5 most important signings in Barcelona's history

#1 Johan Cruyff

The man who created a whole new philosophy of ‘total football’, Johan Cruyff is rightly considered by many to be one of the most important people in football's history. Cruyff redefined the way the game was played and won the Ballon d'Or award an incredible 3 times (1971,1973,1974) during his stellar career.

In the summer of 1973, FC Barcelona came calling for the “Flying Dutchman” and signed him for a then world record transfer fee of $2 million. His arrival at Barcelona helped the Catalan giants put behind their arch-rivals Real Madrid as they thrashed them 5-0 at the Bernabeu and claimed a first La Liga title in 14 years.

Dutch journalist Hubert Smeets wrote: "Cruyff was the first player who understood that he was an artist, and the first who was able and willing to collectivise the art of sports". A player who truly made the game beautiful, the late great Johan Cruyff will forever remain immortal in the minds of football supporters.

The impact Johan Cruyff had on Barcelona cannot be summarised in words. The brain behind Barcelona’s philosophy and La Masia, Cruyff went on to manage his beloved Barcelona with great success guiding the Catalan giants to both domestic and European silverware.

Johan Cruyff almost singlehandedly made Barcelona from a very good club to a great club.