Top 5 best Premier League Buys

The January transfer window opens in just over a week - we take a look at some of the best ever Premier League buys.

By Marcus Chhan

There have been so many great buys made over the years by Premier League clubs, but to qualify as a 'best buy' the player needs to have two things going for them.

The player needs to have (a) largely contributed to the club's success during their time their, and (b) was a value for money signing.

I also limited myself to mentioning any club just once - otherwise it might start looking like a Manchester United / Arsenal only list.

Eric Cantona
From: Leeds United to Manchester United
When: 1992
How Much? £1.2million

Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, has made more than a few great signings over the years. In fact, you could argue that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's transfer from Molde in 1996 for £1.5million was more of a bargain than Eric Cantona's £1.2million in 1992. The transfer market was a very different beast by the time 1996 came around and £1.5million - considered a fair amount in 1992 - was peanuts four years later.

However, in terms of the success factor, the Frenchman cannot be compared to any other Fergie signing. He was the catalyst for a United empire which continues to win trophies over 18 years later.

Thierry Henry
From: Juventus to Arsenal
When: 1999
How Much? £10.5million

OK, I'll admit that £10.5million isn't exactly cheap, but weighed up against what the player brought to the club - Thierry Henry has to get a mention. Arsenal's best ever player in my book, so £10.5million is a bargain here.

Henry's true potential was never fully realised until he joined Arsene Wenger's revolution at Highbury where the titles and success would follow soon after. His pace was frightening and he made a fool out of more than a few Premiership goalkeepers during his time, including French compatriot Fabian Barthez (not once but twice).

Wenger's signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona also ranks up there as well, but the Spaniard needs to deliver the Premier League crown before he can be considered greater than Henry.

The £7million signing of Marc Overmars from Ajax in 1997 was a pretty darn good deal as well given the club got the best out of him and then flogged him to Barcelona for triple the price he was bought for.

Sammi Hyypia
From: Willem II to Liverpool
When: 1999
How Much? £2.6million

It's almost unbelievable to think that the player who was the rock in Liverpool's defence during their historic cup winning treble was signed on the recommendation of a TV cameraman. Sammi Hyypia eventually became captain of Liverpool during his time at Anfield and has been voted among the top 50 greatest players ever at the club.

At just £2.6million in 1999, the Finland international was a steal for the Reds. That same year Christian Vieri moved from Lazio to Inter Milan for £32 million.

Alan Shearer
From: Southampton to Blackburn Rovers
When: 1992
How Much? £3.6million

Alan Shearer's £3.6million was a pretty hefty price tag way back in 1992, but he fired Blackburn Rovers to their only ever Premiership title. His scoring record is second to none - 112 league goals for Rovers in 138 appearances.

Shearer was also sold to Newcastle United at a profit which ups his bargain factor.

Gianfranco Zola
From: Parma to Chelsea
When: 1996
How Much? £4.5million

The Italian led Chelsea to trophies before they were the richest kid on the block - and he did it with style and a smile. I am no Chelsea fan, but there's hard to find any fault about Gianfranco Zola and the way that he played the game.

He scored 80 goals for Chelsea in 312 games - some of them simply magic as well.

Special mention: Kevin Davies
From: Southampton to Bolton Wanderers
When: 2003
How Much? Free

I still can't get over how well Bolton Wanderers have performed this season. Their skipper Kevin Davies joined for nothing seven years ago and he continues to lead the line for them superbly. Davies also got his first (last?) England cap this season as well.

If they qualify for the Europa League next season, it would've been some effort.

source: espnstar.com