Premier League: Ranking the 5 most expensive transfers of all time

Virgil van Dijk was the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history
Virgil van Dijk was the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history

#3. Romelu Lukaku | £76.23 million

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Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring a goal for Manchester United in the Premier League
Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring a goal for Manchester United in the Premier League

Romelu Lukaku left Everton in 2017 to sign for Premier League giants Manchester United for a reported £76.23 million.

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With Manchester United evidently lacking a talismanic striker in their ranks, the decision was made by Jose Mourinho and the United board to sign Romelu Lukaku. A proven Premier League talent, Lukaku already had six years of English football under his belt.

Having played for Chelsea, West Brom and Everton, Lukaku's outstanding performances sparked interest from various clubs before United secured the Belgian's services in 2017.

Touted to become one of the best-ever Premier League strikers, Lukaku's move to United can only be described as underwhelming. Carrying massive expectations on his shoulders, Lukaku went on to play for only two seasons with the Red Devils.

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The Belgian made 96 appearances with Manchester United, scoring 42 goals. In 2019, Lukaku moved to Italian giants Inter Milan in a move that proved to be very fruitful for his career.

In his second full season with the Nerazzurri, Lukaku spearheaded their attacking line to the league title under Antonio Conte. Now 28, Lukaku is considered one of the best strikers in world football today.


#2. Harry Maguire | £78.30 million

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

Harry Maguire joined Manchester United in 2019 for a record £78.3 million, making him the most expensive defender in football history.

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The Englishman was with Leicester City for two years, impressing regularly with his performances in the Premier League. Famed for his aerial ability, Maguire was highly rated as one of the best defenders in the league.

His contributions earned him a move to Manchester United, making him the second-most expensive transfer in Premier League history.

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In the two years since, Maguire has proved to be a key member of the defense at Manchester United. He is remarkably consistent and has played almost every minute of Premier League football since joining in 2019.

Although Maguire is yet to win any trophies with the Red Devils, it is evident he is one of the most important players in the squad. Currently representing England at Euro 2020, he has been key in their run to the semi-finals (so far).

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#1. Paul Pogba | £94.50 million

Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League

Paul Pogba is one of the most heavily debated players in the footballing world. The midfielder was the talk of the town in 2016 when Manchester United signed him for a reported £94.50 million.

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He became not only the Premier League's most expensive player ever, but also the world's most expensive player at the time. His footballing ability is undeniable and Pogba is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football.

But his tenure with Manchester United so far has been a bit baffling to say the least. Although Pogba has impressed in clusters, it is common criticism that he is yet to achieve the quality he regularly produces for the French national team.

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In his five years with United so far, Pogba has won the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League. It is commonly argued that a player of Pogba's caliber is capable of delivering much more impressive results.

With the Frenchman now into the final year of his contract, the upcoming season will be Pogba's best chance to prove his quality on the Premier League stage.

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Edited by Rohit Mishra
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