5 of the Best FREE Transfers of the Modern Era

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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.

5 James Milner (Manchester City to Liverpool)

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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.

4 Sol Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal)

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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.

3 Paul Pogba (Manchester United to 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.

2 Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich)

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.

#1 Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan to Juventus)

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Complimenti Capitano!! Di nuovo a casa 👍

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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.

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