Top 10 most expensive defenders of all time

The list includes some surprising names and huge amounts spent to sign them.

Football clubs are beginning to realise the importance of having solid defenders in order to achieve any form of success. Top clubs are paying premium amounts for top players who obviously come at a hefty price. The valuations of defenders have seen a meteoric rise over the recent years due to an inflated market and more significantly, their growing importance in a balanced lineup.

This summer’s transfer window has seen the record for the highest fees paid for a defender being broken after it was confirmed that Manchester United and Leicester City had agreed a whopping £80 million transfer fees for Harry Maguire.

Therefore, we have curated a list of the top 10 most expensive defenders of all time in order to grasp the rising valuations that the position has seen in recent times. 

Please note, the actual transfer fee values may vary depending on the add-ons and performance related bonuses.

10. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) - €65.3 million

Marc Cucurella was added to Chelsea's team after just one season in England. The former Barcelona youth player likes to run down the left-flank and support the attack.

9. Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich) - €67 million

The Dutch player appears twice in the list. Bayern Munich decided to add the former Ajax centre-back to their ranks. Juventus sold the player to the German giants and now de Ligt has created a partnership with fellow centre-backs. Kim has been a new addition to Bayern's squad and both of them will look to win titles with the club.

8. Achraf Hakimi (PSG) - €68 million

Achraf Hakimi is one of the best right-backs of this generation. The Moroccon international left Inter Milan to join the French giants. He has pace and end product which makes him a threat from the right side.

7. Ruben Dias (Manchester City) - €71.6 million

Manchester City added the Portuguese powerhouse to their defence. Ruben Dias has been one of the best additions to the team. He led Pep Guardiola's side to a treble win. The defender is calm and composed on the field. His tackling also makes him one of the best defenders playing in England.

6. Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich) - €80 million

German powerhouse, FC Bayern Munich, announced back in March of 2019 that they had secured the signature of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for a fee in the region of £70 million, making him the second most expensive defender of all time back then.

Lucas Hernandez became the most expensive full-back when he signed for Bayern Munich

The Frenchman has now joined his employers before the new season and it will be interesting to see where he is utilised, since the 23-year-old can also perform as a centre-back apart from playing as a left-back.

5. Wesley Fofana (Chelsea) - £80.40 million

Wesley Fofana joined Chelsea from Leicester City. He played for St. Etienne in France and the Foxes also paid heavily to sign the player. However, this move has not worked in favour of both parties, especially Chelsea. The defender has suffered injuries during his time at the Bridge. He is also set to miss some part of the 2023-24 season.

4. Virgil Van Djik (Liverpool) - €84.65 million

Virgil Van Dijk was the missing piece in Liverpool’s squad and since his arrival from Southampton for a world record fee for a defender back in 2017, the Reds have gone through a massive rise and played in two Champions League finals in two years, winning the most recent one after prevailing against Tottenham Hotspur and also lost out to the league title by a single point last season.

The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Merseyside outfit and has been the leader of one of the tightest defensive forces in Europe. Thanks to his contribution to Liverpool’s cause, the Dutch international is being touted as the favourite for the Ballon d’Or.

3. Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) - €85.5 million

The Dutch international, Matthijs de Ligt was the hot topic in this year’s transfer window until he eventually signed for Juventus FC. The Old Lady snatched the former Ajax captain from various other top European clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester United among others who were lining up for the teen sensation. The 19-year-old was one of the pillars behind Ajax’s sensational UEFA Champions League run where they knocked out heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Juventus themselves on course to the semi-finals. He has already shown leadership qualities and is only going to improve from here.

2. Harry Maguire (Manchester United) - €87 million

One of the biggest factors that led to Manchester United’s downfall in the 2018/19 season was the lack of quality in their defence. Recruitment in the backline was a must before the next season and the most ideal target identified was the England international, Harry Maguire.

Maguire. Is. A. RED ????

We've shown you our GIF, so let's see yours! Show us how you feel about our new signing below ????@HarryMaguire93 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/BZKF8ZF1a7 [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]— Manchester United (@ManUtd) 5 August 2019

Although, the fees that has been agreed will make him the most expensive defender of all time and with it arrives the added pressure. The 26-year-old is Premier League proven and has all the qualities that can propel him and his new team to greener pastures.

1. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) - €90 million

Josko Gvardiol became the most expensive departure in RB Leipzig’s history. He also became the most expensive defender of all time. The defender joined the German club in 2021 and will now play for the treble winners. Last updated on 6 August 2023