Guarding the Bank: Ranking the 20 Most Expensive Defenders in Football History

10. Marc Cucurella

Brighton to Chelsea - £55 million

After making a significant impact with Brighton, Marc Cucurella earned a high-profile move to Chelsea in 2022. However, over the past two years, the full-back has struggled to regain the form that Chelsea had anticipated.

Having worked under four different managers during this period, Cucurella will return from international duty to encounter his fifth head coach at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, there are signs that the tide may be turning for the 25-year-old. The Spaniard was entrusted with a key role at Euro 2024, where he rewarded Luis de la Fuente with an assist in the final against England and earned a place in the official Team of the Tournament.

9. Matthijs de Ligt

Juventus to Bayern Munich - £56.4 million

Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt makes another appearance on this list, with his latest transfer placing him at number nine. After struggling to make the desired impact at a fading Juventus, the former Ajax captain was acquired by Bayern Munich.

Despite a promising start, de Ligt has faced setbacks due to injuries and managerial preferences for other options, leading to speculation about a potential third major transfer at just 24 years old. Reports suggest that former manager Erik ten Hag might be interested in reuniting with his former captain. Should this move occur, de Ligt would join other top 20 defenders like Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and another name within the top 10.

8. Achraf Hakimi

Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain - £57.3 million

Achraf Hakimi, the dynamic defender from Morocco, has enjoyed a remarkable career by the age of just 25. With stints at top clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, his move from Inter Milan was significant enough to earn him a spot on this list.

After securing the Scudetto with Inter, Hakimi transitioned to Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile transfer. At PSG, he has been a constant presence, consistently demonstrating his exceptional talent and remarkable physical prowess while contributing significantly to the team's success in Ligue 1.

7. Ruben Dias

Benfica to Manchester City - £60.3 million

Regarded as one of the top defenders globally, Ruben Dias has proven Manchester City's investment in him from Benfica was well worth it. Even as a young player, the Portuguese center-back displayed exceptional quality, along with the intensity and composure befitting a future captain.

Throughout Pep Guardiola's tenure at the Etihad, many central defenders have come and gone, with positions in this role often having a shorter lifespan. However, since joining City in 2020, the 27-year-old has been a central figure in their defense, playing a crucial role in what could be one of the most dominant teams in English football history.

6. Lucas Hernandez

Atletico Madrid to Bayern Munich - £67.4 million

France has produced some remarkable left-backs over the years, with Patrice Evra and Eric Abidal being notable examples. Recently, Lucas Hernandez has been the standout in that position. Like many on this list, the 28-year-old has played for several top clubs, but it was his transfer from Atlético Madrid to Bayern Munich that made headlines for its substantial cost.

During his successful four-year tenure in Bavaria, Hernandez collected numerous domestic titles. However, his move to PSG was marked by a major setback; an ACL injury sidelined him for Euro 2024 and led to his brother, Theo, stepping in for Didier Deschamps' squad.

5. Wesley Fofana

Leicester City to Chelsea - £67.75 million

Speaking of French players and injuries, Wesley Fofana is a prime example. After making a strong impression in the Premier League with Leicester City, Fofana's progress was hindered by a broken fibula, sidelining him for over seven months. Despite this setback, Chelsea committed a club-record fee for a defender to bring him on board.

However, two years and 20 appearances later, Fofana has spent more time injured than playing, raising questions about whether the London club thoroughly assessed the risks before finalizing the transfer. At just 23 years old, there's still potential for him to return to form and make an impact, but he faces the challenge of overcoming injuries that have marred his promising career.

4. Virgil van Dijk

Southampton to Liverpool - £71.3 million

If Ruben Dias was a wise investment, then Virgil van Dijk's impact on Liverpool makes him an outright bargain. At 32, Van Dijk proved to be the missing piece Jurgen Klopp needed, transforming Liverpool from underperformers to Premier League champions in under five years.

His arrival solidified Liverpool's defense, turning it into one of the most formidable in football. This defensive strength was crucial to their dominance in both English and European competitions, including two Champions League finals. Even in recent months, Van Dijk has continued to impress, reaffirming his status as one of the top captains in the Premier League.

3. Matthijs de Ligt

Ajax to Juventus - £72 million

Matthijs de Ligt makes another appearance, this time in the top three. His transfer to Juventus was significant enough to secure him a bronze spot on this list. After leading Ajax to a surprising Champions League semi-final in 2019 as a teenage captain, De Ligt's rise made him a top target for Juventus, who invested heavily in the young talent.

Despite high expectations, De Ligt's time at Juventus didn't entirely meet the anticipated levels of growth. He remained one of the club's standout defenders, but financial difficulties at Juventus led to the decision to sell him, underscoring the club's need to balance their books.

2. Harry Maguire

Leicester City to Manchester United - £73.3 million

The 2018 World Cup was pivotal in shaping Harry Maguire's career trajectory. As a Leicester City defender, he emerged as a standout performer in the Three Lions' run to the semi-finals, drawing global attention. His stellar performances led Manchester United to make him the world's most expensive defender.

Just six months later, Maguire was appointed captain of United. However, his fortunes have since waned, with Erik ten Hag seemingly marginalizing him in the squad. At 31, Maguire's future at Old Trafford looks uncertain, and the club may face a considerable financial loss in offloading him.

1. Josko Gvardiol

RB Leipzig to Manchester City - £77.6 million

Harry Maguire held the title of the world's most expensive defender until the summer of 2023, when young Croatian Josko Gvardiol claimed the top spot. Gvardiol, who had impressed at RB Leipzig, caught the attention of major clubs due to a release clause in his contract. Manchester City seized the opportunity to secure his services.

The 22-year-old initially faced challenges adapting to his new environment, but by the end of the season, Gvardiol had solidified his position at left-back. He also made a notable impact in the attacking third, scoring four goals in his last seven Premier League matches of the 2023-24 season.