By this time, everyone’s well aware of the ascending prices of quality players in the transfer market. With Paul Pogba only recently breaking the all-time transfer record, we’re having to get used to previously unheard of figures being spent on single footballers. To a degree, the revenues of the biggest clubs in the world have been constantly increasing, and with the fan following and revenue streams opening up in Asia, Africa, and North America, there’s a lot more money available than there ever was before.
But is the increase in transfer fees really proportionate? Paying top dollar for the best players out there might still be justified, with increasing commercial outlets to be tapped (Look at Manchester United’s various inventive ways of announcing the Pogba transfer through several Adidas videos) but is it feasible to send huge amounts on mediocre to good footballers?
That’s a question worth thinking about, as clubs scramble about to make marquee signings. In this piece we rewind through the years to look at what certain amounts of money got you about a decade ago (give or take), and what those figures get you now.
£15 million pounds
Between 2003 and 2004, for £15 million pounds, clubs got players like Ricardo Kaka and Jaap Stam. None of these players really need an introduction but let me indulge you anyway. Kaka was one of the most exciting talents in Brazil, sauntering through defenses at ease and had already shown Milan that he had the personality and desire to succeed at the top level.
Jaap Stam, was one of the best defenders in the world and had already played for PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and Lazio. Imposing in the air and a brilliant reader of the ball, Stam is often recognized as one of the best of his generation.
What does that amount of money mean now? Bournemouth just paid Liverpool exactly £15 million pounds for Jorden Ibe. A talented 20 year old player who has 41 appearances in the Premier League in which he’s scored 1 goal.
£20 million pounds
In 2007, Thierry Henry transferred from his beloved Arsenal to Barcelona in search of Champions League success. He had cemented himself as one of the best Premier League strikers of all time, and one of the best finishers of his generation. Barcelona would pay €24 million Euros for his services.
Even though he was getting on in his years, it was clear that he was still at his peak and would go on to bang in the goals for the Catalans in a trophy-laden spell.
Now? West Ham just paid Swansea more than £20 million pounds for Andre Ayew. He’s a good player, no doubt and has had an impressive last couple of seasons for Marseille and Swansea. But compare him with Thierry Henry and you get an idea of what I’m talking about.
£30 million pounds
In 2007, Real Madrid signed Arjen Robben, one of the best wingers in world football. Robben was 23 years old and had already terrorized defenses in the Netherlands and England, and won 2 Premier League titles with Chelsea. Los Blancos swooped in for what was €35 million at the time, considered a princely fee.
Now, Crystal Palace are on the verge of selling Yannick Bolasie to Everton for £28 million pounds. Bolasie is 4 years older than Robben was then, and has 13 goals in 143 appearances for Crystal Palace. Make of it what you will.
£50 million pounds
The premium imposed on any central defender of note in recent times has been especially startling. Central defenders were rarely a position clubs shelled out on, with the odd exception of course. But now any defender with promise has his value skyrocket.
Rio Ferdinand and Alessandro Nesta were two defenders that were transferred for huge fees at the time, but there’s no doubt that the two will always be remembered as phenomenal defenders. Nesta especially has had a magnificent career and will be lauded as much in the future as he is now as an absolute colossus of his position. A little over 10 years ago, you could have signed them both for a little more than £50 million.
In 2016, Manchester City have just shelled out £50 million pounds (bonuses included) to sign John Stones! He’s a promising defender for sure, but shelling out that amount of cash for a relatively unproven player at the absolute top level is fairly stunning and a sign of the times.
£89 million pounds
In the 2003 and 2004 transfer markets, Barcelona spent a combined outlay of €115.85 million euros in signing Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, Deco, Ludovic Giuly, Edmilson, Juliano Beletti, Sylvinho, Henrik Larsson, Ricardo Quaresma and Rafael Marquez. Which is, notably, the spine of the team with which they would win the Champions League in 2006.
In 2016, that money gets you a single 23-year-old French midfielder. He might be extraordinarily talented and have already achieved a lot, but who would you rather have? Paul Pogba or almost a whole Barcelona Champions League winning team?
