Only four centrebacks in world football have ever been sold for more than Ruben Dias, who is set to leave Benfica for Manchester City for as much as 71 million euros.
Here, we take a look at the top 10, and see how Ruben Dias’ transfer compares to some of the biggest ever defensive sales.
10. Rio Ferdinand (46 million euros)
You can see just how good Rio Ferdinand was, and just how much money Manchester United were willing to invest in him, based on the fact that, even though this transfer was completed all the way back in 2002, before the market truly spiralled out of control in the manner in which it has done today, he still makes the top 10 of the most expensive ever centrebacks. And I don’t think anyone has any complaints over the transfer fee paid for the then Leeds United defender, which is only further indication of the longevity of the English defensive stalwart.
9. David Luiz (49.5 million euros)
It was David Luiz’s move from Chelsea to PSG in 2014 that cost close to 50 million euros, the former Benfica man making the move to France after impressive performances for Chelsea for what was, at the time, a world record fee paid for a defender. His time in France was successful as he lifted all the domestic cup competitions on offer, before returning to Chelsea for around 30 million euros just two years later, while he is now on the books of Arsenal.
8. Eder Militao (50 million euros)
Another signing that came out of Portugal. Eder Militao left FC Porto for Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 for a significant 50 million euros after spending just a single season in Europe. Aged just 20 at the time though, Militao was an impressive figure in Porto’s defence, and Real Madrid knew they were bringing in a player not only for the present, but for the future too. Despite his young age, still just 22 years old, he has already represented the Brazil national team on 8 occasions.
7. John Stone (55 million euros)
Signed from Manchester City from Everton after impressive displays for the Merseyside club, Englishman Stones arrived in Manchester for a fee in the region of 55 million euros in 2016, and is still on the books of Guardiola’s side now. Since his arrival, more investment has been put into strengthening City’s backline, which has seen his game time reduce quite considerably.
6. Aymeric Laporte (65 million euros)
Another Manchester City signing makes the list. Ruben Dias’ centreback partner in waiting cost just a little less than the fee which Manchester City will be parting ways with to sign the Portuguese international. Joining from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, Laporte already proved a key asset to Manchester City, with his injury absences hitting Guardiola’s side hard. Fans of the club will hope that the Spaniard forges a quality partnership alongside the former Benfica man in the heart of defence.
5. Ruben Dias (68 million euros)
The Benfica man was once seen as a future Benfica captain, a potential star to follow in the footsteps of club legend Luisao and be a one-club stalwart. However, he has always been heavily in-demand, and based on his performance levels, particularly alongside the experienced Pepe for the national team, it is easy to see why. Manchester City are the club to prise him away from Lisbon, earlier in his career than many would have anticipated, and Benfica receive around 70 million euros for their most lucrative asset, a fair bit short of his 100 million euro release clause.
4. Lucas Hernandez (80 million euros)
Originally a left fullback, Hernandez has represented Bayern Munich in the centre of defense on numerous occasions, and so makes the list at number four. The most expensive ever signing by a German side, the French world champion arrived in 2019, though his first season at the club was disrupted by injury troubles.
3. Matthijs de Ligt (85 million euros)
The Dutch youngster arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2019 for a massive 85 million euros after impressing for Ajax. His defensive showings in European competition were particularly impressive as he helped his Dutch side mastermind an incredible Champions League run, reaching the semi-final of the continent’s biggest club competition, and they came so close to reaching the final. Aged just 21, he has already become a regular at the Italian champions, playing 29 league games last campaign.
2. Virgil van Dijk (85 million euros)
At the time, the transfer taking van Dijk from Southampton to Liverpool raised many eyebrows, shattering the previous record spend on a centreback on a player that had never really played for an elite club. But after two immense seasons at the now reigning champions of England, the Dutchman has proved to be worth every penny and more.
1. Harry Maguire (87 million euros)
The metaphorical English player tax was arguably in full force when Harry Maguire made the move from Leicester to Manchester United for a jaw-dropping 87 million euros last summer, though his performances for both club and country proved that he was a top-class centreback. Though an extraordinary sum of money for a 26-year old whose CV included only Sheffield United, Hull City, Wigan Athletic and Leicester City, his two-year spell with former champions of England Leicester was impressive, ultimately earning him an illustrious move to Manchester, and has made him the most expensive defender in the history of the game. He also proved indispensible for Manchester United last season as he played every minute of every league game for the club - so perhaps he has already proved good value for money.
