Signing elite players on a free transfer is still one of football’s greatest coups in the ever-inflating transfer market. In football history, some of the greatest players have changed teams for free, creating a lasting impression. The top 10 free transfers of the twenty-first century are listed here, arranged by impact, legacy, and success.
10. Celtic -> Barcelona, 2004; Henrik Larsson
Even though Larsson was brought on as a backup, he was crucial to Barcelona’s victory in Europe. His role in the 2006 Champions League final solidified his reputation as a legend.
Principal Accomplishments at Barcelona:
— One Champions League, two La Liga titles
– Contributed two assists against Arsenal in the 2006 UCL final.
Ronaldinho and Xavi praised him as the game-changer in that final.
A brief but crucial stint at Barça that changed everything.
9. (Tottenham → Arsenal, 2001) Sol Campbell
Campbell’s transfer from Spurs to Arsenal was one of the most contentious decisions in football history, but it turned out to be a brilliant move for the Gunners.
Principal Accomplishments at Arsenal:
211 games, two Premier League championships
A vital member of the 2003–04 “Invincibles” team
In the 2006 Champions League final, he scored.
a cornerstone of defence for one of the greatest Arsenal teams ever.
8. Thiago Silva (Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 2020)
When Silva departed PSG, many thought he was past his best, yet he ended up becoming a crucial leader in Chelsea’s defence.
Principal Accomplishments at Chelsea:
— 155 shows
Crucial to Chelsea’s Champions League victory in 2021
— 2021–2022 Premier League Team of the Season
among the greatest defenders in football history.
7. Dani Alves (Penn Saint-Germain → Juventus, 2017)
Alves resumed his trophy-filled career at PSG, where he was already among the most decorated players in history.
Important accomplishments at PSG:
— 8 awards in 2 seasons, 73 appearances
— 2017–18 Ligue 1 Team of the Year
Contributed to PSG’s dominance in French football
Among the all-time great right-backs.
6. James Milner (Liverpool → Manchester City, 2015)
Although Milner was a free agent when he joined, his leadership, adaptability, and experience made him a vital part of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool makeover.
Principal Accomplishments at Liverpool:
— 332 games, 46 assists, 26 goals
One FA Cup, one Premier League, and one Champions League
— Most assists (8 in 2017–18) in a single Champions League season
an unsung hero of Liverpool’s heyday and a diligent worker.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 2016)
Many questioned Zlatan’s capacity to excel in the Premier League at the age of 34. He promptly disproved them.
Principal Accomplishments at Manchester United:
— In 2016–17, 29 goals in 53 games
— Won the EFL Cup and Europa League
In the 2017 EFL Cup final, he scored twice.
Despite his stay was cut short by injuries, he made a lasting impression.
4. Manchester United vs. Juventus, Paul Pogba, 2012
Pogba departed Manchester United at the age of 19 because he wasn’t getting enough playing time. He became a worldwide superstar thanks to Juventus.
Principal Accomplishments at Juventus:
34 goals, 190 appearances, and four Serie A championships
— Selected for the 2015 FIFPro World XI
returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-record £89 million.
Juventus gained from United’s error and went on to make a record-breaking profit.
3. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus → AC Milan, 2011)
At 32, Milan believed Pirlo was done. Juventus was aware of this. The deep-lying playmaker role was revolutionised by the Italian maestro, who led Juventus to victory.
Principal Accomplishments at Juventus:
– 164 games, four straight Serie A championships
— Player of the Year in Serie A (2012, 2013, 2014)
– Guided Juventus to the Champions League final in 2015.
Among the most significant transfer errors in AC Milan’s history.
2. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain → Barcelona, 2021).
Football was rocked by Messi’s abrupt departure from Barcelona owing to financial mismanagement. PSG took advantage and got the best player ever for nothing.
Important accomplishments at PSG:
— 75 appearances with 66 goal contributions (32 goals, 34 assists)
— 2023 FIFA The Best Men’s Player, two Ligue 1 titles
– While at PSG, Argentina won the 2022 World Cup.
Even though his time at PSG was short, he was the most well-known free agent in history.
1. Borussia Dortmund -> Bayern Munich, 2014; Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s move to Bayern was the greatest free transfer of the twenty-first century and it completely changed the game. For no reason, Dortmund lost their best player, while Bayern acquired a goal machine.
Important accomplishments for Bayern Munich:
– 344 games with 375 goals
— One FIFA Best Men’s Player award, eight Bundesliga crowns, and one Champions League
— 41 goals in the Bundesliga season of 2020–21, surpassing the record set by Gerd Müller
There has never been a free transfer as significant or dominant as Lewandowski’s transfer to Bayern. A striker of a generation, bought for nothing at all.
The following deserve recognition: Esteban Cambiasso (Real Madrid → Inter, 2004); Raul (Real Madrid → Schalke, 2010); and Clarence Seedorf (Inter → AC Milan, 2002).
Real Madrid → PSG, 2021; Sergio Ramos; PSG → Real Madrid, 2024; Kylian Mbappe
Joel Matip (Liverpool, 2016; Schalke 04)
David Alaba (Real Madrid → Bayern, 2021).
(Sevilla → Manchester City, 2017) Jesus Navas
Bayern → Chelsea, 2006; Bayern → Chelsea, 2018; Leon Goretzka, Schalke 04
