GOAL rounds up the best free agents that Europe has seen including incredible signings from Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona and Bayern Munich
Getty ImagesRobert Lewandowski | Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund have become a 'feeder club' of sorts to Bayern Munich over the years, though Robert Lewandowski’s transfer to the Allianz in 2014 might be the one they've ended up ruing the most.
Lewandowski signed a pre-contractual agreement to leave Dortmund as early as November 2013 after running out his deal at Signal Iduna Park, joining Bayern a few months later, and he has since been their standout player.
The Poland international netted 30 goals in his first full season with Bayern, winning consecutive Golden Boot awards from 2017-19 as well as five straight Bundesliga titles.
AdvertisementGetty Images Andrea Pirlo | AC Milan to Juventus
That Juventus were able to sign Italy and AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo on a free transfer in 2011 should be considered almost criminal. The Azzurri legend, who was one of the world’s best midfielders at AC Milan, had enjoyed a glittering and trophy-laden career.
Following his move to the Old Lady, Italy team-mate Gianluigi Buffon said: “When Andrea told me that he was joining us, the first thing I thought was: God exists. A player of his level and ability, not to mention that he was free, I think it was the signing of the century!”
Pirlo spent four seasons at Juventus, winning the Scudetto four consecutive times.
GettyJames Milner | Man City to Liverpool
James Milner managed to turn his infamous 'Boring Milner' reputation on its axis when he emerged as a crucial figure in Jurgen Klopp’s side, following his move from Manchester City in 2016.
With a wealth of experience under his belt, Milner took on the role as the side’s vice-captain and dedicated penalty-taker, earning the 'Mr Reliable' moniker.
His professionalism has been an asset to the squad, and even as he nears his mid-30s, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down – and became the first player in Champions League history to register nine assists in a single season in 2017-18.
Getty ImagesZlatan Ibrahimovic | PSG to Man Utd
Zlatan Ibrahimovic? For ? Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho signed the former PSG, AC Milan and Barcelona star for absolutely nothing in 2016 on a one-year contract.
He netted the winner for the Red Devils in the 2016 Community Shield, and went on to score 17 goals in the Premier League.
A knee injury he picked up in the latter half of the season caused him to miss almost the whole 2017-18 campaign, and he eventually departed for LA Galaxy in 2018.