20 Best Bargain Signings In Premier League History
6. Jamie Vardy
The English talisman must be mentioned if we are talking about some stellar bargains. Vardy was signed by Leicester City for just 1 million Pounds. Shocking right? Vardy has provided Leicester City with far more than his price tag and he has been incredibly loyal to the club. He was an important part of that incredible title-winning team of 2016. After 208 goal involvements in 352 games, Vardy has become one of the very best players in the club’s history and is ranked among the best strikers in the world.
5. Lucas Radebe
Radebe was signed by Leeds United from Kaizer in 1994 for a price tag of £50,000. The South African center-back was the captain of Kaizer Chiefs during his time with Chiefs. Radebe was initially a midfielder who then transformed his role into a defender who had the ability of effectively cancelling out any lethal attacking threat, he had great man-marking ability and he rarely let any striker get past him. He became Leeds captain in 1998 and became one of the most popular players at Elland Road.
4. Peter Schmeichel
Schmeichel signed for Manchester United from Brondby for an incredible price of £500,000, which can be considered an excellent bargain especially for what he did with the club. The Danish international became one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. He kept 156 clean sheets in 348 games for United. Sir Alex Ferguson also once referred to the deal as “the bargain of the century”.
3. Patrick Vieira
Vieira moved from Milan to Arsenal for a price of only £3.5m in 1996. He had already proved himself to be a great player during his time with AC Milan. For a midfielder who could do it all, it was an absolute steal with such a low price tag and after that, the French became one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
2. Sol Campbell
What club does not love an excellent player for a zero transfer fee? Arsenal signed Campbell from Tottenham for free in 2001. It was a piece of very shocking news for the Tottenham fans as he joined the North London arch-rivals after spending 9 years with the club. The English defender was a key player for the Gunners in their Premier League and FA cup double in 2002. And after that, he became a part of that legendary team called the ‘Invincibles’, who won the Premier League, unbeaten in 2003-04.
1. Eric Cantona
Cantona was bought by Manchester United from Leeds United in 1992 for an incredible price of just 1.2 million Pounds. It was a very interesting transfer between two rivals. The Frenchman was an inspirational part of the team that ended the 26-year-old league title drought for United by winning it in 1993. His numbers were not extraordinary for Manchester United but he was excellent with the ball at his feet. He completely transformed the team.