Home of football statistics and historyThe Euro 2020 finals are well underway and, even though we aren’t sure on who will emerge as the winner with the favourites changing hands regularly, we’re certain some players have already won on a personal level.
Euro 2020 has not disappointed when it comes to putting players in the shop window, with multiple names stepping up and announcing themselves on the international stage. Scouts from all across the globe analyse the matches at major tournaments and there’s little doubt that some of the better performers will be targeted by Premier League clubs looking to bolster their squads. Some of the most expensive transfers in football happen after major tournaments and this year will be no exception. Transfers for Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho are on the horizon and likely to break the British transfer record.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most expensive transfers in Premier League history.
Paul Pogba
At just over £90 million, Paul Pogba’s 2016 move from Juventus to Manchester United is the largest fee ever paid by a Premier League club for a player. The transfer went through in August, just weeks after Pogba’s excellent performances in Euro 2016, in which his team, France, was narrowly defeated by Portugal in the final.
Whilst this figure may seem steep for all clubs, it will be especially difficult to come to terms with for the Red Devils Board who let the playmaker leave for free just four years earlier. A prodigy in United’s youth teams, Pogba wanted more playing time during his first stint with the club but manager Alex Ferguson couldn’t deliver the minutes the Frenchman wanted and it ultimately cost United.
Juventus honed the skillset of the raw talent Pogba possessed and deployed him in an attacking role, enabling his vision and passing to be put to better use at the top of the pitch. Pogba has helped United to both a League Cup and the UEFA Europa League since his return, and he’ll be looking to add a Premier League winners’ medal to his collection before he leaves the Manchester club again.
Harry Maguire
Just shy of £80 million, Harry Maguire’s transfer from Leicester to Manchester United makes him not only the most expensive Premier League defender, but also the most expensive defender in the history of football.
Maguire has brought composure to the United backline as well as an aerial threat from set pieces. His influence can be seen from his presence on the field alone – the Sheffield born centre-back equalled the club record for most league games without being substituted, racking up 71 Premier League matches without being taken off.
Maguire’s proficiency for the Red Devils has led to him being an integral member of the England national team, and one of the first names down on Gareth Southgate’s team sheet.
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku’s career has developed exponentially since he arrived in the Premier League with Chelsea. An unsuccessful period with the club ultimately led to Everton taking a chance on the Belgian.
Three impressive years with the Merseyside club helped the 6’3’’ striker establish himself as one of the greatest strikers in Europe, and Lukaku was nominated for a host of high-profile awards such as the PFA Team of the Year, PFA Player’s Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year. Lukaku outgrew Everton and Manchester United secured the services of the poacher for £76 million. Lukaku’s time at Old Trafford was cut short as he struggled to adapt to Jose Mourinho’s style of play and after just two years with United, he was transferred to Inter Milan. The Antwerp-born striker’s time in Italy has been fruitful and he won Serie A’s Most Valuable Player award as he lead the team to their first Serie A title in a decade.
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