Bang for buck: The 10 best bargain transfers of all time

Nothing gets the world of football more pumped than a big-money signing. It signals a commitment from both the player and the club and gets the fans going. Nevertheless, a good bargain feels just as good, as a wise man once said "the best things in life are free". Let's look at some of football's best bargain transfers of all time, according to Sports Illustrated.

The Polish forward is regarded as one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football. His extensive career amongst Europe's elite reflects his unique ability in front of goal. Robert Lewandowski was transferred over to Borussia Dortmund for €4.7m (£4m/$5m) and managed to bag a total of 103 goals in 187 games with the yellow shirts.

Furthermore, according to the online sports publication Marca, Lewandowski was on the verge of singing for Blackburn Rovers in 2010 but due to the Icelandic volcanic ash, the Polish striker changed his flight path to Dortmund instead.

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Often regarded as one of the best left-backs in the 21st century, Marcelo arrived at Real Madrid with great expectations. Many fans at the Bernabeu labelled him as the next Roberto Carlos. Marcelo left Fluminense for Real Madrid for €6.5m (£5.5/$7m).

The Brazilian won 20 trophies with Real Madrid and was a key player in the squad for over a decade.

Regarded as a Premier League folk hero for some and a villain for others, Ba arrived in the league in 2011. He joined Newcastle practically as a free agent after West Ham's relegation. He was at Newcastle for three seasons, where he scored 29 goals.

Another great bargain was the transfer of Vincent Kompany to Manchester City. In the summer of 2008, he cost the English club €8.5m (£7.3m/$9.1m), turning him into one of the club's best defenders. The Belgian international claimed four league titles and six domestic trophies as a City captain.

After a dispute with Feyenoord, Henrick Larsson would depart the Dutch team for Scotland. Larsson would join Celtic FC for €740k (£636k/$800k) and he would make history with the Scottish side.

He scored a total of 242 goals in 313 games, earning him the nickname 'The King of Kings'

The Liverpool midfielder was a key player for Jurgen Klopp during his prime years at Liverpool. Milner arrived at Anfield on a free transfer, from Manchester City. What a bargain that was for Liverpool.

Michu, the Spanish striker broke into the Premier League scene with a bang. Remembered and adored by many Premier League fans, he scored 22 goals in 43 games and eventually lifted the League Cup. Michu left Rayo Vallecano for €2.7m (£2.3/$2.9), what a bargain for Swansea.

According to Sports Illustrated, "The Spanish striker was named the club's Player of the Year by his teammates and supporters, but his career would never reach those heights again." Nevertheless, he is still remembered by many as one of the best Spanish players to ever play in the Premier League.

Cesar Azplilicueta established himself as one of the strongest defenders in the Premier League, earning him two league titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and two European trophies. The right-back joined Chelsea in 2012 for €9 million (£7.7m/$10m).

The German midfielder was an established Bayern Munich player, but Chelsea managed to sneak in a great bargain to secure his services for the 2006 season as a free agent.

According to Sports Illustrated, he was nicked 'The German Rolls-Royce'. Ballack was a key figure in winning two FA Cups, one League Cup, and one Premier League title in just four years.

Solid bargains that go to show the price tag are not everything, nor do they guarantee success... Let us know what you think in the comments!

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