Jump directly to the content
Feature
Bargain buys

Philippe Coutinho, Dele Alli and Vincent Kompany: The best Premier League XI without spending £20m on a single player

These signings show clubs don't need to spend a fortune to unearth a hidden gem

WHILST transfer fees continue to rocket, they're still plenty of bargains to be had across Europe.

The likes of Manchester City, Man United and Chelsea have spent a staggering combined £444million this summer... and the cheque books aren't closed yet.

 Pep Guardiola has not wasted time in splashing the cash this summer
13
Pep Guardiola has not wasted time in splashing the cash this summerCredit: Twitter/@benmendy23

Premier League rivals Tottenham are more shrewd with their money and will not splash the cash in desperation to land transfer targets.

And their bargain buys have proved profitable purchases after mounting a title charge alongside Chelsea last season.

But who have been the best signings in the Premier League for under £20m?

Goalkeeper - Hugo Lloris, £7.9m

Tottenham's club captain and holder of the armband for the French national side - Lloris is one of the world's best between the sticks.

Lloris joined Spurs from Lyon in the summer of 2012 and has since been linked with big money moves across Europe.

But he looks set to stay with Mauricio Pochettino's side having penned a contract extension until 2022.

 Hugo Lloris is one of the best keepers in world football
13
Hugo Lloris is one of the best keepers in world footballCredit: Getty Images

Right back - Antonio Valencia, £16m

The costliest player in the side but also one of the most under appreciated.

Manchester United forked out the money for him from Wigan in 2009 and he has since gone onto make over 200 league appearances for the Red Devils.

He has won six major trophies during his time at United but the Champions League still alludes the Ecuadorian.

 Antonio Valencia remains one of the most consistent players in the Premier League
13
Antonio Valencia remains one of the most consistent players in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters

Centre back - Vincent Kompany, £6m

Injuries aside, the Belgian brute is regarded as one of the best defenders to play in the Premier League.

Ex-Man City boss Mark Hughes pulled off a stroke of genius to land Kompany for the measly fee in 2008.

Now the club captain he is still one of the first names on the team-sheet when fit.

 Despite his injuries, Vincent Kompany remains one of Man City's best ever signings
13
Despite his injuries, Vincent Kompany remains one of Man City's best ever signingsCredit: Getty Images

Centre back - Gary Cahill, £5.5m

The England defender has been handed the captains armband following the departure of John Terry.

Cahill was in a relegation dogfight with Bolton before his move to Chelsea in January 2012 and ended up lifting the FA Cup and Champions League in the same season.

He would later add two league titles, the League Cup and Europa League to his club honours.

 Gary Cahill has just been rewarded with Chelsea's club captaincy
13
Gary Cahill has just been rewarded with Chelsea's club captaincyCredit: Rex Features

Left-back - Cesar Azpilicueta, £6.5m

One of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, the Spaniard played every minute of league action last season.

He joined from Marseille in 2012 and won the club's Players' Player of the Year a season later.

Like defensive partner Cahill, he has won every domestic club honour and is now the club's Vice-Captain.

 Cesar Azpilicueta has won every domestic trophy for Chelsea
13
Cesar Azpilicueta has won every domestic trophy for ChelseaCredit: Rex Features

Midfielder - Victor Wanyama, £11m

Signed from Southampton in 2016, the defensive midfielder has become an integral figure in Spurs' talented side.

He is one of the most effective midfield enforcers in the league and will leave his opponents feeling battered and bruised at the end of the match.

 Victor Wanyama is a rock in the heart of Tottenham's midfield
13
Victor Wanyama is a rock in the heart of Tottenham's midfieldCredit: Getty Images

Midfielder - Christian Eriksen, £11.5m

Another one of Tottenham's bargain purchases.

The free-kick specialist signed from Ajax in 2013 and has gone onto win the club's Player of the Year on two occassions.

The 25-year-old registered eight goals and an incredible 15 assists last season and will be crucial if Spurs are to win silverware this season.

 Christian Eriksen is crucial to any success Spurs have
13
Christian Eriksen is crucial to any success Spurs haveCredit: Reuters

Left wing - Philippe Coutinho, £8.5m

The Brazilian magician is being lined up with a staggering £89m move to Barcelona... and deservedly so.

Coutinho had his best return in a Liverpool shirt last season with 13 goals and seven assists but it could be his last with the Spanish giants eyeing his signature.

He joined from Inter Milan in 2013 and although he is set to win silverware at the Reds, he has gathered plenty of individual awards including being named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

 Barcelona are tempting to lure Philippe Coutinho away from Liverpool
13
Barcelona are tempting to lure Philippe Coutinho away from LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

Right wing - Riyad Mahrez, £400,000

One of the best bargains in Premier League history and a fairytale story to go with it.

A complete unknown when he joined Leicester from Le Havre, Mahrez was the club's talisman when they defied the odds to be crowned league champions.

The 26-year-old scored 17 and assisted 11 in that remarkable campaign and has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Barcelona and Roma.

 Riyad Mahrez's stock has risen massively since his move to Leicester
13
Riyad Mahrez's stock has risen massively since his move to LeicesterCredit: Rex Features

Attacking midfield - Dele Alli, £5.5m

Another incredible signing by Tottenham when they landed the England ace for a bargain fee from MK Dons.

Not even Spurs could predict his rapid rise which has seen him become one of the best players in the league.

He has a telepathic relationship alongside Harry Kane which saw them score a combined 37 league goals last season.

 Dele Alli is fast becoming one of the most valuable footballers in the world
13
Dele Alli is fast becoming one of the most valuable footballers in the worldCredit: Rex Features

Striker - Jamie Vardy, £1m

From non-league to champion of England - Vardy's story is so remarkable he is having a film produced after his success.

The speed merchant has not only become an international figure but has given thousands of footballers hope of making it in the big time.


Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s live transfer blog


He has bagged 37 goals for Leicester over the last two seasons... not bad for Fleetwood Town's former star.

 Jamie Vardy's rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable
13
Jamie Vardy's rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkableCredit: Getty Images
13
Topics