medical team at Molineux discovered Toney had scoliosis in his back and they called off the purchase.
In hindsight, that wasn’t the right decision, as Toney went on to find great success in the Premier League.
It’s just another ‘what could have been’ moment.