The recent transfer of French teenager Yeny Yoro to Manchester United has not only made headlines but also brought to the fore the list of most expensive defenders in football history.
With Manchester United securing Yoro’s services for a staggering £52 million, he now ranks among the most expensive teenagers ever.
This transfer comes amid fierce competition from top clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid, highlighting the shifting dynamics in football transfers.
Traditionally, enormous transfer fees were reserved for superstar forwards, but the modern game has seen a marked shift. Investment in defenders has become increasingly prominent, with Yoro’s fee placing him among the top 20 most expensive defenders ever.
Here’s a look at the five most expensive defenders in football history:
Most expensive defenders in football
5. Wesley Fofana (Leicester City to Chelsea – £67.75 million)
Wesley Fofana’s move from Leicester City to Chelsea was a club-record signing for the Blues, as reported by Sky Sports. The young defender adapted quickly to the Premier League before a serious injury sidelined him for over seven months. Although his time on the pitch has been limited, with only 20 appearances in two years, Fofana’s potential remains high at just 23 years old.
4. Virgil van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool – £71.3 million)
Virgil van Dijk’s transfer to Liverpool in January 2018 was a game-changer. The £71.3 million investment proved to be a masterstroke for Jurgen Klopp’s team. Van Dijk’s arrival solidified Liverpool’s defense, playing a crucial role in their Premier League title win and two Champions League final appearances. His impact has been profound, transforming Liverpool into a dominant force in both English and European football.
3. Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax to Juventus – £72 million)
Matthijs de Ligt, after captaining Ajax to a surprising Champions League semi-final run in 2019, was one of the most sought-after young defenders. Juventus invested heavily in him with a £72 million transfer fee. While his development did not entirely meet expectations, De Ligt remained a key defender for Juventus. Financial difficulties eventually led to his transfer to Bayern Munich.
2. Harry Maguire (Leicester City to Manchester United – £73.3 million)
Harry Maguire’s performance in the 2018 World Cup was instrumental in England’s semi-final run, which led to his record-breaking transfer to Manchester United. At £73.3 million, Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender. Despite a strong start and being named club captain within six months, his tenure at Manchester United has been marred by challenges. At 31, his future at the club is uncertain, and a move might necessitate a financial loss for United.
1. Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig to Manchester City – £77.6 million)
In the summer of 2023, Josko Gvardiol became the most expensive defender in football history, surpassing Harry Maguire. The Croatian’s impressive performances at RB Leipzig and his high release clause made him a coveted target. Manchester City secured his transfer, and although Gvardiol faced initial struggles, he eventually made a significant impact, scoring four times in his last seven Premier League matches of the 2023-24 season.
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