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October 8th , 2024

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WHICH CLUBS HAVE SPENT THE MOST ON DEFENDERS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY?

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Sports

3 weeks ago



It could be argued that the role of defenders has evolved more than any other position over the past decade. Full-backs are often being inverted into midfield and sometimes even employed as No 10's, while the role of the centre-half at the top level has also been somewhat revolutionised. Pace has become a paramount factor, with teams frequently operating with a very high line. More recently, top clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal are even playing orthodox centre-backs at full-back to solidify their defence and provide balance. While the starlight and most expensive transfer fees still often go to forward players, clubs have begun to invest heavily in their back line as well as attackers.

 

The most expensive defender of all time (taking into account the exchange rate between €'s at the time) is Manchester City's €90 million signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig last summer. Six defenders have been signed for €80m or more, and they have all come in the last six years. Defenders are more valuable today than ever before. But which clubs have splashed out the most to get their defence in check? Here at Transfermarkt, we have calculated the teams that have spent the most money on defenders since the year 2000, and there are some fascinating results. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona aren't even in the top 10!