10 most expensive English football transfers and their success rates - Part 1
Bettor.com has compiled a list of 10 most expensive transfers of English footballers. With Manchester City looking to break the bank at every opportunity and the recent Wayne Rooney saga, which has brought the question about the price of the Manchester United
forward, we have researched and compiled this list for our readers.
The list contains a few surprises and a few shocks with regards to some of the previous record transfers, like Alan Shearer’s 15m switch to Blackburn (a world record), failing to make the list. Here is our top 10:
10. Owen Hargreaves:
Transfer Fee: £17 million
From: Bayern Munich, To: Manchester United
Date Joined: June 2007
He became Sir Alex Fergusons’ top transfer target after his performances for England during the 2006 World Cup, where he was probably England’s best player. Born in Canada and having played seven years in Germany, Owen Hargreaves welcomed the opportunity
to play his football in England.
However, after a successful first season, he has sustained a horror time on the sidelines. He has managed to play only 38 games in his three years and only 3 games in his last two years as a Manchester United Player.
While there is little doubt about the quality of play, it’s his injury record that continues to frustrate all United and English fans.
Success Rating: 4/10
9. Glen Johnson:
Transfer Fee: £18 million
From: Portsmouth, To: Liverpool
Date Joined: June 2009
His time at Liverpool has been such a mix bag that it’s difficult to even come to a conclusion as to how good a signing he has been. Niggling injuries have played their part, but when fit and in full flow, he certainly looks as one of the best in the business.
His defending has come under spotlight on more than one occasions, but his arrival has provided Liverpool with the width and acceleration they have been craving for years.
Unfortunately, Johnson's arrival has coincided with some troublesome times for the club, both on and off the field, which has had an impact on his form also. However, he still is England’s 1st choice right back.
Success Rating: 7/10
8. Rio Ferdinand:
Transfer Fee: £18 million
From: West Ham United, To: Leeds United
Date Joined: November 2000
Rio, at the time of this transfer, was only 22 and was one of the brightest young defenders in English football. He was far from being a finished product and the 18m seemed too high a price for an unproven defender.
However, during his time at Elland Road, Rio Ferdinand scored 3 goals in his 73 appearances for the club. His no-nonsense style of defending made him an instant hit and his move to Manchester United in two years time proved that the signing of Rio Ferdinand,
for Leeds, was quite a success.
Success Rating: 8/10
7. Micheal Carrick:
Transfer Fee: £18.6 million
From: Tottenham Hotspur, To: Manchester United
Date Joined: July 2006
Micheal Carrick is yet another success story of the great West Ham academy. He was signed by Tottenham for £2.75m. He surprised everybody with the string of top class and commanding displays in the centre of the park for spurs.
After two years at Spurs, he inevitably caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. United splashed £18.6 million on a player who was signed by spurs for £2.75m only two years ago.
In his first season, Carrick played 52 games and won the fans over who were earlier sceptical about the attributes of the player, who two years ago was playing in the championship. Carrick’s form has dipped since then and has failed to hold down a regular
starting position in the team this year.
Success Rating: 6.5/10
6. Shaun Wright Phillips:
Transfer Fee: £21 million
From: Manchester City, To: Chelsea
Date Joined: July 2005
After completing a stellar season with Manchester City, the winger was tipped for big things. Lightning pace accompanied by a thunderous shot, Shaun Wright Phillips had all the making of a classy winger.
These were the reasons why Chelsea paid such a huge amount for his services. However, after making 124 appearances and scoring 10 goals in 3 years time, he was shipped out back to Manchester City for only £9 million.
This would tell the story of the time he spent at Chelsea. Most of his appearances came as a substitute and he miserably failed to replicate the form that once hailed him as the future of English football.
Success Rating: 4.5/10
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