The career of a professional footballer in the modern era is dictated by the club he plays for and the contract he signs for them. His value and his fame are all decided by the club and the fans of the club. So it is very rare for clubs to leave their players free of cost and give their rivals a chance to strengthen their squads.
But over the years there have been players who have rejected new contracts with the existing club for their well being. These free transfers can often end up being the difference at the end of the season. These players can also fetch the new club some profits if they are sold before their new contract expires. So lets take a look at the top transfers that went through free of cost in this transfer window.
Steven Gerrard
The heart beat of the Liverpool team for more than two decades, Steven Gerrard has a career which is nothing short of a fairy tale for every supporter of the club. He however, ended his 26 year stint with his boyhood club and moved onto to play for the MLS league in the US. He was picked up by the LA Galaxy franchise after he was not given a new contract at Anfield. This remains the most effective free transfer of the window so far.
Iker Casillas
In a trophy less season for Real Madrid, their No.1, Iker Casillas was having a horrid time, fast losing his support amongst the fans who were losing faith in him. But the World Cup winner will be determined to get over the past and will want to start his career with the new club in fine fashion. He is still one of the most respected players in the world of football and will now play for FC Porto after they acquired his services free of cost.
Andrea Pirlo
The Italian Legend and a midfield maestro, Andrea Pirlo took Juventus to the final of the Champions League last season only to lose out to the Catalan Giants. But he will forever be remembered for his inch perfect free kicks and for his accuracy in passing. Aged 36, Pirlo still has not lost his vision and understanding of the game and his transfer to the American Club Ney York FC free of cost is surely something huge for the American Franchise.
James Milner
Just an year after winning the Premier League, James Milner has opted to move out Manchester City after rejecting a new contract. He was so determined for more game time that he accepted a decrease in his pay and signed a new 5 year contract with their rivals Liverpool in what seems to be the biggest free transfer in the Premier League this window. Milner will want to start afresh and help Liverpool lift silverware which he is used to in the blue of Manchester.
Andre Ayew
At 25 years of age, Andre Ayew was a hot prospect few years ago. Marseille of the League 1 could not get the best of him as he scored just 10 goals for his team in 27 starts. Swansea City FC of the Premier League have scouted Ayew and regarded him to be a perfect fit in their system. Ayew who did not sign for the League 1 Club dint have any hesitation accepting Swansea’s offer and moved on a free transfer to the Premier League Club.
But with a lot of other players still available for free, many teams will still look to strengthen their squad and for most, this is the best way of finding the right combination.