It is well-known that Bayern Munich have become experts in the transfer market window of late, with Robert Lewandowski, Sebastian Rudy and, soon, Leon Goretzka all being coups in recent times - and all on frees.
Such business wisdom has propelled the Bavarians back into Europe's limelight, looking a serious force once again.
But it has not always been as straightforward as many would lead you to believe. With Bayern being the biggest attraction in Germany, some have simply not lived up to the hype...
6. Sebastian Deisler - 2002-07
A tragic tale indeed, Sebastian Deisler was once heralded as one of Germany's golden prospects.
Bayern signed the talented winger despite his injury history, but such setbacks seemingly got worse and ravaged his once promising career.
Deisler sadly also struggled with depression, which contributed to his early retirement at the age of just 27.
5. José Ernesto Sosa - 2007-10
José Ernesto Sosa arrived as a talent in 2007, but struggled to make the impact Bayern demanded and expected.
Inconsistency eventually got the better of him, despite some dotted glimpses of brilliance, and he eventually called time on his stint in the Bundesliga.
The midfielder embarked on a journey throughout Europe's leagues and currently finds himself at Turkish side Trabzonspor.
4. Lukas Podolski - 2006-09
It simply was not meant to be for Lukas Podolski at Bayern. The player arrived from Köln before Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup.
Amassing over 36 goals in three seasons with Effzeh, Podolski could only manage 15 in the same timespan, and minutes came hard to come by after the arrival of Luca Toni.
'Poldi' returned to his boyhood club for a further three seasons and returned to goalscoring form, before making the trip to north London with Arsenal.
3. Mario Götze - 2013-16
It was announced Mario Götze would join his boyhood club before the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund.
Götze was often played uncomfortably out of position at Bayern, but injuries and personal health severely hampered his progress.
It is perhaps harsh to include Götze in here, as his move in 2016 did recoup a notable amount of the fee paid, but he arrived with much expectation and did not live up to the hype.
Now back at die Schwarzgelben, the World Cup winner openly stated he regretted venturing down south, but still has time on his side.
2. Marcell Jansen - 2007-08
Marcell Jansen arrived from hometown club Borussia Mönchengladbach for a fairly high fee at the time.
It was thought Jansen would be part of a strong defence for many years to come, but lasted a mere season in the heartland of Bavaria, mostly on account of injuries.
The left-back moved to Hamburger SV and did not have fond memories of playing against his former club at all.
Eventually, he retired at the age of 29, after HSV decided not to renew his contract, citing he could not play for another club. He is now a pundit for Sky Deutschland.
1. Breno - 2008-12
Like Jansen, Breno arrived with much expectation from São Paulo and Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he would be commanding the defence 'for many years.'
Arriving at the age of 18, it soon became apparent the Brazilian was not living up the potential that caught the eye of several top European clubs.
A loan move to regional rivals Nürnberg was stopped by injury and that became a theme for the rest of his die Roten career. Eventually, he was ousted by Holger Badstuber and charged with arson for burning down his own house.
- 90Min