What's the biggest free transfer you can remember?

Just thinking about Torres saying he would be willing to see out his contract with us. His contract runs out in 2013 (an option to extend to 2014 but I doubt that will be taken, if it gets that far). He will have just turned 29 at that time. I would say that could still be seen as an age where a footballer is in his prime (of course this is assuming he picks his game back up and starts firing regularly again) .

Personally, I think he'll be gone in the summer. I would say 27(maybe 28) is the age where transfer values start to drop. His contract will only have 2 years on aswell.

But, if it does go all the way would this be the biggest free transfer?


What is the biggest free transfer you can remember?

I want to hear about players who would still have been considered in their prime. With a global reputation already.

Michael Owen.

GTFO.

But seriously, his reputation had been shot to bits for a long while before.

I suppose it's a good shout.

Erm.. Owen, Ballack..

Joe Cole was a pretty big one, had a lot of clubs interested.

Danny wrote:Erm.. Owen, Ballack..

Yes, Ballack.

Good one.

Didn't think of Joe Cole

Ballack was like 33. Not counting that.

Steve McManaman at the time was a pretty big one, probably been more since

Goran Pandev

Chamakh?

Ahh yes McManaman.

Good one.

Wouldn't say Chamakh was a big name really.

Pandev is a bit iffy aswell. Also didn't he buy out his contract or something? That shouldn't count.

Don't remember if he buyed out his contract, but if it was a normal transfer, Pandev would've went for 12-15M, so I'd imagine it's pretty high up there in free transfers.

Sol Campbell.
In his prime, moved to Tottenhams biggest rivals.

Ballack.. Ballack was 30ish when he joined Chelsea

Flamini, Davids, Saviola?, Cambiasso, Sol Campbell.

Regarding Pandev - On 26 September, Pandev officially filed for a termination of his contract with Lazio, having been frozen out of the squad and labelled a 'rebel' by the club. Pandev argued that by freezing him out of the squad, Lazio had violated the terms of their contract with him. On 23 December 2009, Lega Calcio ruled in Pandev's favor, ordering Lazio to release Pandev from his contract and pay him 170,000 euros for emotional distress. Lotito indicated his desire to appeal the decision.

(polskaGOLA) wrote:Don't remember if he buyed out his contract, but if it was a normal transfer, Pandev would've went for 12-15M, so I'd imagine it's pretty high up there in free transfers.

I don't necessarily mean by talent when I say global reputation. I mean like a household name. Obviously talent is a factor aswell though. That's why I said he's a bit iffy.

forestfcfan wrote:Sol Campbell.
In his prime, moved to Tottenhams biggest rivals.

Cracking effort.

Ballack was a good shout, he was quality back then.
Still is

Jay.Davies11 wrote:Steve McManaman at the time was a pretty big one, probably been more since

This.

Was gutted when Real Madrid stole him from us.

luke. wrote:Regarding Pandev - On 26 September, Pandev officially filed for a termination of his contract with Lazio, having been frozen out of the squad and labelled a 'rebel' by the club. Pandev argued that by freezing him out of the squad, Lazio had violated the terms of their contract with him. On 23 December 2009, Lega Calcio ruled in Pandev's favor, ordering Lazio to release Pandev from his contract and pay him 170,000 euros for emotional distress. Lotito indicated his desire to appeal the decision.

Then it counts IMO. Pandev had no contract at the time of signing.

I thought Ballack only signed for Leverkusen on a free transfer. Didn't realise he signed for Chelsea on one aswell.

(polskaGOLA) wrote:

luke. wrote:Regarding Pandev - On 26 September, Pandev officially filed for a termination of his contract with Lazio, having been frozen out of the squad and labelled a 'rebel' by the club. Pandev argued that by freezing him out of the squad, Lazio had violated the terms of their contract with him. On 23 December 2009, Lega Calcio ruled in Pandev's favor, ordering Lazio to release Pandev from his contract and pay him 170,000 euros for emotional distress. Lotito indicated his desire to appeal the decision.

Then it counts IMO. Pandev had no contract at the time of signing.

My thread, my rules. It doesn't count. Lazio got fucked over.

Cassano?

Henry to New York

Jan Koller.

Pip wrote:Jan Koller.

I see what you did there

cassano -> milan

Jermaine Beckford.

Jean-Marc Bosman