Over the last three decades there have been a multitude of bargain buys in the English Premier League.
The definition of 'bargain' has shifted over the last few years, making this list increasingly difficult, but all considered, we at Betway have come up with a list of the top FIVE bargain buys of players purchased under £10 million (not inflation adjusted) since 1992.
5. Seamus Coleman
The Irish fullback joined Everton from Sligo Rovers for just £60,000 in 2009. Yes, you read that right -- £60,000 -- which is less than most elite players make a week!
Coleman has gone on to score 26 goals in 310 appearances for the Toffees and was appointed club captain in August 2019 following Phil Jagielka's departure from the club.
On the right end of one the most remarkable transfers in the modern era, Coleman has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the English Premier League today and having fought his way back from a horrific leg break, the Ireland international is well on his way to legendary status at Goodison Park.
4. N'Golo Kante
No one could've foreseen the impact Kante would make in his first and ultimately only season at Leicester City, not to mention the fact that the Foxes would actually win the English Premier League that season!
The diminutive midfielder arrived at the King Power Stadium from French side Caen for a reported bargain figure of £5.6 million in August 2015. Nine months later, the Foxes were champions of England for the first time in their history.
While the likes of Patrick Viera and Roy Keane were bargain buys to a similar mould, neither played such an important role so quickly and while Kante moved onto Chelsea 11 months later, he will forever be remembered for his role in the "5000-1" season.
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3. Kolo Toure
The Premier League great joined Arsenal for just £150,000 from Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas following a short trial in 2002.
Needless to say, it was money very well spent and the former Ivory Coast international would go on to forge a very successful career in England's top-flight.
Toure was a key member of the Invincibles squad that went the entire 2003-04 league season unbeaten before moving to Manchester City after seven years in North London and later Liverpool during a career which conjured two English Premier League crowns.
2. Eric Cantona
The Frenchman arrived at Old Trafford from rivals Leeds United for the low sum of £1.6 million in 1992.
He wasn't Sir Alex Ferguson's first choice, but boy did the deal work out well for Manchester United. Cantona transformed the club from title challengers to title winners and quickly established himself as a cult figure and club icon.
'King' Cantona won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups in five years with the Red Devils before hanging up his boots in 1997.
1. Vincent Kompany
The most expensive transfer on this list at a reported £7.7 million, Kompany's inclusion at No.1 would come as a surprise to most. Kompany arrived at Etihad Stadium from Hamburg as a low profile signing just as City started to flex their financial superiority in 2008 with Robinho the club's marquee signing that year.
While many of those who arrived amid much fanfare alongside Kompany failed to live up to their billing, the former Belgium international surpassed all expectations.
Kompany captained City to four Premier League, two FA Cup and four League Cup titles in 360 appearances for the club. Were it not for persistent injury his trophy collection could've well been even more impressive, but either way he will go down as a City legend and one of the main protagonists to their revolution.
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