It is an era of multi-million-pound transfers. Yet surprisingly, an influential free transfer can still be a catalyst for success.
The defensive frailties that Chelsea displayed in their 2019/20 Premier League campaign suggest that reinforcements are a must. As a result, the Blues have been keeping a close eye on Thiago Silva ahead of a free transfer move in the summer.
Thiago Silva can provide the answer to Chelsea’s problems. The Brazilian can add the required steel to a highly gifted Chelsea squad. In doing so, he could be considered as the Premier League’s most influential free transfer.
The Free Transfer – The Greatest
Thiago Would Bring Experience to a Youthful Side
If Thiago can help land silverware for a youthful Chelsea squad, then he could go down in history among blues legends such as Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli and Gustavo Poyet.
Vialli featured in FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup and UEFA Super Cup wins. While Poyet provided the winner against Real Madrid in the 1998 UEFA Super Cup.
And after conceding 54 league goals last season, the defence is an area that needs improvements. Not only would Thiago bring some much-needed stability and organisation, but he could also mentor the younger defenders in Fikayo Tomori, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma.
However, like Thiago, free transfers have invariably had a major impact at the top six clubs.
Gary McAllister: Treble Winner
When Liverpool signed 35-year-old Gary McAllister on a free transfer from Coventry City it was unlikely that Gerard Houllier could have predicted the impact.
However, in a 2000/01 campaign that was punctuated by virtuoso performances, McAllister inspired Liverpool to a unique treble.
In winning the UEFA Cup, the League Cup and the FA Cup, Liverpool had emulated the trophy haul of rivals Manchester United two seasons prior.
James Milner: Multiple Title Winner
In recent times, James Milner has been highlighting the importance of experienced free transfer signings. A three-time Premier League winner, Milner has been exemplary as a utility player and club ambassador.
Milner has largely plied his trade at Anfield in an unfamiliar left-back role. Despite that, he is one of the first players to be called upon in challenging situations. Milner’s role in Liverpool’s first Premier League title win for thirty years cannot be underestimated.
Other Notable Mentions
Liverpool seem to have had a knack of finding good free transfers over the years. In addition to McAllister and Milner, the Reds can also look back at Craig Bellamy and current player Joel Matip.
Leicester City also boast a few. Christian Fuchs and Marc Albrighton arrived from Schalke 04 and Aston Villa respectively. The pair went on to win the Premier League under Claudio Ranieri. Then, not forgetting the season before the title win, Esteban Cambiasso was a key member of the Foxes squad that kept their top-flight status alive.
In terms of strikers, the arrival of Demba Ba at Newcastle United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United were top class. Ba scored 29 times in just 18-months at St. James’ Park, while Ibrahimovic also scored 29, with 17 coming from just 28 outings in his first season.
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