Hello, everyone.
There are two Arabic sayings "If it is expensive, it is good", and "If it was good, it wouldn't be free", the latter one rhymes in Arabic BTW. In today's top five, we serve a counterpoint to both sayings. Ever since Bosman's ruling was introduced into the football world, we saw plenty of players change clubs without a transfer-fee plaid for them.
There are players who prove that free deals bring enormous benefits to the clubs who get them. Although, I did write a post a few days ago pointing to the danger of such deals. Here are five free transfer deals that changed history.
5- Robert Lewandowski
We start with the best player of 2020, the player who has won the Bundesliga ever since his arrival at Bayern Munich. Robert Lewandowski was the top scorer of everything last year and this one. The winner of Bundesliga best player five times. Robert Lewandowski scored over 200 goals with Bayern Munich so far and was the main pillar in their treble-winning season.
Robert Lewandowski managed to be the first Polish player to win the best in the world award, he returned such awards back into the Bundesliga after almost 40 years of the league players missing out on the award. He brought back respect for the classic number 9 player in a time where it seems to have been last. Robert Lewandowski deserved his place in history.
4- Andrea Pirlo
The best player in Serie A for three years in a row. Pirlo came for free to Juventus after getting benched by AC Milan. A new city and club after he was seen to ruin the balance in AC Milan. Pirlo has the first assist in Juventus' new stadium during hardships that the club was going through, the club had collapsed the year before, and for the first few games under Conte, Juventus were completely dependant on the Italian Maestro.
Pirlo's position doesn't allow him to have the big impressive numbers but he was present in every big game Juventus had, leading the team from behind and controlling the game's tempo. He was the foundation of the four midfield along with Marchisio, Vidal, and Pogba. Nine years, Juventus dominated Italian football and even got close to Champions League glory had it not been for Barca's MSN.
3- Steve McManaman
We go all the way back to 1998 for this when Steve McManaman moved to Real Madrid. Perhaps the best player to represent Britain outside its border. He was an important part of Real Madrid's midfield that helped them win the Champions League in 2000 and 2002. He helped Real Madrid win two league titles, he was someone always fighting for the team. One of a few British players to have left their clubs outside of Britain with only fund memories.
2- Sol Campbel
This one is just delicious for me as an Arsenal supporter. Imagine being the leader of a team that has a bitter rivalry then choosing to go to their rivals. After 12 years of loyalty, Spurs' Judas moved to Arsenal and improved their defense immensely.
He played an important part in leading the team toward two league titles including the golden league title. Campbel was rock solid in Arsenal's backline. With him present, England felt safe at the back as well. A player, who ever since he left, Arsenal hasn't brought in a player to replace his value.
Sol Campbel is definitely a free transfer deal that made his way into the books of history for both his value and role at Arsenal as well as his transfer between two bitter rivals.
Honorable Mentions
It was tough picking a number one for this list. So here are quick honorable mentions.
1- Pogba: His move to Juventus played a huge part in them dominating Serie A and reaching the final of the Champions League twice
2- Ballack: His move from Bayern Munich to Chelsea helped the blues reach their first Champions League final, a final they lost on penalties.
3- Gianluca Vialli: Whose move from Juventus to Chelsea played a huge part in keeping the blues competitive and played a part in the subsequent purchase of Abramovich to the club
4- Luis Enrique: The last player who moved directly from Real Madrid to Barcelona, playing a huge part in winning major trophies with Barcelona as a player and a manager.
1- Esteban Cambiasso
The player who moved for free from Real Madrid to Inter Milan. What could you say about a player who won the league five times in a row until winning the treble with Inter? Many names might not remember this as other names from Inter dominate the front pages from that era but Cambiasso was the pillar on which Mourinho's tactics stood.
A perfect balance between defense and attack. A player who gave an unforgettable epic performance against Pep Guardiola when Inter won 3-1
at Inter's stadium. The player who was present at the final that Inter won.
Cambiasso went to Inter for free, but he is a player that causes many Inter Milan fans to brag about winning the treble when discussing AC Milan fans who have more Champions League titles or Juventus who have more league titles.
The End
Those are my picks for the best free transfer players who changed history, let me know if you are aware of players I failed to mention that belong in the list. Thank you for reading.