Transfer: AC Milan to Bologna, 1997
Price: US$3 million
Impact: Though he had won back to back Scudetti with Juve and Milan in the mid-90s, his move at age 30 to mid-table Bologna was perhaps the more interesting transfer. In order to find form and regain his place in the Italian side, Baggio, with critics’ pens poised and ready to write him off, scored his best total ever of 22 goals that season and was an important member of the Italy squad that took eventual champions France to penalties in the ’98 World Cup.
Money well spent? Having been cast aside at Juve and Milan, this move was all about The Divine Ponytail getting back in the Italian squad. The bargain transfer secured Bologna plenty of attention but the side only finished eighth – one place below where they finished the season before they signed Baggio.

Transfer: Hiratsuka Bellmare to Perugia, 1998
Price: US$3.5 million
Impact: Though Nakata spent just 18 months at Perugia, this move proved that Asian players could match it with the best in Europe. In his first season, midfielder Nakata scored 10 goals in 33 appearances.
Money well spent? Supposedly 50 000 Perugia shirts were sold in Japan following Nakata’s signing. If that wasn’t good business, then try this: after 18 months Roma bought Nakata for US$16 million.

Transfer: Sampdoria to Juventus, 1992
Price: £12 million
Impact: Vialli won the UEFA Cup in his first season at Juventues, but it wasn’t until 1995 that he really made his mark, helping the club win the league and cup double in 1995. They also lost in the UEFA Cup Final that season, despite Vialli scoring a gem. In 1996 he captained the side to Champions League victory to go out a hero.
Money well spent? Transferred for a world record fee, Vialli couldn’t spark big success in his first few seasons. However, he was a key ingredient Marcello Lippi’s early years, as Juventus rose again to become one of Europe’s heavyweights.

Transfer: Bordeaux to Juventus, 1996
Price: £3 million
Impact: In Zidane’s first two seasons with Juventus his side both won the league and reached the final of the Champions League. Though the trophies dried up after that, Zidane’s reputation soared after he found international success with France.
Money well spent? In Zidane’s first two seasons with Juventus his side both won the league and reached the final of the Champions League. Though the trophies dried up after that, Zidane’s reputation soared after he found international success with France.