WALKER IS THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE DEFENDER
Manchester City broke the bank to land Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur.
The deal made the England international earn the tag of World’s Most Expensive Defender.
AC Milan also spent big to land Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus.
Milan broke the Italian record when the Chelsea target signed the deal. The high spending Serie A giant spent £35.2 million to land the player, making him one of the most expensive defenders in the world.
The deal for Walker has add-ons that would push the deal beyond the £50 million City paid. Spurs had gotten the right back for just £5 million in 2009 from Sheffield United. The player developed into one of the best in the role on the continent forcing Pep Guardiola to break the bank for his signature.
Chelsea defender David Luiz joined French side PSG for a record £50 million in 2014. The Brazil international won the Ligue 1 in the two years he spent in Paris. He retains the Most Expensive Defender tag officially until Walker breaks it. Luiz had to return to Stamford Bridge in 2016 for £34 million.
Same Man City broke the British record when they signed John Stones for £47.5 million from Everton last summer. The 23-year old struggled to impress at the Etihad but he is a potential star.
Bonucci’s £35.2 million deal ranks behind that of Stones but enough to be ahead of the £35 million Arsenal paid for Shkodran Mustafi. Valencia asked for that much as they were keen on retaining their German star but the desperate Gunners forced the deal through. The deal eclipses the recent deal for Antonio Rudiger. Roma sold the top rated youngster to the Blues for £34 million.
Notable mentions: Thiago Silva joined PSG in 2012 for £33 million for AC Milan; Eliaquim Mangala moved to City for £32 million even though the fees reportedly reached £42 million as third party owners were involved.