It’s not always the transfer fee that determines that footballer’s success at a club, and the Fan Park crew has listed five such examples. These five players are some of the best bargain buys in history!
Xabi Alonso - Real Madrid to Bayern Munich £8 million
There's no doubt that the retired Spanish international remains one of the best passers of a football, so it came as a bit of a surprise to see Alonso get sold to Bayern. This season, so far, the 33-year-old has played 18 games and assisted three goals from holding midfield. We thought this move may have signalled the slow road to retirement for Alonso, but with his team in terrific form, he has been praised for consistent performances and featured regularly for the Bundesliga giants.
Andrea Pirlo – Milan to Juventus – Free
All three seasons Pirlo has spent at Juventus, the club has won the league. He left AC Milan after his contract expired, and went on to shine even brighter in what were supposed to be his last few seasons at the highest level. He is still today regarded as Italy’s best ever playmaker.
Alessandro Del Piero – Padova to Juventus 420,927.82
If you look at all Del Piero has achieved at Juventus, his transfer fee from Padova has to be seen as a steal! The diminutive Italian forward played a pivotal role in black and white, scoring 290 goals for the Italian giants over 22 years the club. His name will forever be remembered as one of the best Italian footballers of all time.
Nicholas Anelka – Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal - £500,000
Nicknamed ‘Le Sulk’ by football media, Anelka was once regarded as a massive talent. His move from PSG to Arsenal in February 1997 was seen as a great buy, as the promising striker had all the potential in the world. In his second season with The Gunners, he scored 17 goals and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Peter Schmeichel – Brøndby to Manchester United £505,000
The Danish goalkeeper was relatively unknown when he was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, but after some incredible success, he became regarded as Manchester United’s best ever goalkeeper. He played a major role in United's success, lifting five league titles in eight seasons. His last game for the Red Devils was the Champions League final in 1999 – where they wrapped up a historic treble. After he left, it took United six years to find a suitable replacement in Edwin van der Sar.
Do you agree that these footballers can be regarded as bargain deals? Let us know in the comments section below.
