From John Obi Mikel to Alexis Sanchez – 5 ultimate transfer-hijack signings by Jose Mourinho
By Luke Oluoch, July 27, 2026Real Madrid have emerged as shock frontrunners for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande. Despite heavy interest from Liverpool and PSG, Fabrizio Romano reports the player agreed to terms with Los Blancos on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and will complete the move shortly.
While Diomande’s late swoop reinforces the legendary tactical mind of the Portuguese that was never limited to the pitch, it also proves just how many considered him to be at his twilight coaching years.
His ability to manipulate transfer windows and outwit rival managers gave rise to some of football’s most infamous transfer hijackings.
Here is the list of those dramatic swoops.
1. Willian to Chelsea (2013)
One of the ultimate Premier League transfer heists. The winger had flown into London, completed a full medical at Tottenham’s training ground, and agreed to personal terms.
With Spurs waiting on paperwork to announce the deal, Mourinho called Anzhi Makhachkala and offered a higher fee while personally convincing the Brazilian winger to pick Stamford Bridge instead.
Willian diverted his cab across London to sign for Chelsea, prompting Mourinho’s infamous press quote: “That’s the danger of medicals before signing.”
2. Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United (2017)
Throughout the summer of 2017, Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea from Everton was widely considered a done deal.
Antonio Conte made Lukaku his primary striker target, but negotiating dragged on. Seeing an opening, Mourinho and Manchester United struck a surprise £75 million deal with Everton, the Wayne Rooney swap deal involved in the transfer making it reach fruition before Chelsea could realise what had just hit them. In no time, the Belgian was undergoing a medical in Los Angeles with United.
3. Pedro to Chelsea (2015)
Luis van Gaal’s Manchester United had pursued Barcelona winger Pedro for over a month and sent club representatives to finalise terms.
However, the player is reported to have been frustrated by United’s hesitation over his release clause, and when he received a direct phone call from Mourinho, everything fell into place within 48 hours.
The Portuguese convinced Pedro that he would play a central role in London, leading Chelsea to a deal done and instantly stealing the right in front of Man United’s grasp.
Alexis Sánchez to Manchester United (2018)
Pep Guardiola and Manchester United went up for Alexis Sánchez’s services, as he emerged as one of Arsenal’s top players during the 2017/18 campaign.
City were making headway in the pursuit of the Chile star and were widely expected to sign him from Arsenal in January 2018.
Refusing to let his direct arch-rival strengthen uncontested, Mourinho flew in.
He convinced Manchester United’s board to offer Arsenal a direct swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan while offering Sánchez a massive wage package. The rest was history as Sanchez came to wear the famous red of Manchester.
John Obi Mikel to Chelsea (2006)
One of the most bizarre sagas in transfer history, as reported and later told by the Nigerian midfielder in his own words.
Manchester United had actually announced the signing of 18-year-old John Obi Mikel from Lyn Oslo. However, Mourinho and Chelsea claimed to have made a prior agreement with the player’s agents, and in a strange turn of events, Mikel went into hiding, later claiming he was pressured into signing with United and actually wanted to join Mourinho.
Chelsea ultimately paid a fee to United and also to Lyn Oslo to settle the dispute and keep the midfielder at Stamford Bridge.