The 15 Most Expensive Center-Back Transfers in Football History – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
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
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
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.
13. Éder Militão – £42,000,000
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.
12. Min-jae Kim – £42,000,000
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
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
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
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.
8. Leny Yoro – £52,000,000
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
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
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
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.
4. Wesley Fofana – £68,000,000
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
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
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 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.
