The 2026 January transfer window closed at 7pm on February 2nd, marking the end of transfer activities for clubs. The highlights included a significant incident involving a failed medical exam rather than a major signing.
During this window, players moved once clubs agreed on financial terms, completed essential documentation, and underwent medical checks.
Most transfers finalized successfully, but the spotlight fell on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who could not complete his move due to a failed medical.
AC Milan aimed to strengthen their attack and had shown keen interest in Mateta, who has scored 46 Premier League goals over six seasons and contributed to Palace’s first FA Cup win.
However, despite nearing an agreement, the deal collapsed when Milan identified that Mateta might need knee surgery for suspected inflammation after he failed his medical.
This unexpected outcome was notable, especially considering the volume of successful transfers during this period, yet Milan chose to withdraw from this deal.
While clubs have previously signed players with injury histories, Milan seemed cautious to minimize financial risks, especially since Mateta was anticipated to sign a long-term contract.
The Top Five Reasons For A Failed Medical
Historical Tissue Damage
This is a common reason players fail medicals.
Clubs may halt transfers not due to a player’s fitness but because of insurance concerns and long-term health risks.
A player with a notable history of tissue damage is Victor Boniface.
The Nigerian international, who made headlines for winning the Rookie Of The Month in the Bundesliga five times in a row, had his transfer to AC Milan fall through due to concerns over scar tissue.
Boniface, having suffered two Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures in his right knee, couldn’t complete the move after doctors found abnormalities during a thorough medical exam in August 2025.
Despite this setback, Boniface secured a season-long loan to Werder Bremen before the transfer window closed.
Currently, he is out for the season following successful surgery for his ongoing knee issues.
Several high-profile players have faced similar situations with their transfers failing due to tissue damage, including Hakim Ziyech (from Chelsea to Al Nassr), Nabil Fekir (from Lyon to Liverpool), and Demba Ba (from Hoffenheim to Stoke).
Cardiac Anomalies And Heart Health
Clubs tend to be cautious, especially with players who have heart irregularities, as the risks can extend beyond sports.
Before finalizing a transfer, a player must undergo an Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram to check for abnormal heart rhythms.
While many transfers have fallen through due to heart-related issues, the story of Nigerian and Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu stands out.
When Kanu was moving from Ajax to Inter Milan in 1996, doctors discovered a serious heart valve defect during his medical exam.
He underwent life-saving surgery, returned successfully to football, and had a celebrated career at Arsenal, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Community Shield.