10 most expensive English football transfers and their success rates - Part 2
5. Joleon Lescott:
Transfer Fee: £22 million
From: Everton, To: Manchester City
Date Joined: August 2009
Sheikh Mansoor must be wondering why on earth he allowed Mark Hughes to splash that big an amount on a player who turned out to be one of the worst signings of the year.
An injury plagued first season at Eastlands for the versatile defender did not help him either. It came as a surprise to everyone to see Lescott flop in such a manner. In his last two seasons with Everton, he had played 100 games and scored 15 goals, not
a bad return for a player who switched positions between left back and centre back.
There are little doubts that the big centre half can return to full fitness and recreate the image he had during his Everton days. But with City neither short of money nor replacements, Lescott has time running out to prove his worth at the City of Manchester
Stadium.
Success Rating: 4.5/10
4. James Milner:
Transfer Fee: £18 million plus Stephen Ireland – valued at £6m = £24 million
From: Aston Villa, To: Manchester City
Date Joined: August 2010
After completing an amazing year with Aston Villa, a move to a big club was on the cards. With City’s deep pockets, no fee was going to be big for them. Milner, whose ability to play equally well in any position across the midfield, makes him an excellent
utility player.
At only 24 years of age, the former Newcastle midfielder has the time on his side and if he can stay fit, his all action displays can certainly make him a fans' favourite.
So far, his move to Manchester city has been successful and he has proved his doubters wrong who had believed that he would be unable to hold down a regular place in the city line-up. However, with Mario Balotelli to return from injury and Silva and Johnson
fighting for a place in the starting line-up, Milner needs to be more consistent than ever before.
Success Rating: 7.5/10
3. David Beckham:
Transfer Fee: £25 million
From: Manchester United, To: Real Madrid
Date Joined: July 2003
When a club of the stature of Real Madrid comes knocking on the door and the boots are flying at you in the boot room, than you have to sit up and take notice of it. That’s exactly what David Beckham did. He was the last piece of the Real Madrid Galacticos
era and his move to the Spanish capital was not only controversial but also one of the highly publicised transfer of all times.
It is never easy to leave your boyhood club. But, when Sir Alex wants you out, there is little you can do about it. Beckham experienced some strange times at the Bernebeu. He only won a single La Liga title under current England manager, Fabio Capello, who
at one time completely ousted Beckham out of the first team. However, Beckham’s grit and determination won over the manager and he later played a crucial part in Madrid’s triumph that year.
Success Rating: 8/10
2. Wayne Rooney:
Transfer Fee: £25.6 million
From: Everton, To: Manchester United
Date Joined: August 2004
Spending that big an amount on an 18 year old was always going to be a risk. But Sir Alex knew exactly what he was getting in Wayne Rooney before handing Everton a hefty cheque of £25.6 million.
Rooney has been a hit since he arrived at Old Trafford. He last season enjoyed his best form since his arrival after scoring 34 goals from 44 appearances. He was a legend in the making before his outburst against his club and his demand to be transferred.
However, Rooney has now made a dramatic U-turn and signed a new 5 year deal. The fans that turned against him will need some time before they put Rooney at the same pedestal where he was at the end of last season.
Success Rating: 9/10
1. Rio Ferdinand:
Transfer Fee: £31.1 million
From: Leeds United, To: Manchester United
Date Joined: July 2002
Here he is again, sitting pretty at the top of the list as the most expensive British player to date. The England and Manchester United skipper has been one of the best central defender of the last decade.
Rio has won it all, 4 Premier League titles and a Champion’s league winner medal around his neck; he is worth every penny that Manchester United spent on him. Ferdinand is a role model for any defender around the world.
He is entering the twilight of his career and a series of injuries have started to hamper his career. But the day when he finally hangs up his boots, he can proudly look back at his Manchester United career and be highly satisfied with what he has achieved.
Success Rating: 10/10
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