10 most expensive English footballers of all time

2) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool to Man City) - £49m

Sterling moved to Manchester City in 2015

Under Brendan Rodgers, Raheem Sterling had two very good seasons at Liverpool before the relationship soured towards the end of his tenure at Anfield. A young speedster who could leave his marker behind with his quick acceleration both on and off the ball, Sterling was a gem who needed some polishing.

While Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge deservedly hogged the headlines in Liverpool's quest for their first ever Premier League title, a young Sterling who had yet to turn 20 also played his part with 10 goals.

Following Suarez's departure to Barelona and Sturridge's injuries, Sterling suddenly became their main man in attack and finished only behind Steven Gerrard in the goalscoring charts.

By then City had already made bids of £30m and £40m, both of which were rejected by the club. But by then Sterling had had enough and he forced through a move as Liverpool eventually accepted a £44 million bid (with £5 million in add-ons).