'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The free agent market has always been a smart place to scout and sign players in football.
Juventus did an excellent job of signing the likes of Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo on free transfers, while Paris Saint-Germain are arguably enjoying the greatest transfer window in the history of the sport, having signed Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum on free transfers this summer.
While they do cost wages, the lack of a transfer fee can help clubs financially as they seek to improve other areas of the squad.
In this article, we look at the 5 most valuable free agent signings of all time.
#5 Memphis Depay | €45 million
Barcelona are in a mess right now, but the signing of Memphis Depay should be seen as a big positive.
Depay is one of the most underrated forwards in world football, and Barcelona have done well to sign him on a free transfer. The Netherlands international was world-class for Lyon since joining the club from Manchester United in January 2017, making 178 appearances in all competitions, scoring 76 goals and providing 56 assists.
Depay was Lyon's star, and the departure of Lionel Messi will see the 27-year old shoulder immense responsibility. Barcelona fans are still reeling from Messi's exit, but Depay has what it takes to lead Barcelona's attack well.
#4 Robert Lewandowski | €50 million
One of the best players in world football and one of the best strikers of all time, Bayern Munich signing Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer has to go down as one of the best transfer deals in the history of the sport.
The Poland international was excellent for Borussia Dortmund, and moved to Bayern Munich in 2014. Lewandowski has made 329 appearances in all competitions for the Bavarians, scoring an astounding 294 goals and providing 65 assists.
The 32-year old has shown no signs of slowing down, and is instead getting better with age. Lewandowski has won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy with Bayern Munich.
#3 David Alaba | €55 million
David Alaba has arrived during a tough period for Real Madrid and will be tasked with marshaling the defense now that both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have left the club.
The 29-year old made his debut for Bayern Munich in 2010, and made 431 appearances in all competitions for the club, winning 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies, among other honors. A highly versatile player, Alaba can operate as a centre-back, left-back and in midfield.
With both Ramos and Varane gone, it is highly likely that the Austria international will be Real Madrid's starting centre-back for the season. Alaba's qualities are well-known, but he will have to settle in quickly and contribute immediately to Carlo Ancelotti's side.
#2 Gianluigi Donnarumma | €60 million
Paris Saint-Germain have made a host of world-class free signings this summer, with one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Euro 2020 winner Gianluigi Donnarumma being one of them.
The goalkeeper signed for the Ligue 1 giants after his contract with AC Milan expired. A prodigious talent, Donnarumma made his debut for AC Milan in 2015 aged 16, and made 251 appearances in all competitions for the club. At the recently concluded Euro 2020, the Italy international was awarded the UEFA European Championship Player of the Tournament.
The 22-year old has a long and illustrious career ahead of him and Paris Saint-Germain have surely secured their starting goalkeeper for this decade. Having Donnarumma and Keylor Navas as your goalkeeping options is indeed a luxury.
#1 Lionel Messi | €80 million
Paris Saint-Germain signing Lionel Messi has overshadowed the fact that the club have already acquired Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum on free transfers.
Barcelona controversially announced Messi's departure a few days ago, and Paris Saint-Germain wasted little time in securing the superstar attacker. One of the greatest players of all time will play alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe next season, and Paris Saint-Germain's opponents will surely have nightmares about the trio.
Messi's arrival makes Paris Saint-Germain the side to watch in Europe. They will be the favourites to win the Champions League now, and anything less than excellence will see manager Mauricio Pochettino come under immense pressure.
Also Read: 5 reasons why PSG could still struggle to win the UEFA Champions League (2021-22)
