The 7 Worst and Weirdest Transfer Sagas and Mishaps from West Ham

LONDON – OCTOBER 18: Jermain Defoe of West Ham evades a tackle by Mo Camara of Burnley during the Nationwide League Division One match between West Ham United and Burnley at Upton Park on October 18, 2003 in London. (Photo by Craig Prentis/Getty Images)

6. Jermain Defoe to Spurs

Defoe was a bright light of West Ham’s younger stars. He looked to be the next product of the youth academy, even if we nicked him at 17 from Charlton. All the signs were there that he could be a darling of the East End and become a true club legend. Until the team were relegated that was.

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Within 24 hours Defoe had handed in a transfer request stating:

"“As much as I love West Ham United I feel that now is the right time for me to move on in my career. This is very much a career decision. I am very ambitious and hungry to achieve at the highest levels of the game for both club and country.”"

Now whilst some players can get away with a request, it’s hard to swallow less than a day after your club has been relegated. The fans were furious and the club rejected his request, forcing him to stay at the club.

He started life in the Championship but his outright refusal to sign a new contract as well as his tendency to get sent off (3 times in the first half of the season) forced the club’s hand. He was sold to Tottenham for 7m and Bobby Zamora moving the other way.

With better timing and maybe not moving to Spurs Defoe could have been remembered fondly. As it is some never wanted him back at the club. Betrayal lasts in the memory.