Deadline Day: Liverpool see late move collapse, Jermain Defoe gets his last dance

Michael Graham
1 February 2022

As per usual, clubs left it late and not everything went entirely to plan.

The January transfer window closed on Monday night after a frantic day, but there was still time for some late drama.

Liverpool got stung, while Sunderland fans got a rare reason to rejoice.

Let's wrap up the late deals.

Liverpool deal collapses

Liverpool suffered deadline day frustration as they saw their late move for Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho collapse.

The Reds had agreed a fee for the 19-year-old but left themselves precious little time to get the deal over the line.

Ultimately, the deal has fallen through due to Fulham's insistence he return to the Cottagers immediately on loan.

Fabio Carvalho deal has collapsed. Medical done in Liverpool but paperworks were not fully signed before the Deadline. Clubs had full agreement but they knew they where in a ‘race against time’ 🚨🇵🇹 #LFC

Liverpool, Fulham and Carvalho will try to find a solution for summer move. pic.twitter.com/XtGAI28FC6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022

The Liverpool Echo reported the EFL refused to allow a deal sheet, meaning the deal collapsed.

Carvalho is out of contract in the summer, though, meaning Liverpool will be able to agree a pre-contract with him after the season has finished. Unless they can agree a fee with Fulham, a lengthy tribunal process will be needed to determine the compensation Fulham are due.

Fulham nab Neco

One deal Fulham and Liverpool could agree on, though, was Neco Williams moving to the Championship side on loan for the rest of the season.

After completing the deal, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan said: "Neco is a great young talent and I'm delighted to welcome him to Fulham for the rest of the season.

Welcome to Fulham, @necowilliams01! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿#SUPERSONEC
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 1, 2022

"It's important, especially with Denis [Odoi] now leaving the Club, to bring in a player of Neco's quality to ensure the strength of the squad."

Jermain Defoe gets his last dance

He might be 39 years old now, but it came as no surprise that Jermain Defoe was a man in demand after leaving Rangers in January.

His first choice was always former club Sunderland, though, and he saw that move materialise to absolute delirium on Wearside.

Defoe said: "I can't stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons. I've had so many messages saying, 'remember when you said you would come back', as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave.

🔜 One Last Dance. #SAFC | #DefoeHomecoming pic.twitter.com/KQImGtQKMB
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 1, 2022

"I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted. I want to be a part of more special times here and I'm looking forward to it."

Sunderland were not done there either, with Fleetwood youngster Jay Matete moving to the north east for a 'substantial' fee, thought to be in excess of £500,000.