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Here are 10 high profile players who moved from their clubs on a free transfer
Lionel Messi
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After spending his entire professional career at Barcelona, Lionel Messi made a highly publicized move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in August 2021. Financial constraints at Barcelona led to Messi's departure, and he joined PSG, where he continued to showcase his exceptional talent.
Cristiano Ronaldo
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His return to Manchester United from Juventus in 2021 did occur on a free transfer. After his contract with Juventus expired, Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United, where he had previously enjoyed tremendous success earlier in his career. This move reunited him with the club and fans who held him in high regard, marking a significant moment in both Ronaldo's career and Manchester United's recent history.
Thiago Silva
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Thiago Silva's move to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 is another notable free transfer in football history. After his contract with PSG expired, Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer, bringing his wealth of experience and defensive prowess to the Premier League. The Brazilian defender quickly established himself as a key figure in Chelsea's backline, providing leadership and stability to the team's defense. Silva's arrival proved instrumental in Chelsea's defensive improvement and their subsequent success, including winning the UEFA Champions League in the 2020-2021 season.
Andres Iniesta
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The legendary Spanish midfielder left Barcelona, his lifelong club, on a free transfer in 2018 to join Japanese club Vissel Kobe. Iniesta's departure marked the end of an era at Barcelona and saw him embark on a new chapter in his career in the J-League.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Throughout his career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made several free transfer moves. One notable example is his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester United in 2016. Ibrahimovic joined United on a free transfer and made a significant impact during his time at the club.
Michael Ballack
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The German midfielder made a high-profile move to Chelsea on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006. Ballack's arrival at Chelsea added experience and quality to the team's midfield, and he played a key role in the club's success during his time in London.
Robert Lewandowski
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After his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired in 2014, Robert Lewandowski made a controversial free transfer to their Bundesliga rivals, Bayern Munich. The move was significant not only for its impact on the German football landscape but also because Lewandowski established himself as one of the world's top strikers during his time at Bayern.
Sergio Aguero
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After a successful decade at Manchester City, Sergio Aguero left the club as a free agent in 2021. He joined Barcelona on a free transfer, adding his prolific goal-scoring abilities to the Catalan club's attack.
Dani Alves
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The Brazilian full-back has made multiple high-profile free transfer moves throughout his career. In 2016, Alves joined Juventus from Barcelona on a free transfer, where he continued to display his attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Sol Campbell
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Sol Campbell's move to Arsenal from Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 is often regarded as one of the most notable free transfers in English football history. After his contract with Tottenham expired, Campbell made the controversial decision to join their North London rivals, Arsenal, on a free transfer. This move shocked the footballing world and stirred intense emotions among fans of both clubs. Campbell's arrival at Arsenal bolstered their defence and played a significant role in the club's success during his time there, including winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
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