25. Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad to Liverpool, £10.7m, 2004)
In his first two seasons, he won the Champions League and FA Cup. Then Rafa wanted to sell him, but could not, so he stayed and Liverpool finished second. He was then sold to Real Madrid for £30m and the Reds have not been in the top four since.
24. Dimitar Berbatov (Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham Hotspur, £10.9m, 2006)
At over £10m, Berbatov didn’t seem cheap, but two seasons of languid creativity trebled his transfer fee when he went to Manchester United, and his first season would indicate that Spurs (or at least their accountants) got the better of that deal
23. Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona to Arsenal, Free, 2003)
Came for nothing and returned to Barcelona for £35m. His vision and passing should merit a higher standing in this list but his solitary FA Cup medal means he misses out on the top 20.
22. Edwin van der Sar (Fulham to Manchester United, £2m, 2005)
Sir Alex said his biggest mistake was not replacing Peter Schmeichel with the Dutchman when the great Dane retired. But Fergie got his man and he was the worth the wait. Retired last summer but was still the best goalkeeper in the league.
21. Wayne Rooney (Everton to Manchester United, £25.6m, 2004)
At the time the most expensive teenager in the world but has proved he is worth every penny. Has won everything at Old Trafford and established himself as an Old Trafford legend already.