Football is a game that involves several elements of physicality. The players are always needed to put their bodies before the line for the sake of their team. There have been instances of a single player saving his team’s day with one brilliant piece of skill or play at a given significant moment.
One such aspect of football which is possibly as important as any other department of the game is defence. The game is all about how the defenders of the team who lay back in their own half of play manage to prevent any sort of domination from the opponent attackers. It’s their duty to put in all sorts of hard work so that the goal that is being guarded by the goalkeeper stays unharmed. It’s time for us to have a look at the top 5 highest-paid defenders in the history of football so far.
Top 5 Highest Paid Defenders In The History Of Football Transfers
1) Harry Maguire (£87 million)
Harry Maguire in the season of 2019/20 joined Manchester United for a massive sum of £87 million. The defender came into the red devils’ camp on the back of some incredible performances on the pitch in the past. The England defender however wasn’t able to replicate his worth for the club thereon and failed to prove the worth of his high price tag. Harry has played a combined 175 games for United till date and scored 7 times for the club.
2) Mathias De Ligt (£85.5 million)
Mathias De Ligt followed up his excellent stint at Ajax in 2019 with a massive move to Juventus in the 2019/20 season. The 21 year old defender signed with Juventus for a sum of £85.5 million. The defender was of massive service to his new club as he was brilliant with his trademark tackles and clearances. The defender played a total of 117 games for Juve before leaving for Bayern in 2022.
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3) Virgil Van Dijk (£84.65 million)
Virgil Van Dijk joined Liverpool in the season of 2017/18 season for a sum of £84.65 million. He became an integral part of Klopp’s plans thereon. The defender played a massive role in Liverpool’s overall improved performances thereon. He helped his side to a Premier league win and Champions league title in 2018/19 season. The Dutch player has played 222 games for the reds and scored 19 goals for the club.
4) Wesley Fofana (£80.4 million)
Wesley Fofana joined Chelsea in 2022 at the age of 22. The transfer took place at a massive sum of £80.4 million. The player is just getting started at his new club and is yet to find his rhythm with the blues. He has played a total of 20 games for his new club so far scoring in 5 of them.
5) Lucas Hernandez (£80 million)
Lucas Hernandez joined Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 season at a high price of £80 million. He was a part of the team that lifted the Champions league that season besides several other domestic trophies. He has been playing a key role in his team’s quality performances in the recent past. The defender has so far played 17 matches for the German club while scoribg 2 goals for them.
