For any recruitment team, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a successful free transfer.
Sure, there’s usual a significant signing on fee. And don’t forget about those wages.
But snapping up a player for no transfer outlay is a fillip for any club, with Liverpool no different.
Some have made more impact than others since the Bosman ruling came into effect almost 25 years ago, allowing freedom of movement for players when their contracts expire without their old club receiving a fee.
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And we’ve attempted to construct a first XI of Liverpool players that, in terms of transfer fee, cost nothing.
Goalkeeper – Adrian
If his signing in August was a surprise, it was nothing compared to being thrown in for an immediate debut and then, with Alisson Becker injured, staying in the side for more than two months, winning every Premier League game and proving the hero in the UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea. A bit of a downer in his last few appearances, though.
Right-back – Markus Babbel
A champion with Bayern Munich and European Championship winner with Germany, Babbel was a permanent fixture in the treble-winning season of 2000/01 – scoring in the UEFA Cup final win over Alaves – until being diagnosed with the debilitating and paralysing Guillan-Barre syndrome from which he struggled to recover.
Centre-backs – Kolo Toure and Joel Matip
Toure was hugely popular under Brendan Rodgers having left Manchester City in 2013 and featured in the Europa League final under Jurgen Klopp, while Matip’s impact in the second half of the 2018/19 saw him a deserved Champions League winner.
Left-back – Fabio Aurelio
The Brazilian signed twice on a free, under Rafael Benitez and then Roy Hodgson having initially been released. Injuries prevented him from showing his undoubted quality on a more regular basis. That said, he still made 134 appearances for the Reds.
Right wing – Maxi Rodriguez
Signed by Benitez, the Argentine was largely overlooked by Roy Hodgson but came into his own under Kenny Dalglish, not least when scoring two hat-tricks in three games towards the end of the 2010/11 campaign.
Central midfield – Gary McAllister and James Milner
Two of the finest free transfers in Liverpool’s history. McAllister was the experienced head who popped up with important goals in the 2001 treble season, while Milner has now spent almost five years with the Reds and has proven a shining and versatile example in the squad while adding to his personal trophy haul.
Left midfield – Bolo Zenden
A Reds career often overlooked, the former Barcelona and Chelsea man didn’t feature much in 2005/06 but was more prominent the following campaign, scoring in the Champions League semi-final penalty shoot-out win over the Londoners and also starting the final against AC Milan.
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Strikers – Robbie Fowler and Craig Bellamy
Both returned to Anfield on a free after earlier spells at the club, each coincidentally after being released by Manchester City. Fowler played his part as a striking option after an emotional comeback in January 2006, while Bellamy was a regular in the 2011/12 campaign under Dalglish and featured in the League Cup and FA Cup finals.
Liverpool starting XI that would be recruitment team dream - Liverpool Echo
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