The 10 Best Bargain Transfers in Football History — Ranked

September 4, 2025 Kris Isaksen

In a football world dominated by nine-figure fees, these ten players proved that you don’t need to break the bank to build greatness. All signed for under £8 million, these stars delivered silverware, records, and legendary status—becoming some of the smartest signings in football history.

10. Jamie Vardy – £1.7 Million (Fleetwood Town to Leicester City)

In 2012, Jamie Vardy became a non-League record signing when Leicester City paid £1.7 million for the 25-year-old striker from Fleetwood Town. He went on to break Premier League records, score 195 goals, and lead Leicester to one of football’s most improbable title wins in 2016.

9. Edwin van der Sar – £2 Million (Fulham to Manchester United)

Signed in 2005, van der Sar provided the consistency United had lacked since Schmeichel’s departure. Across 256 appearances, he kept 135 clean sheets and won 11 major trophies, including the 2008 Champions League where he saved the decisive penalty in the final.

8. Riyad Mahrez – £400k (Le Havre to Leicester City)

Initially scouted by chance, Mahrez joined Leicester in 2014 for just £400,000. Two years later, he was a Premier League champion and PFA Player of the Year, with 17 goals and 10 assists in the Foxes’ fairytale title run.

7. Henrik Larsson – £650k (Feyenoord to Celtic)

For just £650,000 in 1997, Celtic got one of their greatest ever players. Larsson scored 220 goals in 283 games, helped win eight major trophies, and became a cult hero before sealing a Champions League title with Barcelona.

6. Robert Lewandowski – £4 Million (Lech Poznan to Borussia Dortmund)

A volcanic ash cloud blocked his Blackburn move, but Dortmund struck lucky by signing Lewandowski for £4 million in 2010. He bagged 103 goals in 187 games, lifted four trophies, and became one of the game’s elite strikers.

5. Nemanja Vidic – £7 Million (Spartak Moscow to Manchester United)

Vidic joined in 2006 and formed one of the league's most iconic partnerships with Rio Ferdinand. Across 300 games, he won 15 trophies and captained United, becoming a symbol of toughness and defensive dominance.

4. Casemiro – £5.1 Million (Sao Paulo to Real Madrid)

Real Madrid quietly secured Casemiro for just over £5 million, and he became a cornerstone of their midfield. With five Champions League wins among 18 trophies, he defined an era of dominance at the Bernabéu.

3. Eric Cantona – £1.2 Million (Leeds United to Manchester United)

Cantona arrived in 1992 and sparked a dynasty at Old Trafford. His creativity and leadership helped United win four league titles in five years, with 82 goals and countless moments of magic.

2. Vincent Kompany – £6 Million (Hamburger SV to Manchester City)

City’s £6 million investment in Kompany in 2008 turned into a decade of glory. The commanding centre-back lifted four Premier League titles and left as one of the most respected captains in English football.

1. Marcelo – £4.7 Million (Fluminense to Real Madrid)

Signed in 2007 as a teenager, Marcelo grew into one of the greatest full-backs ever. Across 546 games and 25 major trophies—including five Champions Leagues—he became the most decorated player on this list and a Real Madrid icon.