5 most valuable free agent signings of all time

#3 David Alaba | €55 million

Ukraine v Austria - UEFA Euro 2020: Group C

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

Lionel Messi of Barcelona Press Conference

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)

About the author

Abhinav is a journalist who covers football at Sportskeeda. An avid football fan and long-suffering supporter of Manchester United, he currently writes previews, covering football leagues across the world. Armed with a good understanding of SEO and journalism guidelines, Abhinav possesses a strong knowledge of football and footballers. He loves a good transfer rumor and loves discussing the sport with his friends and family.

He's also pursuing a Master's Degree in International Relations.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande