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Chelsea FC’s Top 30 Transfers Of All Time

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates winning the Premier League title after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on May 3, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates winning the Premier League title after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on May 3, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Michael Ballack of Chelsea celebrates scoring an equalising goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on August 18, 2009 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Michael Ballack of Chelsea celebrates scoring an equalising goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on August 18, 2009 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

28. Michael Ballack – Fee: FREE

Michael Ballack arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2006 and although some may question how his contribution to Chelsea stacks up against the club greats, the fact that he came on a free warrants his place on this list.

The 29-year-old joined the Blues already a bona fide star. Four seasons at Bayern Munich had yielded three consecutive Bundesliga titles and three consecutive DFB-Pokal cups (the German FA Cup). He brought his wealth of experience to Jose Mourinho’s successful side and settled down as a senior Blues figure for the next four campaigns.

He was a first-team regular for Chelsea throughout a relatively tumultuous period in their recent history, amassing 166 competitive appearances and scoring 25 (often vital) goals. His efforts were rewarded with one Premier League title, three FA Cups and one League Cup.

After the Blues, Ballack returned to Bayer Leverkusen (where he had spent a part of his early career) before retiring in 2012.

While he certainly achieved a lot, many will mischievously point out that his position as runner-up in two Champions League finals, Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup as defining moments of his legacy.

Next: #27

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