#9. Willian; €35.5m
Even before kicking a ball for the Blues after Willian was signed in 2013, he was already a hero. A late bid and some convincing by Jose Mourinho had Chelsea successfully hijack the Brazilian from Tottenham Hotspur’s hand in spite of Willian already having undergone a medical for Spurs. Chelsea signed the Brazilian midfielder from Anzhi Makhachkala from a reported €35.5 million in a major rebuilding process under Jose Mourinho’s second term as Chelsea manager.
Willian had previously played for six years at Shakhtar Donetsk before joining Anzhi. He was lauded for his pace and tireless energy on the pitch. Upon joining Chelsea, Mourinho took an instant liking for Willian. He was the ideal Mourinho player who was willing to run with and without the ball and give all for his team.
The Brazilian was a crucial part of the Blues’ Premier League win the next season linking up brilliantly with Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas. Willian was voted Chelsea Player of the Year in 2016 where he was perhaps the only bright light in a disappointing campaign for the Blues.
