On the back of the Fletcher deal, and the huge fee, a post from MR got me thinking, who have been the greatest signings ever? MR's post pointed to the £1.1million transfer of Eric Cantona, simply the player that gave me the most enjoyment to watch as a kid growing up bar Maradona, an absolute pittance, especially considering the historic rivalry of the 2 clubs & cities. I'm gonna quickly mention our own SKP for 350k, and SNQ for £1.3million, or else that's all we'll hear, any more for anymore? Personally, I think Cantona nails it, was the Cantona signing the catalyst for the Manchester United we see today? 20-odd years had passed with no title, and a relegation, if memory serves, and a frankly ridiculous 15 in 21 or thereabouts (sure a Manc will correct this for me) since that transfer. Not only was he a stunning and inspirational footballer, single handedly denying the Mags the title, he was also an absolutely engaging and madcap character, the collar up, the flicks, the rambles, and the frankly brilliant karate kick to a Palace chavs neck that stunned us all (he had previous in France I recall for hoofing a ref, and drop kicking an oppo Montpellier player!) Hopefully some good suggestions on here, anyone who beats Cantona gets a free pint, Cest's paying...
Jurgen Klinsman for Spurs. Before that, diving wasnt a big thing in the English game. He revolutionized the game, paving the way for greats like Ronaldo...
Sir Stanley Matthews.. Bought back to Stoke from Blackpool or more recently Patrick Viera.. 3.5m in 1996... Was an epic centre mid for arsenal.
Ye can gan ****e Mons Cantona is a hard one to beat to be honest, as he was so pivotal to that early establishment of Man Utd as a dominant force in the EPL and for £1.2m its incredible. Sadly, for me anyway, David Ginola at £2.5m had a similar effect on the Keegan era but thankfully without a single trophy or piece of silverware to show for it. He is the only mag player I have ever felt really jealous about, as he was quite simply a fantastic footballer imo. Berkamp at £7.5m for Arsenal is the best technically gifted footballer I have ever seen live and did likewise for them. Zola at £4.5m was a steal as well. £200k for Bally was the best though.
Good thread! Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - £1.6m I believe, one of the best and most loved strikers at United over the Premier League era. Roy Keane - £3m(ish) - Was our greatest captain in my opinion, a real leader and of course he took no **** from anybody. Danish Pete £500k - greatest goalkeeper of all time for me, of course! The list could get extensive if you look at some of Wenger's earlier signings but I'll not spoil it for everybody by naming them all now!
****ing hell, Schmeichel 500k, that's a contender ain't it! Close to Cantona that. Anelka at 500k would have been right in the mix had he stayed longer at Arsenal.
Nobody can beat King Eric for me, what a signing he was and like Scholes I don't think we'll see another like him. Sol Campbell on a free wasn't bad business. I don't think they paid anything for Fabregas either. Oh and Andy Carroll - total snip.
Ba for nwt to the Mags hate to say it but he turned out to be a great free transfer Ian Wright 2.5m Arsenal paid to sign him from palace Teddy Sheringham. Forrest paid 2m for him then Spurs Paid 2m to take him there then Man u paid 3.5m to take him to old trafford Steve Bould 500k great signing for us
Cant believe people havent said Quinny as best signing for us, the guy not only was great with KP and made him a better player as the best partnership up front ive seen at SAFC......he then goes and shows off by making us the established club we are now!!!
I barred Quinn & Phillips in the OP mate, as we'd all have just said Quinn or Phillips (or Kubicki, legend, for NOWT!)
Ryan giggs,Paul scholes,Beckham,Gary Neville signed as kids so cost nothing does that count if not its shearer to Blackburn from saints £3.5million
