15 Best Bargain Signings in Premier League History – Ranked

August 5, 2025 Oliver Obel

While Premier League clubs are often known for their extravagant spending, some of the most legendary careers have come from shrewd transfer business. These 15 players were brought in for surprisingly low fees yet went on to deliver outsized impact, etching their names into English football folklore. Let’s count down the best value-for-money signings in Premier League history—from Chelsea’s modern icon to Manchester United’s king.

15. César Azpilicueta – £6.5m (Marseille to Chelsea)

César Azpilicueta was signed by Chelsea for just £6.5 million, and what a return they got. The Spanish defender made 508 appearances, won nine major trophies including the Champions League, and captained the club for several seasons.

14. Andy Robertson – £8m (Hull City to Liverpool)

Initially overlooked, Andy Robertson blossomed into one of the world’s top left-backs after joining Liverpool. He lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and more, all after an £8m move from relegated Hull City.

13. Philippe Coutinho – £8.5m (Inter Milan to Liverpool)

Coutinho dazzled Anfield with long-range goals and flair, becoming Liverpool’s top creative outlet. The Brazilian was later sold for a staggering £146m to Barcelona, funding the club’s transformation under Jurgen Klopp.

12. Nicolas Anelka – £500k (PSG to Arsenal)

Signed for just half a million pounds, Anelka played a key role in Arsenal’s 1997–98 title-winning campaign. He was sold to Real Madrid for a hefty profit, helping fund the arrivals of Thierry Henry and a world-class training ground.

11. Sami Hyypiä – £2.5m (Willem II to Liverpool)

Hyypiä was a defensive rock for Liverpool, making 464 appearances and winning the Champions League among other honours. His consistency and leadership made his £2.5m fee look like an absolute bargain.

10. Jürgen Klinsmann – £2m (Monaco to Tottenham)

Jügen Klinsmann — kivnl / Shutterstock.com

Klinsmann arrived in England with star power and delivered instantly, scoring 30+ goals in just 66 games. Though silverware eluded him, he was crowned FWA Footballer of the Year and earned cult hero status at Spurs.

9. Seamus Coleman – £60k (Sligo Rovers to Everton)

Coleman’s £60,000 fee remains one of the best deals in league history. With over 400 appearances, the right-back became an Everton captain and fan favourite, costing just £140 per game.

8. Edwin van der Sar – £2m (Fulham to Manchester United)

United finally found Schmeichel’s successor in van der Sar, who arrived from Fulham for a modest fee. The Dutchman kept 135 clean sheets, won four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

7. Kolo Touré – £150k (ASEC Mimosas to Arsenal)

Kolo Toure — Pal2iyawit / Shutterstock.com

Kolo Touré’s £150,000 signing laid the groundwork for future African stars at Arsenal. He became a vital part of the Invincibles and played over 300 games before a £14m departure.

6. Ole Gunnar Solskjær – £1.5m (Molde to Manchester United)

Solskjær’s legacy was cemented with his dramatic winner in the 1999 Champions League final. His 126 goals in 366 appearances make him one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s shrewdest buys.

5. Nemanja Vidić – £7m (Spartak Moscow to Manchester United)

Nemanja Vidic — LEVANTEMEDIA / Shutterstock.com

Vidić was a rock in United’s defence, winning five league titles and two Player of the Season awards. The Serbian centre-back formed one of the fiercest defensive duos in Premier League history.

4. Vincent Kompany – £6m (Hamburg to Manchester City)

City’s modern era of success began with Kompany, their £6m leader at the back. The Belgian captained the side to four Premier League titles and became a symbol of resilience and class.

3. N’Golo Kanté – £5.6m (Caen to Leicester City)

Kanté’s £5.6m arrival was the engine behind Leicester’s fairy-tale title win. His single season at the club was so dominant that Chelsea paid £30m to bring him in the following year.

2. Patrick Vieira – £3.5m (AC Milan to Arsenal)

Vieira joined Arsenal and became the heartbeat of Arsène Wenger’s midfield. Winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year six seasons in a row.

1. Eric Cantona – £1.2m (Leeds United to Manchester United)

Cantona’s £1.2m switch to Manchester United changed the club’s fortunes forever. With 81 goals, 62 assists, and four league titles, “King Eric” remains one of football’s most iconic bargains.