Best XI of Free Transfers (2000-2017)

Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers - Premier League
Friedel currently holds the record of the most consecutive appearances in the Premier League

Midfielder: Paul Pogba

AC Milan v Juventus FC - TIM Cup Final
Pogba's move to Juventus is regarded as one of the best free transfers of all time

Manchester United did not show a lot of faith in the talent of Paul Pobga and as a result, the Frenchman left England to join Juventus on a free transfer in 2012. He grasped that opportunity to unleash his full potential.

As a Bianconero, Pogba won 4 Serie A titles, 2 Italian Cups and 1 Italian Super Cup. He won the Golden Boy award in 2013 and he was voted 3 times as a member of the Serie A Team of the Year. He scored 34 times and provided 43 assists for the Turin club before Manchester United breaks the world-record fee to get him back in 2016.

During his time at Juve, Pogba established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world as his role in the club's domestic and European dominance was crucial.


Midfielder: Andrea Pirlo

Juventus v FC Barcelona  - UEFA Champions League Final
Milan thought Pirlo was past his best in 2011 and as a result, the Maestro joined Juventus as a free agent

Pirlo's sensational move from AC Milan to Juventus as a free agent in 2011 marked the start of Juventus dominance in Italy and the subsequent end of the Rossoneri's reign.

AC Milan's administration thought that Pirlo can not give anything more to the club and as a result, they decided not to renew his contract. Thus, the Maestro left Milan after 10 years to join rivals Juventus in 2011, winning 4 consecutive Serie A titles, 1 Coppa Italia and 2 Italian Super Cups with his new club.

He was named 4 times as a member of the Serie A Team of the Year, 3 times Serie A Player of the Year, a member of the Europa League Team of the Season in 2014 and a member of the Champions League Team of the Season in 2015.


Midfielder: Esteban Cambiasso

SSC Napoli v FC Internazionale Milano - Serie A
Cambiasso is one of the most brilliant midfielders to have played in the Serie A

Cambiasso's move to Inter is regarded by a lot of people as the best free transfer in the history of football given his role in the Nerazzurri's dominance from 2005 to 2010.

After he was seldom used at Santiago Bernabeu, the Argentinian left Madrid to join Inter as a free agent in 2004. He stayed there for 10 years, making 431 appearances. Cambiasso won 5 Serie A titles, 4 Italian Cups, 4 Italian Super Cups, 1 FIFA World Club Cup and of course the Champions League in 2010.

A versatile and dynamic midfielder, Cambiasso wrote history with Inter establishing himself as one of the most consistent, intelligent and influential players to ever wear the colors of the Nerazzurri.

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Edited by Ben Roberts
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