• Leny Yoro’s £52 million move to Manchester United places him among the most expensive defenders in football history.
• He joins the ranks of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who are also all in the top 20.
• Yen.com.gh ranks the five most expensive defenders in the world, with prestigious list featuring Harry Maguire

Yeny Yoro’s move to Manchester United marked him as one of the most expensive teenagers in football history, with the club spending £52m to secure French talent amid interest from Liverpool and of Real Madrid.

Traditionally, high transfer fees were reserved for superstar strikers.

However, modern soccer also saw substantial investment in defenders.

Yoro’s fee places him among the 20 most expensive defenders of all time, although several others surpass him.

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Yen.com.gh explores the five most expensive defenders in the world.

The most expensive defenders in football history

Wesley Fofana (Leicester City to Chelsea – £67.75m)

Wesley Fofana quickly adapted to the Premier League at Leicester City before a broken fibula sidelined him for more than seven months.

Despite this setback, Chelsea paid a record fee for the young defender, according to Sky Sports.

Two years and 20 matches later, Fofana spent more time injured than played, falling questions on Chelsea’s due diligence before the transfer. At 23, he still has time to realize his potential.

Virgil van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool – £71.3m)

Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool proved to be a masterstroke.

The 32-year-old was the missing piece in Jurgen Klopp’s side, transforming Liverpool into Premier League champions in five years.

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Van Dijk’s arrival strengthened Liverpool’s defense, reinforcing its dominance in English and European football, including two appearances in the Champions League final.

Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax to Juventus – £72m)

Matthijs de Ligt, after leading Ajax to a surprise Champions League semi-final in 2019, was one of the most promising young players.

Juventus invested heavily in him, even if his development did not meet expectations. Despite this, De Ligt remains one of Juventus’ best defenders.

The club’s financial difficulties eventually led to its sale to Bayern Munich.

Harry Maguire (Leicester City to Manchester United – £73.3m)

The 2018 World Cup was crucial for Harry Maguire, who shone in England’s semi-final. A year later, Manchester United made him the most expensive defender in the world.

Six months after his arrival, Maguire was named captain.

However, at 31, he was marginalized at Old Trafford and his future at the club was uncertain.

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Moving the centre-back would likely force United to accept a financial loss.

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig to Manchester City – £77.6m)

In the summer of 2023, Josko Gvardiol became the most expensive defender, overtaking Harry Maguire, according to Teamtalk.

The Croatian defender has impressed at RB Leipzig and his release clause has made him a top target.

Manchester City secured his transfer and, although Gvardiol initially struggled, he eventually established himself as a regular left-back and goal threat, scoring four times in his last seven Premier League matches. 2023-24 season.

Source: YEN.com.gh