The 5 Best Free Transfers of the 21st Century

The transfer window is fast approaching its deadline. Apart from the English clubs, all other teams are still in the market looking for players who could strengthen them.

The transfer window of 2018 has been no different to its predecessors. Clubs across the globe have splashed the cash to acquire their dream targets. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin sent shock-waves throughout the world and is the most expensive signing of the summer till date.

The transfer window, however, is a very tricky environment where the quantum of investment doesn’t always equate to the returns obtained. Fernando Torres and Angel Di Maria are examples of players who failed to justify their price-tag. Over the years, there have also been several occasions where the returns have been exponentially higher than the investment made. Through the course of this article, we would look at some of these players.

As a tribute to the shrewdness portrayed, I have compiled a list of the 5 best free transfers in the 21st century. The players considered are those that have been signed on a free transfer, thus ignoring those who have shifted bases on swap deals.

Without wasting further time, let us look at the best free transfers of this century:

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#5 James Milner (Manchester City to Liverpool)

James Milner was signed by Klopp in the summer of 2015 after the former refused to commit to Manchester City. Though he had a slow start at Anfield, he has now established himself as their midfield general.

Milner had a sensational Champions League campaign last time out and ended up with the most number of assists, en route Liverpool’s charge to the final. In addition to this, he lent solidity and was a calming influence in midfield after the departure of Coutinho.

Milner’s biggest attribute is his versatility. He can play as a winger, as a holding midfielder or even as a fullback. Hence, he is a manager’s delight and it comes as no surprise that Klopp absolutely loves him.

With Liverpool planning an assault on the title this term, Milner will have a crucial role to play. A player of his calibre would easily have been worth 25-30m in today’s market. Liverpool pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they signed him for free in the market. Therefore, he slots in at No.5 on our list.

#4 Sol Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal)

Campbell was a colossus for Arsenal

Sol Campbell’s move to Arsenal in 2001 is one of the most controversial transfers ever. After more than a decade at Spurs, Campbell chose to hop across North London. He switched the white of Spurs for the red and white of their most bitter rivals, Arsenal.

The burly, strong defender was one of Arsene Wenger’s best signings ever. After Tony Adams hung up his boots, Arsenal required an enforcer of the same ilk and their prayers were answered in the form of Campbell.

Campbell enjoyed a chequered career at Arsenal and stood like an impenetrable wall throughout their ‘Invincibles’ campaign. He ended up with a couple of FA cups and a Premier League trophy at Arsenal.

Campbell was one of the greatest footballing brains Arsenal ever had and was a real leader. Such players are at a premium these days. In today’s market, Campbell would have been worth 50-60m. Hence, Arsenal’s decision to bring him to Highbury was one of the shrewdest pieces of business the club has ever conducted. The fact that he was signed from Spurs made it sweeter.

Thus, he ranks at No.4 on our list.

#3 Paul Pogba (Manchester United to Juventus)

Pogba enjoyed his stint at Juventus

Juventus plucked Paul Pogba from the Manchester United grapevine in 2012. He became a household name in Turin before moving back to the red half of Manchester in 2016, for a then world-record fee.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United didn’t show a lot of faith in the flashy Frenchman. However, he was given the opportunity to flourish in Turin and he grabbed his chance with both hands.

He amassed 128 appearances over four years, scoring 28 goals in the process. Alongside Pirlo and Vidal, he realised his true potential and was touted to become the best midfielder on the planet. The triumvirate of Vidal, Pirlo and Pogba bossed games, week in, week out and helped the Old Lady to the Scudetto on a number of occasions.

Juventus made a huge profit when they sold him in 2016. However, the development of a world-class talent into a world-class midfielder was worth much more than that.

The Old Lady showed incredible faith in signing an unknown flamboyant Frenchman and making him the world-beater he is today.

It comes as no surprise that he takes the No.3 slot on our list.

#2 Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich)

Lewandowski has been reliable in front of goal for Bayern

After four fruitful years at the Signal Iduna Park, Lewandowski decided to make the switch to Dortmund’s rivals, Bayern Munich.

He was an instant hit at Bayern and has helped them to the Bundesliga in every season since then. Over the course of his 126 appearances, he has bagged 106 goals. The Polish striker has helped Bayern re-establish their dominance over the Bundesliga.

A poacher par excellence, he is a vital cog in the Bayern machine. Bayern fans would hope that he can put the transfer rumours behind him and fire on all cylinders in 2018. He has started on the right note, scoring a hat-trick against Frankfurt in the German Super Cup.

A striker of his ability would have cost in excess of a hundred million. Thus, for Bayern to win the race for his signature and sign him on a free transfer was astuteness personified.

Hence, the Polish hitman and his transfer from Dortmund gets the runner-up spot.

#1 Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan to Juventus)

Pirlo put on stellar performances for Juventus

When Andrea Pirlo moved to Juventus in 2011, a lot of eyebrows were raised. AC Milan had not only let their best midfielder join their rival, they had also let him leave on a free transfer.

After a prolonged period of trouble for Juventus, Pirlo’s signing came as a breath of fresh air and instilled confidence that the Old Lady could again compete for the globe’s biggest prizes.

Pirlo enjoyed his time in Turin and ended up winning the Seria A in each of his four seasons. He formed a formidable trio with Vidal and Pogba throughout his tenure. He also helped Juventus reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2015.

Under Conte, Pirlo enjoyed a new lease of life, playing as a deep-lying playmaker. He put in scintillating performances week after week and controlled games with his astronomical technical ability.

Pirlo is one of the greatest midfielders to have graced the beautiful game and Juventus pulled off a masterstroke when they signed him for free in 2011.

Signing a midfielder of his quality was a bargain in the truest sense and hence qualifies to be the best free transfer of the 21st century.