Picking up world-class players for a cut price is an art. Often overlooked and forgotten in the wake of expensive flops. These deals proved both financially lucrative and consistently beneficial.
Signing a player as a Premier League club is often a highly publicised affair. Subject to intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, deals more than often have proved to be not worth the paper they were signed on. Which is why its all the more important, to remember the greatest deals in Premier League history.
In some cases footballers have been plucked from foreign leagues and brought to the Prem. Before being catapulted to European stardom or sold for five times their initial price. The managers and scouts obviously here saw great potential. They saw players that were susceptible to the bright lights and the big city and that had a raw talent that needed to be moulded.
In other instances players have been brought in to fill a hole in an existing team. They’ve performed consistently and excelled in the Premier League, proving key to their teams performances and even trophies. Then upon departure, have been almost impossible shoes to fill.
Feast your eyes.
Robin Van Persie: £2.75million
Before moving to United for £25million, Wenger signed the Dutch star for a tenth of that in 2004. Image Source: Twitter
Tim Cahill: £1.5 million
The Aussie forward spent eight years with Everton, scoring over 60 goals in the process and holds legendary status with the Toffees. Image Source: Twitter
Sami Hyypia: £2.6million
The honorary scouser still is a cult hero at Anfield. A rock in defence and one of the Premier Leagues greatest ever centre-backs. Liverpool did an exceptional piece of business in capturing the Finn. Image Source: Twitter
Josh King: £1million
The Cherries bought King from Blackburn in 2015. Since he has dodged Premier League defences and converted 23 goals for often struggling Bournemouth. Image Source: Twitter.
Seamus Coleman: £60k
Though recently suffering a nasty injury, Seamus Coleman has been a solid addition to the Everton side. A formidable presence at right-back both defending and attacking. Image Source: Twitter
Cristiano Ronaldo: £12.24million
Alright, 12 million might seem a lot. But Fergie's genius in signing CR7 in 2003 is undoubted. Later sold for a world-record breaking £80-million. The best player on the planet.
Image Source: Twitter
Chris Samba: £450k
A towering presence at the back, Samba was instrumental in Blackburn's league campaigns in his five years at the club.
Image Source: Twitter
Cesc Fabregas: Free
One of the best passers of the ball ever to play in the Premier League and current-Premier League champion, Cesc Fabregas, was bought by Wenger at just 16 for absolutely nothing #WengerIn. Image Source: Twitter
Brad Friedel: Free
The American giant was brought to the Premier League by Liverpool for £1.7million. He would go on to make 450 appearances for Blackburn, Tottenham and Aston Villa. Unreal value for every club.
Image Source: Twitter
Jay Jay Okocha: Free
Allardyce pulled a rabbit out the hat with Okocha in 2004. A magical footballer who made over 100 appearances for Bolton.
Image Source: Twitter
Patrick Vieira: £3.5million
Vieira was by no means cheap. But his formidable presence in midfield and invincible status, means his value to the Gunners was priceless. Image Source: Twitter.
Nicolas Anelka: £500k
Anelka was somewhat of a serial dater in his later years. Prolific for Arsenal though in his early days and after sold to Madrid for £22 million. Anelka was a steal. Image Source: Twitter
You’d be hard pressed to find a bargain better than these lot. Though some of the prices may enter into the millions, the contributions the players made to their destination way exceed their price tag. From towering keepers, through strong defenders and pacey attackers, the Premier League has seen its fair share of clever business.
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