In modern football, top-class center-backs are more valuable than ever, with clubs willing to spend massive sums to secure defensive stability. Here is a look at the 15 most expensive center-backs in history, ranked by their transfer fees.
15. Maximilian Kilman – £40,000,000
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West Ham United made a bold move in 2024, signing Maximilian Kilman from Wolverhampton for £40 million. The English defender had been a key figure at Wolves, and his transfer marked a significant investment in West Ham’s defensive future.
14. David Luiz – £41,000,000
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In 2014, David Luiz became the world’s most expensive center-back when Paris Saint-Germain signed him from Chelsea for £41 million. Known for his ball-playing abilities and long-range passing, Luiz was a key part of PSG’s defensive setup before eventually returning to Chelsea.
Real Madrid secured Éder Militão in 2019 for £42 million, bringing him from FC Porto. Despite a slow start, the Brazilian defender has since established himself as a key figure in Madrid’s backline, contributing to their success in La Liga and the Champions League.
After a standout season at Napoli, Min-jae Kim earned a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in 2023 for £42 million. The South Korean defender’s strength and tactical intelligence made him one of the Bundesliga’s most promising defensive additions.
11. Cristian Romero – £44,000,000
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Tottenham Hotspur spent £44 million to make Cristian Romero’s loan move from Atalanta permanent in 2022. The Argentine center-back quickly became a leader in Spurs’ defense, known for his aggressive tackling and aerial dominance.
10. John Stones – £47,000,000
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Manchester City secured John Stones in 2016 for £47 million from Everton. Though he initially faced challenges, Stones evolved into a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s defense, playing a key role in multiple Premier League title wins.
9. Lisandro Martínez – £48,000,000
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Manchester United made Lisandro Martínez one of their marquee signings in 2022, paying £48 million to Ajax. Despite early concerns about his height, the Argentine defender proved his worth with his aggressive defending and ball-playing ability.
At just 18 years old, Leny Yoro became one of the most expensive teenage defenders when Manchester United signed him from Lille in 2024 for £52 million. His composure, strength, and tactical awareness make him a potential world-class defender for years to come.
7. Aymeric Laporte – £55,000,000
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Manchester City reinforced their defense in 2018 by signing Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Club for £55 million. A ball-playing center-back with excellent positional awareness, Laporte played a key role in City’s domestic dominance.
6. Matthijs de Ligt – £56,000,000
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In 2022, Matthijs de Ligt joined Bayern Munich from Juventus for £56 million, making him the only defender to feature twice on this list. The Dutch international had previously been one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
5. Ruben Dias – £60,000,000
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Manchester City made a game-changing signing in 2020 when they bought Ruben Dias from Benfica for £60 million. The Portuguese defender immediately transformed City’s defense, helping them win multiple titles and earning the FWA Footballer of the Year award in his debut season.
Chelsea continued their defensive spending spree by signing Wesley Fofana from Leicester City in 2022 for £68 million. Injuries have hampered his progress, but when fit, the French defender showcases immense potential.
3. Virgil van Dijk – £71,000,000
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Liverpool shattered the transfer record for a defender in 2018 when they signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £71 million. The Dutchman became a transformational figure, leading Liverpool to a Premier League and Champions League title while cementing himself as one of the best defenders of his generation.
2. Matthijs de Ligt – £72,000,000
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At just 19 years old, Matthijs de Ligt made headlines in 2019 when Juventus signed him from Ajax for £72 million. Despite showing moments of brilliance, his time in Italy was mixed, leading to his move to Bayern Munich three years later.
1. Harry Maguire – £73,000,000
The 15 Most Expensive Center-Back Transfers in Football HistoryPhoto: Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com
The most expensive center-back in history remains Harry Maguire, who moved from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019 for £73 million. While his tenure at United has been controversial, Maguire has been a consistent presence for England, captaining his national team and delivering strong performances in major tournaments.
