£50 million pounds
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The premium imposed on any central defender of note in recent times has been especially startling. Central defenders were rarely a position clubs shelled out on, with the odd exception of course. But now any defender with promise has his value skyrocket.
Rio Ferdinand and Alessandro Nesta were two defenders that were transferred for huge fees at the time, but there’s no doubt that the two will always be remembered as phenomenal defenders. Nesta especially has had a magnificent career and will be lauded as much in the future as he is now as an absolute colossus of his position. A little over 10 years ago, you could have signed them both for a little more than £50 million.
In 2016, Manchester City have just shelled out £50 million pounds (bonuses included) to sign John Stones! He’s a promising defender for sure, but shelling out that amount of cash for a relatively unproven player at the absolute top level is fairly stunning and a sign of the times.
