Top 10 Most Expensive English Players in Football History

1 year ago

Declan Rice has become the most expensive English player in history after Arsenal signed him for £105 million. For a long time, the transfer fees for English players have been inflated, and the question remains whether the top 10 most expensive players up until now have been successful or not. Let's explore everything in this article with ANZ Football live streaming!

#1 Declan Rice - Westham to Arsenal, £105m

After a long wait, Arsenal finally successfully acquired Rice from West Ham for a record-breaking fee of £105 million. It's too early to determine whether the 24-year-old midfielder will be a success or failure at the club. During his time at West Ham, Rice demonstrated his abilities and even became a leader of the club despite his young age. However, the immense pressure at Arsenal, along with the expectations of the fans, will be entirely different from what he experienced at West Ham.

#2 Jack Grealish - Aston Villa to Man City, £100m

In the summer of 2021, Man City spent £100 million to bring in Grealish from Aston Villa. The nickname "Jack 100 million" emerged since then, but over time, it turned into a sarcastic term as the winger's performances were lackluster in his first season at the club. However, Grealish completely transformed last season and became one of Man City's best players, contributing significantly to the club's historic "treble." Now, everyone praises the 27-year-old star, considering him a wise signing for the Citizens.

#3 Jude Bellingham - Dortmund to Real Madrid, £88m

In the summer of 2023, Real Madrid triggered a blockbuster transfer by signing Bellingham from Dortmund. In his three seasons with the Bundesliga club, the 20-year-old midfielder proved himself to be one of the most promising young talents in Europe. However, playing for a prestigious club like Real Madrid has never been easy, and it will undoubtedly be a tremendous challenge for Bellingham. If he can't handle the pressure, this star could easily fade away.

#4 Harry Maguire - Leicester to Man United, £80m

In the summer of 2019, Man United made Maguire the world's most expensive defender with an £80 million deal from Leicester. So far, the English international has been a massive disappointment and considered one of the club's disastrous signings. Last season, Maguire only made 31 appearances for Man United in all competitions due to his inability to secure a regular starting position. Currently, the club is looking to sell Maguire, but there is little interest from potential buyers.

#5 Jadon Sancho - Dortmund to Man United, £75m

Another bad signature from Man United. The club had long pursued Sancho before finally acquiring him in the summer of 2021 for £75 million. At that time, everyone was delighted, considering Sancho a perfect addition to the club's attacking force. However, it turned out to be an illusion. After two seasons, Sancho's performances have been lackluster, and he hasn't lived up to the potential he showed at Dortmund. Manager Erik ten Hag is already fed up with Sancho and ready to sell him in the summer of 2023 if a reasonable offer comes along.

#6 Mason Mount - Chelsea to Man United, £55m

Not long ago, Man United secured the signature of Mount from Chelsea for £55 million. The English midfielder was expected to share the creative burden with Bruno Fernandes and become a source of goals from midfield for the club. However, Mount's abilities have been highly doubted, especially after his underwhelming performances at Chelsea last season. Time will tell if Mount can shine at Man United or not.

#7 Ben White - Brighton to Arsenal, £50m

White arrived at Arsenal as a center-back, but at the club, he was moved to play as a right-back by Manager Mikel Arteta. His performances have been decent but not exceptional so far. Last season, he made 46 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Overall, the £50 million fee seems fair for what White has shown at the Emirates.

#8 Raheem Sterling - Man City to Chelsea, £49m

Last summer, Chelsea spent £49 million to sign Sterling from Man City. However, it seems that the best of the forward had already been exploited by the Sky Blues. At Stamford Bridge, Sterling has been inefficient despite scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. His form has declined to the point that he hasn't been called up to the England national team by Manager Gareth Southgate for the past six months. Overall, this has been a failed signing for Chelsea.

#9 Aaron Wan-Bissaka - Crystal Palace to Man United, £58.5m

The third name from Man United on this list. The Red Devils spent nearly £60 million to acquire Wan-Bissaka from Palace in 2019. However, until now, it's clear that United made a mistake as the right-back has not progressed, especially in supporting the attack. Wan-Bissaka is currently on the club's transfer list for the summer of 2023.

#10 John Stones - Everton to Man City, £47.5m

In contrast to their "neighbor" Man United, Man City has spent wisely, and Stones is one of the quality signings. The Sky Blues spent £47.5 million to acquire him from Everton, and last season, Stones played a crucial role, especially in the latter stages of the season, helping the club complete a historic "treble."

Conclusion

The landscape of football transfers has been forever altered by the astronomical fees paid for the most expensive English players. As their careers unfold, the world watches with bated breath to see if these record-breaking deals will yield the desired success.

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