Chelsea FC’s Top 5 Black Friday Bargains
5) Tore Andre Flo – £300,000, 1997
He may not be a household name, and many younger fans may not know him at all, but striker Tore Andre Flo was a real bargain. Signed from Norwegian club SK Brann, he cost the Blues just £300,000 and scored 50 goals in 163 games for the club.
The Norwegian international won several honors while at Stamford Bridge, during a period that could be described as the golden era pre-Abramovich. He featured in both the triumphant League Cup final in 1998, as well as the victorious FA Cup final in 2000. Flo also started the 1998 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final, where the Blues defeated Stuttgart 1-0 via a Gianfranco Zola goal.
He carved himself out as a super sub under manager Gianluca Vialli and even ended the 1999-00 season as the club’s top scorer. His unselfish attitude also endeared him to the Chelsea faithful, who treated him with the same affection and respect that Manchester United supporters directed towards Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
His stay in West London only lasted the three years and in 2000, he joined Rangers for £12 million, making him one of the most profitable transfers in Chelsea’s history.
A true bargain buy.
Next: Eidur Gudjohnsen