ADEM LJAJIC’S “ghost switch” to Manchester United prompted the midfielder “psychological shock”.
The Serbian was dubbed the “subsequent Kaka” after making his senior debut for Partizan Belgrade aged simply 16.
Adem Ljajic’s (proper) transfer to Manchester United collapsed on the final minuteCredit score: Getty – Contributor
The failed transfer prompted Ljajic ‘psychological shock’Credit score: Getty
His stand up the ranks in his homeland even caught the eye of United, who provided trials to Ljajic and team-mate Zoran Tosic.
A 17-year-old Ljajic impressed on trial with the Pink Devils in October 2008 and he was even taken for dinner by compatriot Nemanja Vidic.
Future transfers had been agreed for each gamers just for Ljajic’s dream transfer to break down on the final minute.
Whereas Tosic signed for United in January 2009, the membership agreed for Ljajic to stay at Partizan till the top of the yr.
After visiting Carrington a number of instances for coaching throughout the next months, United pulled the plug on the £9million deal to signal Ljajic simply weeks after his final journey.
A membership assertion on the time defined: “We had an choice to purchase the participant however, having carefully monitored his improvement over the previous 12 months, and considered the younger gamers rising by means of the ranks on the membership, we’ve got not chosen to pursue the switch.”
Regardless of claims cash and Ljajic’s type had been accountable for the deal falling by means of, United assistant supervisor Mike Phelan as an alternative steered securing a piece allow was the difficulty.
In the meantime, Partizan boss Goran Stevanovic credited Ljajic for “dealing with the scenario nicely” and “overcoming the psychological shock”.
Ljajic has since gone on to play elite degree soccer away from Previous Trafford.
Having already been an under-21 worldwide when he trialled with United, the 32-year-old has 9 objectives in 47 senior caps for Serbia.
He additionally featured for his nation in all three of their matches on the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
At membership degree, he later signed for Fiorentina in 2010 earlier than spells with Roma, Inter Milan and Torino throughout his time in Italy.
Ljajic additionally performed in Turkey for Besiktas and Fatih Karamguruk in recent times earlier than returning to Serbia final month.
He signed for hometown membership Novi Pazar in September, even scoring on his debut.
As for Tosic, he remained with United for simply 18 months, making 5 first-team appearances earlier than being offered to CSKA Moscow in 2010.
Now aged 36, he performs in Greece for PAS Lamia following a return to Partizan and spells in China and Kazakhstan.
He additionally gained 76 caps for Serbia throughout his worldwide profession, together with one on the 2010 World Cup, scoring 11 objectives.
United pulled out of signing Ljajic however accomplished the signing of compatriot Zoran TosicCredit score: Getty – Contributor