Manchester City, now known for their massive spending under Pep Guardiola, once relied heavily on free transfers to build their squad. Before the era of multi-million-pound signings, the club made some incredibly smart moves in the free transfer market, bringing in players who made significant impacts. These signings were not only cost-effective but also added quality and experience to the team. From Champions League winners to former Manchester United stars, City’s history of free transfers is filled with fascinating stories.
Manchester City’s ability to lure players from their rivals, Manchester United, was once seen as a major coup. Three notable names who made the switch from Old Trafford to the Etihad on free transfers were Peter Schmeichel, Andy Cole, and Owen Hargreaves.
Peter Schmeichel: The legendary Danish goalkeeper, who was a key figure in Manchester United’s 1999 Treble-winning season, joined City in 2002 after a stint at Aston Villa. Schmeichel’s move to City was controversial, especially among United fans, and it led to an iconic moment when Gary Neville refused to shake his hand before a derby match. Schmeichel spent one season at City before retiring, but his presence added experience and leadership to the squad.
Andy Cole: Another Treble hero, Cole joined City in 2005 after a successful spell at Fulham. Despite Fulham’s efforts to keep him, Cole chose to return to Manchester, this time in blue. He scored 10 goals in 23 appearances for City before moving to Portsmouth. His time at City was short but memorable, and his move was seen as a significant statement at the time.
Owen Hargreaves: Hargreaves’ transfer to City in 2011 was perhaps the most controversial of the three. After a career plagued by injuries at Manchester United, where he won the Premier League and Champions League, Hargreaves joined City in an attempt to revive his career. While his time at City was also marred by injuries, his move was seen as a betrayal by many United fans, given the support he had received from Sir Alex Ferguson during his injury struggles.
Didi Hamann’s move to Manchester City in 2006 was one of the more bizarre transfer sagas. The German midfielder, who played a crucial role in Liverpool’s famous 2005 Champions League comeback against AC Milan, had initially agreed to join Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool expired. However, just a month later, he changed his mind and joined City instead.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside later revealed that the club had never officially signed Hamann, despite the player agreeing to terms. City paid Bolton £400,000 in compensation, but it turned out that Hamann had technically been registered as a Bolton player before the move to City was finalized. Hamann spent three years at City, but his time there was less impactful compared to his glory days at Liverpool.
Manchester City also dipped into Arsenal’s pool of talent, signing three notable players from the Gunners on free transfers.
David Seaman: The legendary Arsenal goalkeeper joined City in 2003 after being released by the Gunners. However, his time at City was short-lived, as he retired just six months later due to injury. While his stint at City was unremarkable, his signing was a statement of intent from the club.
Patrick Vieira: One of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players, Vieira joined City in 2010 after being released by Inter Milan. The French midfielder, who captained Arsenal’s Invincibles team, brought a wealth of experience and leadership to City. Although he was past his prime, Vieira helped City win the FA Cup in 2011, adding another trophy to his illustrious career. After retiring, Vieira stayed at City as a coach for the reserves.
Bacary Sagna: The French right-back joined City directly from Arsenal in 2014. While he wasn’t as high-profile as Vieira or Seaman, Sagna was a reliable defender during his three years at the club. He won the League Cup in 2016, the only major trophy of his time at City.
Before becoming a cult hero at Hull City, Geovanni had a brief but memorable spell at Manchester City. The Brazilian attacking midfielder joined City on a free transfer in 2007 after being released by Benfica. Despite a promising start, including goals against Manchester United and West Ham, Geovanni was let go after just one season. He later found success at Hull City, where he played a key role in their survival during the 2008/09 Premier League season.
While free transfers are less common for City in the modern era, the club has still made some smart moves. Ilkay Gundogan, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, became one of City’s most important players, contributing to multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups. Similarly, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, signed on a free in 2022, has provided reliable backup to Ederson.
Manchester City’s approach to transfers has evolved significantly over the years. In the early 2000s, free transfers were a necessity for a club still building its reputation and financial power. However, after the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008, City became one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, allowing them to spend heavily on top talent. While free transfers are no longer a primary strategy, the club’s history of smart Bosman deals highlights their ability to identify value in the market.
Manchester City’s history of free transfers is a testament to their ability to make smart, cost-effective signings. From luring players from rivals like Manchester United and Arsenal to bringing in experienced campaigners like Didi Hamann and Patrick Vieira, City’s free transfer dealings have played a crucial role in their journey from mid-table mediocrity to becoming one of the most dominant forces in English football. While the days of relying on free transfers may be over, the legacy of these signings remains an important part of City’s story.
