Premier League 2018-19: 5 best free transfers till now

The hype of the FIFA World Cup 2018 is finally over after a month-long package of high-quality football and fans have got themselves some rest before their favourite clubs take the field again. But the managers of the clubs don't enjoy that privilege as they are now busy doing what they earn money for - building a strong squad.

It goes without saying that the current transfer market is a very inflated one. The zeros suffixing the numbers are staggering and all kinds of monetary records are being shattered, with Jurgen Klopp breaking the latest one on goalkeepers as he broke his bank to get the Brazilian shot-stopper Allison Becker in his team.

Yet, even in this market, there were a few quality players available for free. Let us now have a look at five such free signings made by Premier League clubs in 2018/19:

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#5 Rui Patricio - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Patricio terminated his contract with Sporting CP

The new entrants of the league, Wolverhampton Wanderers have made some impressive signings for the upcoming season, but they hit the jackpot with goalkeeper Rui Patricio. The Portuguese last line of defence was exemplary in his nation's title-winning Euro 2016 campaign and carried his form into the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Wolves had their eyes on Patricio for quite some time and were willing to pay till £18m. However, that was not required as Patricio terminated his contract with his childhood club Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Apparently, around 50 Sporting CP fans assaulted their players and support staff while they were training for a cup final against Aves.

That drove some players to terminate their contracts by citing the 'just cause', and Wolves had their man, the one they were willing to pay the moon for, for free.

#4 Ki Sung-yueng (Newcastle United)

The South Korean midfielder played a vital role for Swansea FC last year

Much like Palace, Newcastle United are also a bit stringent as far as financial expenses are concerned, which has frustrated many fans of late as they want their owner to spend more money.

However, their manager Rafael Benitez has managed to sneak out a superb free transfer in form of Ki Sung-yeung.

The 29-year-old South Korean midfielder arrives from the recently relegated side Swansea FC. Sung-yueng played two matches in the World Cup for his nation but had to sit on the bench in South Korea's historic 2-0 triumph over Germany owing to an injury.

He played 31 for Swansea last season and got his name on the scoresheet twice, and is expected to be a vital cog of The Magpies.

#3 Ryan Fredericks (West Ham United)

Fredericks is joining West Ham after a magnificent season with Fulham

According to the public opinion, West Ham United is the club that has made the best business in this transfer window.

While people tend to highlight their big budget signings like Issa Diop or Felipe Anderson, but let us not forget that they have managed to secure the signings of two great players for free.

One of them is Ryan Fredericks. The Englishman started his career in Tottenham Hotspur but found no luck in getting first-team chances.

Then came a series of loan spells and he finally found himself settled at Fulham. Last year was his career best when he not only helped his team to qualify for the Premier League but also was included in PFA Championship Team of the Year.

#2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (Arsenal)

Lichtsteiner will provide competition to Hector Bellerin for a first-team role

Amongst other significant footballing incidents of 2017/18, the resignation of Arsenal Football Club's manager stands out. Arsene Wenger finally decided that his days at the London-based club are over and it is time for a change.

The change that the Gooners longed for with Unai Emery and a string of impressive signings, but Stephan Lichtsteiner was the first.

The Swiss international arrived from Serie A giants Juventus Football Club after his contract expired.

The 34-year-old veteran has won fourteen trophies at the Italian club and will challenge inconsistent Hector Bellerin for the right-back role.

Some fans questioned his age, but he has played 32 games for Juventus last year and did a commendable job for his country in the World Cup, which highlights the tremendous work rate of this player.

#1 Jack Wilshere (West Ham United)

At 26, Wilshere is expected to be in his prime if he manages to stay fit

After Wenger, one of his trusted warriors Jack Wilshere found a new place for himself after he came to know that Emery doesn't have him in his plans.

Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini is aiming for greater things at West Ham and Jack Wilshere might help the team achieve what the coach wants them to.

The 26-year-old is expected to be in his peak if he manages to brush injuries aside for the entire, or at least the majority of the season.

The Stevenage-born played 38 games for Arsenal last year, and after 17 years, finds a new home at the London Stadium. Pellegrini has high expectations from his new hammer and Wilshere has got the ability to stand up to it.