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As the January transfer window comes to a close, teams will start formulating their plans for the remainder of the season.
Transfer fees in the game have skyrocketed over the last few years. Paul Pogba’s move to Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain’s acquisition of Neymar Jr were two transfers that inflated the market.
However, many other quality players are still signed for cut-price deals or even on free transfers.
Free transfer is a smart way to combat transfer expenses
A free transfer, also known as Bosman, happens when a team signs an out-of-contact player. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teams opted against extending contracts of some players due to financial reasons.
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Ligue 1 leaders PSG were one of the clubs to snap up some of these superstars. They acquired as many as four players on free transfers last summer. On that note, let’s have a look at the five most significant free transfers of 2021:
#5 Edin Dzeko (Inter Milan)
Edin Dzeko was signed by Serie A champions Inter Milan on a free transfer. Despite winning their 19th scudetto, the Milan-based club had to offload some of their stars due to their financial woes. After selling Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi for substantial transfer fees, they signed Dzeko on a Bosman.
The Bosnian marksman has filled Lukaku’s big shoes with ease. Dzeko has nine goals and four assists in 22 Serie A appearances this season. The Inter number 9 has three goals and one assist in the Champions League as well.
Considering the €113 million Inter received for Lukaku, they will be more than pleased with Dzeko’s output. The former Manchester City centre-forward has signed a two-year deal with the Nerazzurri, and has formed a lethal partnership with Lautaro Martinez.
#4 Sergio Ramos (PSG)
After a highly successful 15-year career in the Spanish capital, Sergio Ramos left Real Madrid last summer. The legendary centre-back was among a host of big-name signings made by Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG.
The 35-year-old has accomplished everything for both club and country. He has achieved more than most of the players on this list. However, his contributions to PSG have been close to negligible, as he barely appeared enough for them due to injuries. Hence, he ranks only fourth on this list.
The four-time Champions League winner has only appeared four times in Ligue 1. During his stint in Paris, he will be eager to take a few young defenders under his wing. The likes of Thilo Kehrer and even the experienced Marquinhos could learn plenty from Ramos.
#3 David Alaba (Real Madrid)
David Alaba has replaced Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid pretty well, having arrived from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. The Austrian can play various roles ranging from left-back to central attacking midfield. The versatile Austrian is largely deployed as a centre-back at Madrid in his debut season.
While Ramos has barely taken the field for PSG, Alaba has been a regular under manager Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid. The 29-year-old has already accumulated 29 appearances for Los Blancos, including 20 in La Liga.
The technically gifted defender has also contributed in attack, bagging two goals and four assists. Given Alaba still has at least a few years at the top level, he seems to be a better transfer than the more accomplished Ramos.
#2 Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Gianluigi Donnarumma has made waves since making his AC Milan debut in 2015. The Italian goalkeeper was always seen as the successor to Gianluigi Buffon at international level. However, at club level, they have had pretty different experiences.
While Buffon won many Serie A titles, Donnarumma’s AC Milan struggled to qualify for the Champions League. That prompted the youngster to switch to a much more potent side like PSG. He was splendid during his last season with Milan, where the Rossoneri finished second.
Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Although his potential has been well known, he started making headlines only in 2021. The PSG shot-stopper was awarded the Best Player for his heroics in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
#1 Lionel Messi (PSG)
Lionel Messi stunned the footballing fraternity when he parted ways with Barcelona last summer. The Argentine has been one of the best goalscorers during the last two decades. Moreover, he is renowned for his silky smooth dribbling and precise passing.
La Pulga was key in Argentina’s Copa America triumph in 2021. Despite being in his mid-30s, Messi is valued at €60 million. Acquiring a player of Messi’s ilk on a free transfer is akin to daylight robbery.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored five goals in as many Champions League outings for PSG this season. However, he has scored only once in 12 Ligue 1 games.
The Ligue 1 giants signed Messi, Donnarumma and Ramos to try and win their first-ever Champions League. The former Barcelona talisman will put his best foot forward to ensure that happens. PSG take on Real Madrid in the Round of 16 in three weeks time.
