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The left-back is a crucial member of a modern football team, as they execute the dual role of a winger and defender.
In earlier years, a full-back’s role was restricted to his defensive responsibilities. However, the modern full-back is not only expected to be a solid presence in defense but also to contribute to the team’s attacking endeavors.
The summer transfer window is just a month away, and clubs will look to reinforce their ranks ahead of next season. Transfer fees have witnessed a steep rise over the last decade, and full-backs have been one of the benefactors, demanding high prices in the transfer market.
On that note, let’s take a look at five of the most expensive left-backs in the world.
Who are the most expensive left-backs in the world?
#5 Luke Shaw | Manchester United | €37.5 million
Luke Shaw has staged a remarkable turnaround in his Manchester United career and is currently enjoying one of his best spells at the club.
The English full-back was bought from Southampton on a €37.5 million record move in 2014, making him the world’s most expensive teenager at the time. There were huge expectations on his young shoulders, and he succumbed under intense media scrutiny at a global club like Manchester United.
Adding to this, the Red Devils had a rotating cast of defenders after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and the youngster felt the absence of a leader in defense. Constant injury problems also proved to be a major hindrance in Shaw’s development. However, the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjær has given the left-back a new lease of life.
Shaw now plays a crucial role in Manchester United’s gameplay in the final third, adding width to their attacks and committing opposition to allow the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani to exploit the empty spaces.
The 25-year-old left-back has displayed immense confidence with the ball at his feet, making 8.7 passes under pressure per 90 seconds, including 5.51 progressive passes and 2.01 key passes per 90.
Shaw has a pass completion rate of 85% in the Premier League this season, with six assists across all competitions. The Englishman also scored a memorable goal in the Manchester derby this season in one of his best career performances.
#4 Ferland Mendy | Real Madrid | €48 million
Next up, we have Real Madrid’s latest left-back signing Ferland Mendy, who arrived from Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyon.
One of Los Blancos’ modern greats, Marcelo, is nearing the end of his footballing career, and Mendy has been tipped to be the Brazilian’s long-term replacement. Marcelo has made a mere 18 appearances this season, compared to Mendy’s 38.
Mendy has been regarded by many as Real Madrid’s best signing since Toni Kroos, having enjoyed the most first-team minutes among the club’s new recruits. In less than two full seasons at the club, the 25-year-old left-back has notched up 70 appearances for Los Merengues, with three goals and four assists to his name.
While Real Madrid is known for big splurges in the transfer market, Mendy’s €48-million signing in 2019 is great value for money, considering the Frenchman’s flying start to life as a Madridista.
#3 Ben Chilwell | Chelsea | €50.2 million
After an impressive showing in his four-year stint at Leicester City, Ben Chilwell earned a €50.2 million move to Stamford Bridge.
The English left-back quickly established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet and has played a starring role under Frank Lampard and now Thomas Tuchel.
In less than one full season at London, Chilwell has notched up 37 appearances, with 10 goal involvements (3 goals, 7 assists) to his name. The 24-year-old is a stoic presence in Chelsea’s defense and acts as the Blues’ attacking outlet on the left wing.
The west Londoners employ a three-man defense, with wingbacks operating on either side. This lays the emphasis on the wingbacks, who have to provide width in Chelsea’s attacking moves and are also responsible for marshaling the wings.
Chilwell has proved to be extremely adept in that role and is arguably the best wingback in the Premier League currently.
#2 Benjamin Mendy | Manchester City | €57.5 million
Pep Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City in 2016 led to an overhaul of the entire squad, including a mammoth £300+ million spending on defenders alone.
Benjamin Mendy arrived at the Etihad in the 2017 summer transfer window, along with two other full-backs, Kyle Walker and Danilo. The Frenchman enjoyed a solid start to his Manchester City career but soon lost his place in the starting XI upon the arrival of the club’s latest left-back signing, Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The 26-year-old left-back has also been plagued by persistent injuries and a few too many defensive errors at crucial moments. The World Cup and Premier League winner has featured on just 19 occasions for the Cityzens this season.
While the other players on our list are relatively settled at their new clubs, Mendy has failed to impress his new boss, Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard is known to be ruthless in his team selections, and it will be no surprise to see Mendy bid farewell to the Etihad in the upcoming transfer window.
#1 Lucas Hernandez | Bayern Munich | €80 million
While most players on this list operate exclusively as a left-back, Lucas Hernandez has the versatility to play in a central position as well.
Since the 2017-18 season, Hernandez has laid his hands on 10 trophies, including the European treble with Bayern Munich in his debut season and the coveted World Cup title with France.
Hernandez moved to Bayern Munich on a record-breaking €80 million transfer from Atletico Madrid, which also made him Bundesliga’s most expensive signing of all time. The left-back was a crucial ingredient in Les Bleus’ World Cup glory, featuring in all of France’s seven encounters in Russia, playing the full 90 minutes in six games.
Hernandez has made 60 appearances for the German champions, procuring a return of five assists and a solitary goal. The 25-year-old hasn’t yet lived up to his full potential at Bayern Munich but has all the makings of a world-class full-back.
