The 5 Best Free Transfers of the 21st Century

#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.