10 Greatest Transfer Bargains of the 21st Century – Ranked

June 27, 2025 Oliver Obel

In a football world dominated by skyrocketing transfer fees, a handful of clubs have still managed to strike gold without breaking the bank. These ten players—signed for modest sums—went on to become legends, title-winners, and fan favorites. From sharp-eyed scouting to sheer luck, these bargains shaped the sport in the 21st century.

10. Robin van Persie – £2.75m (Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2004)

Robin van Persie was signed by Arsenal in 2004 for just £2.75m and blossomed into a lethal goalscorer. With 132 goals and two trophies in 278 appearances, his value skyrocketed before being sold for a significant profit.

9. Ashley Cole – £5m + William Gallas (Arsenal to Chelsea, 2006)

Though Chelsea paid £5m and swapped a top centre-back in Gallas, Ashley Cole proved a brilliant buy. He became arguably the best left-back in Premier League history and won nine trophies with the Blues.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo – £12m (Sporting CP to Manchester United, 2003)

Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo — photoplanet.am / Shutterstock.com

Manchester United signed a raw, talented teenager for £12m who would go on to win the Ballon d'Or. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 appearances, capturing nine major trophies and earning the club a record sale.

7. Cesar Azpilicueta – £6.5m (Marseille to Chelsea, 2012)

César Azpilicueta — Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Azpilicueta arrived at Chelsea with little fanfare but proved his worth over 11 years. He became a club legend, playing over 500 matches and lifting 13 trophies including the Champions League.

6. N’Golo Kante – £5.6m (Caen to Leicester City, 2015)

Kante's arrival transformed Leicester's midfield and powered their title-winning miracle. Though he only stayed one season, his influence and work ethic were unmatched, earning him the club’s Players' Player of the Year.

5. Edwin van der Sar – £2m (Fulham to Manchester United, 2005)

After years of searching, United found Schmeichel's true successor in Van der Sar for just £2m. The Dutchman played a crucial role in restoring the club’s dominance, winning multiple league titles.

4. Riyad Mahrez – £400,000 (Le Havre to Leicester City, 2014)

Leicester picked up Mahrez for a meager £400,000 and struck gold. The Algerian dazzled defenders, won the Premier League, and was later sold for around £60m, making him a historic steal.

3. Marcelo – £4.75m (Fluminense to Real Madrid, 2007)

Real Madrid signed Marcelo as a teenager for under £5m to replace Roberto Carlos—and he surpassed expectations. With 546 appearances and 25 trophies, he became one of the greatest wing-backs in football.

2. Robert Lewandowski – £4m (Lech Poznan to Borussia Dortmund, 2010)

BVB spent just £4m on Lewandowski, who scored over 100 goals and won two Bundesliga titles. His development into a world-class striker is one of football’s greatest bargain stories.

1. Vincent Kompany – £6m (Anderlecht to Manchester City, 2008)

Signed just before Manchester City’s financial revolution, Kompany cost only £6m but delivered leadership and silverware. With 12 trophies and a legacy as captain, he was the foundation of City’s dominance.