Last update 27 October, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The Premier League has been, since its inception in 1992, one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments in the world. In his more than 30 years of existence, The English league has witnessed signings that have changed the course of clubs and left an indelible mark on the history of football..
Some of these signings not only transformed the teams they played for, but they redefined the way football is played and understood in England. Next, we will analyze the Best signings in Premier League history, players who marked a before and after in the competition.
The best signings in the history of the Premier
Thierry Henry – Arsenal (1999)
One of the greatest successes in the history of English football was the signing of Thierry Henry for him Arsenal in 1999, coming from Juventus for 11 million pounds. Under the direction of Arsene Wenger, Henry became a lethal striker, redefining the attacker position.
Your speed, ball control and scoring ability led him to be considered the best player in Arsenal's history and one of the best in the Premier League. scored 175 goals in 258 league matches and was a key player in the team of the “Invincibles” it's from the season 2003-2004, when Arsenal won the title without losing a single game.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United (2003)
When the Manchester United signed a young man Cristiano Ronaldo by 12,24 million pounds in 2003, few imagined that he would become one of the best players of all time. Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo evolved from a skilled winger to an unstoppable goalscorer.
During his first stage at United, won three consecutive Premier League titles and was instrumental in winning the Champions League in 2008. In 2009, he Real Madrid paid a record 94 million euros to take Ronaldo, but his legacy in England was already assured, having noted 84 goals in 196 league matches. The second stage was not as successful as the first..
Eric Cantona – Manchester United (1992)
The signing of Eric Cantona for him Manchester United in 1992 He is considered one of the most important in the history of the club. It arrived from Leeds United for just 1,2 million pounds and quickly became the key piece of Manchester United's rebirth in the Premier League.
with his charisma, technique and leadership in the field, Cantona was the lynchpin on which Sir Alex Ferguson built a dominant team that won four league titles in five years. Cantona left United with 64 goals in 143 league matches and is remembered as one of the most influential players in the history of English football.
Frank Lampard – Chelsea (2001)
When the Chelsea ficho a Frank Lampard by 11 million pounds of West Ham United in 2001, few expected that he would become the top scorer in the club's history. Throughout his 13 seasons at Stamford Bridge, Lampard scored 177 goals in the Premier League, an astonishing figure for a midfielder.
Besides, He was crucial in Chelsea's transformation into a powerhouse in English and European football., helping the club win three league titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012. His ability to come from behind and his precision in his shots on goal consolidate him as one of the best signings of the modern era.
Sergio Aguero – Manchester City (2011)
The signing of Sergio Aguero for him Manchester City in 2011 changed the history of the club forever. Arrived from Atlético de Madrid for 38 million pounds, The Argentine striker not only became the top scorer in City history, but he left an indelible legacy in the Premier League.
Agüero is especially remembered for his goal in the last minute of the season 2011-2012 against Queens Park Rangers, which gave Manchester City their first league title in 44 years. Con 184 goals in the Premier League, He is one of the biggest scorers in the competition and one of the best signings of all time.
Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (2018)
When the Liverpool pay 75 million pounds per Virgil van Dijk in January 2018, many questioned the high figure by a defender. However, Van Dijk quickly proved his worth, transforming Liverpool's defense and leading them to win the Premier League in 2020, as well as the Champions League in 2019.
With your leadership, defensive solidity and ability to organize from behind, Van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world and one of the most successful signings in the Premier League.
Didier drogba – Chelsea (2004)
The signing of Didier drogba for him Chelsea in 2004, by 24 million pounds from Olympique de Marseille, was fundamental to the club's success in the era of Roman Abramovich. Drogba was key in winning four Premier League titles, and his ability to score goals in crucial moments made him an idol of the club.
The Ivorian striker scored 104 goals in the Premier League and is especially remembered for his performance in the final of the Champions League 2012, where he scored the tying goal and the decisive penalty in the penalty shootout to give Chelsea their first European title.
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City (2015)
In 2015, he Manchester City ficho a Kevin De Bruyne of the Wolfsburg for a figure close to 55 million pounds, one of the most successful investments in the club's history. Since his arrival, De Bruyne has become one of the best midfielders in the world, with a unique ability to control the game, create scoring opportunities and score from long distance.
He has been crucial in City's dominant era under Pep Guardiola, helping the club win multiple league titles and breaking attendance records. De Bruyne is undoubtedly one of the best signings of the last decade in the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United (2004)
with just 18 years, Wayne Rooney arrived at Manchester United from the Everton in 2004 by 27 million pounds, an impressive figure for such a young player. However, Rooney soon proved he was worth every pound paid.
Throughout his career at Old Trafford, Rooney became the top scorer in Manchester United history and one of the most important players in the history of the Premier League, con 208 goals in the competition. With five league titles, a Champions League and multiple national titles, Rooney is one of the best signings in the history of English football.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (2017)
When Mohamed Salah was signed by Liverpool in 2017 by 36,9 million pounds, many were skeptical due to his discreet passage through the Chelsea years before. However, The Egyptian silenced all his detractors with dazzling performances since his first season at Anfield.
Salah not only broke the record for goals in a season Premier League con 32 campaign notes 2017-2018, but he has also been a key player in the resurrection of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. With the, los “Reds” have won the Champions League in 2019 and the long-awaited Premier League in 2020, ending with a wait of 30 years. Salah continues to be a goal machine and one of the most feared players in world football, making him one of the best signings in league history.
Dennis Bergkamp – Arsenal (1995)
The signing of Dennis Bergkamp for him Arsenal in 1995 coming from the Inter de Milan, for a figure close to 7,5 million pounds, It was a real masterstroke from the coach Bruce Rioch.
Although initially it was difficult for him to adapt to English football, Bergkamp became the creative heart of the team Arsene Wenger. Your vision of the game, Exquisite technique and unforgettable goals helped Arsenal win multiple titles, including historical league and cup double in 1998 and the undefeated campaign of the Invincible in 2004. Bergkamp left a legacy of elegance and style that marked an era at the London club.
Roy Keane – Manchester United (1993)
The signing of Roy Keane for him Manchester United in 1993 from the Nottingham Forest by 3,75 million pounds, a record at the time, It turned out to be one of the best decisions Sir Alex Ferguson. Keane became the soul and driving force of the team for more than a decade, standing out for its competitive character and unquestionable leadership.
Under his captaincy, United won multiple titles, including the historic triplet of 1999 (Premier League, FA Cup y Champions League). His influence and determination make him one of the great midfielders in Premier League history..
left one of the ugliest moments in the history of the Premier and also about football when He injured Halaand's father out of personal revenge. that came from years before. And he also recognized it some time later.
Alan Shearer – Newcastle United (1996)
The signing of Alan Shearer for him Newcastle United in 1996 coming from the Blackburn Rovers by 15 million pounds, then a world record, remains one of the most iconic moves in the Premier League. Shearer had already won the Premiership with Blackburn in 1995, but his love for his childhood club led him to sign with Newcastle.
Although he did not manage to win titles with the “Magpies”, Shearer became the top scorer in Premier League history with 260 goals, a record that still stands. its power, Goal scoring instinct and loyalty made him a legend of English football.
Ruud van Nistelrooy – Manchester United (2001)
The signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy for him Manchester United in 2001 by 19 million pounds since PSV Eindhoven It was a risky operation, since the Dutch forward was coming back from a serious injury. However, Van Nistelrooy proved to be one of the best forwards of his generation, scoring 150 goals in 219 matches with United.
His ability to finish in the area made him feared by rival defenses and helped United win the Premier League in 2003. His legacy as one of the league's deadliest scorers is indisputable..
Peter Schmeichel – Manchester United (1991)
When Peter Schmeichel arrived at Manchester United in 1991, coming from the Brøndby IF for just 500,000 pounds, few could have anticipated that it would become one of the best goalkeepers in football history.
Sir Alex Ferguson described his signing as “the bargain of the century”, That's right. Schmeichel was United's starting goalkeeper for eight seasons, where he played a key role in obtaining five degrees of Premier League, three FA Cups y, iconically, the Champions League of 1999, when the club achieved the historic triplet.
Schmeichel was known for his imposing presence between the sticks, his vocal leadership and his ability to perform acrobatic stops. He also stood out for his ability to organize defense, which made him a vital figure in the field. His performance in Camp Nou at the end of the Champions League 1999 against him Bayern Munich, where he captained the team, cemented his status as a club legend.
