Premier League’s ‘wow’ signings: Weah, Veron, Robinho, Pogba, Di Maria
Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in history.
The 33-year-old Argentina forward, who has won six Ballons d’Or and holds many goalscoring records, would clearly be the most impressive Premier League signing.
But which other of the recruits from abroad have had the ‘wow’ factor?
Take a look at some of the most exciting signings from the past and vote for your favourite. We also want your other suggestions so let us know via the comments section, which you can access when reading this story on the Sport website, or tweet
Ruud Gullit
Netherlands and AC Milan legend Ruud Gullit had a Ballon d’Or, a 1988 European Championship winners’ medal, two European Cups and three Serie A titles when he joined Chelsea – long before Roman Abramovich’s money – as a 32-year-old in 1995.
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“Some people probably thought my legs had gone and I was coming here for the ride – to take the money and just get ready to retire. They were wrong,” he said in a Sport column earlier this year.
He was a success – especially after moving from sweeper into midfield – and took over as player-manager a year later, leading Chelsea to the FA Cup in his only full season in charge.
Verdict: Hit
Juan Sebastian Veron
Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron was one of the most famous playmakers in the world when Manchester United paid £28m to sign him from Lazio in 2001. pundit Mark Lawrenson said the signing meant United were “unstoppable”.
Despite an encouraging start – winning the September Premier League player of the month award – he struggled to adjust to English football and two years later joined Chelsea. He had one injury-hit season there and never played in England again.
