10 Biggest Football Transfers In History

6. Johan Cruyff - Ajax To Barcelona (£950,000) The original 'Total Footballer', Johan Cruyff signed for FC Barcelona from Ajax in 1973 for a fee of £950,000 and has played a central role in shaping the club's fortunes ever since. As a player, Cruyff guided Barcelona to their first La Liga title since 1960 in his first season with the club, picking up the Ballon d'or in both '73 and '74 to accompany his triumph in 1971. Yet the signing of Cruyff in 1973 was key not only to Barcelona's immediate on the field success, moreover it was the start of an affiliation between club and player that would lead to an upheaval in club philosophy, with the Cruyff advocated 'Total Football' becoming the blue print for the club's future success. Cruyff changed the DNA of Barcelona. His preferred style of how the game should be played has been a crucial factor behind Barcelona's recent success, especially given that the majority of the current side have been promoted from within the club, meaning that they have been schooled at La Masia, according to Cruyff's philosophy. Cruyff himself became manager of the club in 1988. Under his stewardship, 'The Dream Team' - of which Cruyff constructed as well as coached- won 4 back to back La Liga titles as well as victory in the 1989 Cup Winners Cup and 1992 European Cup final, both over Sampdoria. Therefore, for the influence that Cruyff has had on Barcelona, his transfer to the club must be considered as one of the biggest transfers in footballing history.