Norwich City paid just £250,000 to sign John Ruddy from Everton in the summer of 2010 and they’ve arguably never spent such little money so well.
The club confirmed the fee, which was paid following their promotion back to the Championship under Paul Lambert, coming up as League One champions.
The Canaries earned an impressive 95 points on their way back to the second tier, but nobody expected them to immediately compete for promotion to the Premier League.
But Ruddy’s arrival proved a crucial piece of the puzzle, as Lambert’s team finished second in the Championship at the first attempt, ending a six-year absence from the top flight.
The shot-stopper kept 10 clean sheets in 45 appearances, establishing himself as an impressive number one for Norwich on their way back to the big time.
Ruddy hadn’t been able to make it at Everton, with Tim Howard cemented as first-choice in David Moyes’ side long-term, leading to a move to Norwich in order to branch out and play regular football.
This deal proved a masterstroke for both club and player, with Ruddy becoming worth far more than the £250,000 paid to sign him.
Norwich enjoyed an impressive first season back in the Championship under Lambert, and Ruddy was key to their promotion.
He conceded 58 from 45 appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets, in a solid first season at Carrow Road.
