5 most expensive defenders of all time

Van Dijk is the most expensive defender in history
Van Dijk is the most expensive defender in history

#3 Aymeric Laporte - January 2018 (Athletic Bilbao - Manchester City) €65.2m

Swansea City v Manchester City - FA Cup Quarter Final
Swansea City v Manchester City - FA Cup Quarter Final

Aymeric Laporte is the third Manchester City player to feature on the list and had been a long-term target of Guardiola, turning him down twice in the past, before accepting a transfer during the 2018 winter transfer window.

The 24-year-old had made his first-team debut for Athletic Bilbao in 2012 and went on to make 161 La Liga appearances for the Basque outfit over the next six seasons, winning many admirers for his calmness on the ball and distribution.

These characteristics made him a prime fit for Guardiola's plan as he prefers ball-playing centre-backs and the Catalan went all out to get Laporte.

A €65.2m bid was finally accepted by Athletic Bilbao and he has immediately ingrained himself into the City setup, making 51 appearances in all competitions for the club as they continue their assault on four fronts this season.

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Edited by Zaid Khan