Part 3/8:

The discussion then transitions to the caution needed with free transfers. Players that arrive without fees often have higher wages or signing bonuses. It can be tempting to see these players as bargains, but clubs must be wary; they often end up paying more in salaries or contracts than they would if still negotiating a transfer fee.

For instance, the experiences of players such as Michael Ballack, who had a disappointing tenure at Chelsea after a celebrated career in the Bundesliga, are discussed. His high wage during a contract on a free transfer didn't equate to influential performances that fans and clubs expected. Therefore, while he arrived at Chelsea without a fee, the value he provided didn’t justify that financial burden, leading to a low evaluation of his overall impact.