BBC’s The Traitors has returned – the hit show will be watched by many, but the celeb version lacks one certain element. Where are all the footballers?
We’ll take a look at five footballers who we feel could’ve performed well on The Traitors, based on their traitorous exploits in the transfer market. Here are four of the most infamous transfers in Premier League history – we were all deceived by these betrayals – and one MASSIVE one from La Liga.
Jack Colback
We’ll start off the list with a big one – Jack Colback’s move from Sunderland to Newcastle United was seen as a cardinal sin by the Black Cats. In 2014, Colback infamously shushed the Newcastle fans after he scored in the Tyne-Wear Derby – just four months later, he joined them on a free transfer.
A small enclave of Sunderland fans created a much-maligned banner of Colback hanging from a noose – while this was an extreme example, it was a raw and gloves-off reflection of the disdain they felt towards his transfer to Newcastle.
In the immediate aftermath of Colback’s move to St. James’ Park, he admitted that he believed Sunderland fans will ‘hate him for the rest of his life’ – and he was probably right.
Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole earned himself the nickname of ‘Cashley Cole’ when he made the jump from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006 partly for, by his own admission, more money.
Arsenal fans waved £20 notes at him when the two teams met later that year. Previously, he had contacted Chelsea regarding a possible transfer in 2005, turning the situation into an outright scandal.
Cole may have won the lot at Chelsea – but was it worth it? Perhaps this is a question that Cole’s agent should answer.
Nick Barmby
Nick Barmby said that he wished to represent Everton on the international stage at Euro 2000. This might’ve been true – but by the start of the 2000/01 season, Barmby had made the jump across the Mersey to join bitter rivals Liverpool.
To rub salt in the wounds, Barmby would go on to score against Everton in the Merseyside Derby, celebrating wildly after doing so. It was the first of just two Premier League goals Barmby would ever score for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Barmby admitted that he wanted to play for Liverpool over Everton and denied claims that he was a ‘money-grabber’. Whatever the case, Barmby will remain a name spoken only disdain around Everton circles.
Luis Figo
For many, Luis Figo’s move from Barcelona to Real Madrid is the most controversial of all time. Figo was a leading figure at Barcelona – to even consider a move to their bitterest rivals was unthinkable.
Regardless, the move happened when Madrid activated his minimum fee release clause in the summer of 2000. Barca fans were enraged and they let Figo know about it.
Their fury culminated in an infamous incident in 2002 during the El Clasico, where a Barcelona fan threw a pig’s head at Figo from the crowd. Figo was a brilliant player, but this transfer is his legacy.
Sol Campbell
No Premier League transfer has caused a wildfire of fury quite like Sol Campbell’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in the summer of 2001. Even 24 years later, Spurs fans still hold Campbell in bitter contempt.
In July 2001, Campbell’s contract expired. Spurs offered him a deal that would have seen him become the club’s highest paid player – however, this was not enough for Campbell, who said he felt more ‘protected’ at Arsenal. As such, he made the short journey across North London to join the Gunners.
To make matters worse for Spurs fans, Campbell was a roaring success at Arsenal. He won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and he was also a key member of the Invincibles squad in 2003-04.