Premier League
Best transfer deadline day signings in Premier League history
Transfer deadline day always makes us remember the likes of Robinho, Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres due to the vast amounts of money spent on them and their relatively unsuccessful spells following their moves – but it has also provided us with some of the most inspired transfers in Premier League history.
We take a look at some of the best Premier League signings made over the years on football’s transfer deadline day.
Wayne Rooney – Everton to Man United, 2004 (£27m)
In August of 2004 following a superb Euro 2004 campaign with England, Wayne Rooney switched Merseyside and Everton for Manchester United in a big-money deal worth £27 million on transfer deadline day.
Rooney went on to become a club legend during his 559 appearances for the Red Devils. The forward scored a stunning 253 goals, which makes him United’s all-time record goal scorer. Rooney was also crowned a five-time Premier League champion as well as winning the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and the League Cup three times.
Ashley Cole – Arsenal to Chelsea, 2006 (£5m + William Gallas)
Ashley Cole’s move from Arsenal to Chelsea in August 2006 is seen to be one of the greatest deals in Premier League history. The Blues offered £5 million and William Gallas in exchange for the talented left-back – and what he went on to achieve next at Stamford Bridge was simply sensational.
In his eight years at Chelsea, Cole would go on to make over 300 appearances for the club and would win the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, League Cup and four FA Cups. During his time with the Blues, Cole also cemented his position as the greatest left-back in Premier League history.
Luis Suarez – Ajax to Liverpool, 2011 (£22.8m)
In January 2011, Luis Suarez was signed by Liverpool to replace the departing Fernando Torres. Suarez signed from Ajax for a fee of £22.8 million and what a sensational player he went on to become for the Reds.
The Uruguayan spent four seasons at Anfield, scoring 82 goals in 133 appearances for the Merseyside club. Suarez nearly guided Liverpool to the Premier League in 2014, but although he could not produce the title he was awarded the PFA Player of the Year, becoming only the second ever South American player to be awarded the prestigious award.
Robbie Keane – Leeds to Spurs, 2002 (£7m)
In 2002, Robbie Keane left Leeds United for Spurs on transfer deadline day after an unsuccessful spell at Elland Road. The fee is believed to be in the region of £7 million and Leeds will still be kicking themselves for letting him leave for that amount.
Keane went on to score 122 goals in 306 appearances for Spurs, which makes him the club’s 11th highest ever goal scorer. Keane played a crucial part in winning the League Cup in 2008 and helping Spurs qualify for Europe. The Irishman will never be forgotten in North London.
Claude Makelele – Real Madrid to Chelsea, 2003 (£16m)
Claude Makelele was allowed to leave Real Madrid on transfer deadline day in 2003 after being told that he was not a big enough name for their infamous ‘Los Galácticos’ side, but Chelsea were not complaining when they picked him up for £16 million.
In his four years at Chelsea, Makelele made 217 appearances for the club and would go on to play a pivotal role in Jose Mourinho’s formidable side. Makelele won back-to-back Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup before leaving for PSG in 2008. If that wasn’t enough, he pretty much invented a new holding midfield role in the Premier League.
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