5 most important signings in Barcelona's history

Barcelona are undoubtedly one of the greatest clubs in the history of European football. Known for playing beautiful and entertaining football, the Catalan giants have always relied mostly on their youth academy to produce first-team stars.

However, like any big team in the world, the Blaugrana have not hesitated to spend big on some world class players. Having broken the world transfer record multiple times, the Catalan giants are famous for having some of the world’s best players ply their trade for them.

Some signings, have obviously been more important than others. They have had a deep impact on the club and have made it the force it is today. Without much ado, let us take a look at the 5 most important signings in Barcelona history.

Note: Players signed by the youth academy have not been included

#5 Michael Laudrup

Probably the greatest player ever to never win the Ballon d’Or, Michael Laudrup was the brains in Johan Cruyff’s ‘dream team’. A playmaker par excellence, the Dane was gifted with excellent skill, technical ability and close control.

Capable of unlocking defences with telling through balls, Laudrup along with Stoichkov and Romario formed a fearsome trio. Signed from Juventus in 1989, the Danish midfielder immediately settled into life in La Liga and played an integral role in inspiring Barcelona to 4 consecutive League titles from 1990-1994.

Although Laudrup moved to arch rivals Real Madrid in 1994 and even went on to win the League in 1995, the Dane is still remembered fondly by the Barcelona faithful and is credited with making Barcelona one of the great teams of the modern era.

Iniesta’s inspiration while growing up, Laudrup was one of the main reasons why Johan Cruyff could play his beautiful style of ‘total football’ at Barcelona.

#4 Ronald Koeman

One of the best ball playing defenders in the history of the game, Ronald Koeman was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s ‘dream team’ in the 1990s. The former Barcelona defender who was also capable of playing as a sweeper was well known for his ability to play long passes and his powerful shooting.

A player who truly epitomised the total football style of Cruyff, Koeman was a pioneer in the ‘attacking’ centre-back role. The legendary Dutchman had an incredible 6 seasons at Barcelona, where he won the La Liga four times in a row between 1990 and 1994.

Ronald Koeman also played a major role in Barcelona’s first ever European Cup triumph scoring the winning goal against Sampdoria in the final. Known for his immaculate set-piece abilities, Koeman’s glorious free kick in Barca’s incredible 5-0 win against arch rivals Real Madrid is still remembered fondly by the Blaugrana faithful.

Koeman is also tipped to be the Barcelona manager and replace Luis Enrique in the summer. Could he be the next Johan Cruyff? Only time will tell.

#3 Ronaldinho

The first step towards Barcelona’s dominance of modern football was achieved with the signing of Ronaldinho. One of the most skilled players ever to play the game, Ronaldinho’s signing in 2003 ushered in a new era of dominance for Barcelona.

A first league title in six years was a direct result of the Brazilian’s artistry. Who can forget the way he destroyed Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005 where even the Madridistas stood up to applaud – a gesture that is only reserved for the very best opponents. ( Maradona. Ronaldinho and Iniesta)

The Brazilian helped Barcelona win two La Liga titles during his magical spell at the Camp Nou and although it might not seem much, the impact that Ronaldinho has had for Barcelona can still be felt today.

#2 Lazlo Kubala

Considered by many to be Barcelona’s greatest ever player (yes even greater than Lionel Messi), Laszlo Kubala was a Hungarian refugee who became a Catalan hero. Fans familiar with the history of General Franco’s reign at Real Madrid will know what an important role Kubala played in Barcelona’s emergence as a La Liga superpower.

Voted as the greatest player in Barcelona history by the Catalan fans, Kubala was the architect of Barcelona’s legendary Cini Copes season where they won an incredible 5 trophies in a single year.

Although Kubala played only 256 times for the Catalan giants, he still managed to score 194 league goals which make him the third highest goalscorer in Barcelona’s history. The legendary forward also has a host of other La Liga records to his name such as being the first player ever to score 7 goals in a single game and he also helped Barcelona win the League 4 times breaking Real Madrid’s monopoly over the title in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

A Hungarian who adopted the Catalan culture and made it his own, Kubala definitely holds an important place in the history of Barcelona and La Liga.

#1 Johan Cruyff

The man who created a whole new philosophy of ‘total football’, Johan Cruyff is rightly considered by many to be one of the most important people in football's history. Cruyff redefined the way the game was played and won the Ballon d'Or award an incredible 3 times (1971,1973,1974) during his stellar career.

In the summer of 1973, FC Barcelona came calling for the “Flying Dutchman” and signed him for a then world record transfer fee of $2 million. His arrival at Barcelona helped the Catalan giants put behind their arch-rivals Real Madrid as they thrashed them 5-0 at the Bernabeu and claimed a first La Liga title in 14 years.

Dutch journalist Hubert Smeets wrote: "Cruyff was the first player who understood that he was an artist, and the first who was able and willing to collectivise the art of sports". A player who truly made the game beautiful, the late great Johan Cruyff will forever remain immortal in the minds of football supporters.

The impact Johan Cruyff had on Barcelona cannot be summarised in words. The brain behind Barcelona’s philosophy and La Masia, Cruyff went on to manage his beloved Barcelona with great success guiding the Catalan giants to both domestic and European silverware.

Johan Cruyff almost singlehandedly made Barcelona from a very good club to a great club.