Sport.co.uk takes a look at some of the most influential signings in Premier League history, can you think of any others?
Eric Cantona November 1992 Leeds United to Manchester United
The word legend is sprinkled around too often in the modern game. But when fans of a club still sing a song about a player after over 10 years of the player leaving them, the term is applicable. Eric Cantona changed the whole philosophy of the football club with his enigmatic personality and memorable performances. And not just any football club, for that matter.
Dennis Bergkamp June 1995 Inter Milan to Arsenal
When Bruce Rioch signed the Dutch maestro for a then club record £7.5m in 1995, excitement grew amongst the Gunners faithful. Bergkamp joined David Platt at Highbury and Arsenal were starting to build a team full of technically gifted players in their pursuit of Premier League glory. 423 appearances, 120 goals, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and many memories later (including that special goal against Newcastle), Dennis Bergkamp had written himself into Arsenal folklore.
Alan Shearer July 1996 Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United
After four incredible years at Blackburn which saw the striker score 130 goals in just 171 games, Alan Shearer was hot property. Add to that a solid Euro 96 and Manchester United soon came knocking. But the Newcastle upon Tyne born predator was only going to sign for one club, his beloved Newcastle United. Kevin Keegan had to smash the world transfer record to acquire his services, splashing out £15m. But it was money well spent and Shearer went on to break Jackie Milburn’s 49-year-old record of 200 goals for the club.
Gianfranco Zola November 1996 Parma to Chelsea
The diminutive genius joined as part of a mass foreign influx under Ruud Gullit’s regime in the winter of 1996. Despite not winning as many trophies as perhaps his talents merited (two FA Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup) Zola will long stay in the hearts of many a Chelsea fan. He scored some sublime goals during his time at Stamford Bridge, most memorably that cheeky back heel against Norwich. In 2003 he was voted Chelsea’s best ever player by the club’s fans. You can also add to that the fact that no other Chelsea player has worn the number 25 shirt vacated by the Italian since he left.
John Hartson and Paul Kitson January 1997 Arsenal and Newcastle United to West Ham
May not sound like the most glamorous of signings, but these two front men single-handedly (they have become one person after their heroic displays) kept the Hammers in the Premier League with 12 goals in the last 13 games. Before their arrival, West Ham were down and out. Hartson cost a then club record £3.3m and Kitson £1.2m. What looked a massive risk turned out to be one of the greatest managerial masterstrokes of all time from Harry Redknapp. Think relegation rescue mission, think Hartson and Kitson.
Thierry Henry August 1999 Juventus to Arsenal
Signed for £10m in the summer of 1999, many thought Arsene Wenger was taking a gamble on the Juventus flop, who was bought as a replacement for the recently departed Nicolas Anelka. But the French manager rarely calls it wrong and Henry went on to accumulate a club-record 226 goals, leading the line during Arsenal’s double winning campaign in 2002. He also finished top scorer in the ‘invincible’ 2003-2004 campaign, when the Gunners became the first team in over a century to go through an entire domestic season unbeaten. In 2008, he was voted the Gunners’ Greatest Player, ahead of Dennis Bergkamp.
Cristiano Ronaldo 2003 Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United
Never has £12.24m been such a snip. Signed as a teenager from Sporting Lisbon after glowing references from United’s players, Ronaldo came to England with star billing. And he certainly lived up to all his hype (after he got over the fad of doing too many stepovers whilst sporting a few spaghetti strands in his hair). His success at United included three league titles, as well as an FA Cup and Champions League winner’s medal. And let’s not forget he was named the best footballer on the planet in 2008. The only shame is that he didn’t grace the Premier League for longer, but money (and sunshine) talks.
Didier Drogba July 2004 Marseille to Chelsea
After impressive performances in Europe for Marseille, Roman Abramovich decided to break the bank with the £24m capture of the athletic forward in the summer of 2004. And the Ivory Coast star has been causing havoc for Premier League defences ever since. His arrival signalled the start of a successful period for the club, with back to back Premier League titles along with two FA Cup and League Cup titles. The Blues will have a tough job replacing him when he retires in the next few years.
Fernando Torres July 2007 Atletico Madrid to Liverpool
Signed for a club record £26.5m, El Nino was an instant hit with the Liverpool faithful. He set a new record in his first season at Anfield, scoring 26 league goals to become the most prolific foreign goalscorer ever in a debut season in England. Injuries to the striker have hampered Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League for the first time but should Rafa Benitez get a full season with a fully fit Torres, the glory days of the 1980s could soon be returning to Merseyside.
Robinho September 2008 Real Madrid to Manchester City
Yes yes, he has been a flop so far during his tenure in Manchester. But City sent out a message of intent to the football world with his £32.5m capture. It laid the foundations for the likes of Given, Barry, Adebayor and Tevez to join the Eastlands revolution. And who knows, a run of games back at Santos and a good World Cup, Citizens fans could still see the best of the tricky Brazilian in this country.
Do you agree with any of the above? Is there anyone else who you think should have made the list?