#2 Raphael Varane - £8.5 million, Real Madrid
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He might as well go down as the greatest bargain defender of all time. When Raphael Varane joined Real Madrid, he was only 18 years-old with a lot of potential. Manchester United were heavily linked with him before Zinedine Zidane personally called him and convinced him to join the Bernabeu.
This happened 6 years ago in 2011. The Frenchman, now 24, has forged himself as the starting centre-back at the club after some periods of inconsistency. Nonetheless, he is class act that helped Madrid win the Champions League this season and also played a part in the last two conquests.
After 6 years at the club, he now has two La Ligas and three Champions League titles under his belt – becoming the youngest player ever to be a 3-time Champion League winner – and is likely to add more before his career ends.
Expect Paco Gento’s record to be broken in a few years’ time.
