Coral’s top 10 Bosman signings in light of 20th year anniversary

Esteban Cambiasso

Another legendary midfielder, Cambiasso is recently known for his free transfer to Leicester City, for whom he played a big part in saving them from the drop last season. However, it was his Bosman to Inter from Real Madrid that firmly puts him on this list. The Argentine spent a decade at the San Siro, winning five Serie A titles, a Champions League and many other domestic cups.

Sol Campbell

Perhaps the most controversial Bosman transfer goes to Campbell in 2001, when he swapped Tottenham for bitter North London rivals Arsenal. It turned out to be a wise decision personally as he won four major trophies, but Spurs fans have never forgiven the ex-England centre back.

Henrik Larsson

Swedish striker Larsson was never his prolific self in his two years with Barcelona, following his free transfer from Celtic in 2004, but was still a key squad player for the Catalans, and helped them to Champions League and double La Liga successes.

Robert Lewandowski

Still arguably yet to reach the peak of his powers at the time, it was a bitter blow for Borussia Dortmund to lose their prolific Polish poacher for nothing to Bundesliga rivals Bayern in 2014. The Bavarians have highly-profited, though, with Lewandowski firing them to league success last year.

Fernando Llorente

Athletic Bilbao surprisingly let Big Basque frontman Llorente’s contract go into its final year, and Juventus snapped at the chance to add him to their impressive attack. The Spain international helped the Turin team to two Serie A titles and Champions League final appearance, before moving on to Sevilla (14/1 to defend the Europa League).

Gary McAllister

Not many players can claim iconic status at a club after only spending two seasons with them and at the age of 35, but Scotland midfielder McAllister achieved that after moving for free from Coventry City in 2000. He was a big part in their treble-winning (FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup) season in 2000/01.

Steve McManaman

Liverpool’s McManaman was another controversial Bosman switch, as he turned down a contract with the club that created him in favour of moving to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 1999. Like Campbell, his decision was justified personally, as he won two Champions League and La Liga trophies apiece, among other domestic titles, and is a cult hero over there.

Andrea Pirlo

Last, and certainly not least, midfield magician Pirlo was supposedly past his peak in 2011, so Milan decided to let the now-Italy centurion go to Juventus. How wrong they were, as Juve and Pirlo’s rise coincided with the Rossoneri’s decline.

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