Top 5 most expensive defenders signed by Premier league clubs

English champions Manchester City have completed the signing of centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, ending weeks of speculations over the deal.

City broke their club record fee for a defender to swoop for the signing of the Croatian defender, a little lower than the world record fee their rivals, United, paid for Harry Maguire.

Sports Brief looks at the top 5 most expensive defenders signed by Premier League clubs.

1. Harry Maguire

The world's most expensive defender when United paid £80m to Leicester City in 2019. Six months later, he was made captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After losing his starting spot last season, Erik ten Hag replaced him with Bruno Fernandes.

2. Josko Gvardiol

City's new boy Gvardiol comes in at number 2 with a transfer fee of £77.6m. The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world and starred for Croatia at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they finished third.

3. Virgil van Dijk

The Dutch defender was the world's most expensive defender when he signed for Liverpool in 2018 before Maguire surpassed it. He has helped the Reds achieve success through the years. Van Dijk was named captain after the departure of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia.

4. Wesley Fofana

According to The Athletic, Chelsea paid £70m for Wesley Fofana from Leicester City. The France international had an injury-troubled first season and could miss the new season with an ACL injury he suffered after resuming pre-season training.

5. Ruben Dias

The Citizens featured again with £65m paid for Portuguese defender Ruben Dias from Benfica in 2020. City have three-peated the Premier League title and completed a historic treble last season with Dias at the heart of their defence.