5 Most expensive defenders signed by Liverpool

#3 Dejan Lovren | €25.3m

Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Dejan Lovren was one of three Southampton players signed by Liverpool ahead of the 2014/15 season. After an impressive Premier League campaign with the Saints, Liverpool paid a massive €25.3m fee to lure him away from St. Mary's. The Croat became Liverpool's most expensive defensive signing at the time until Virgil van Dijk was signed in 2018.

Lovren then went on to make 185 appearances on all fronts during his six-year spell at the club. He helped Liverpool reach the finals of the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League under Jurgen Klopp.

Dejan Lovren says Liverpool miss him more than he misses them 👀 pic.twitter.com/h3fgzb8FTB

— Goal (@goal) January 20, 2021

He ultimately left Anfield for Zenit St. Petersburg with a Premier League and a UCL title, albeit playing a bit-part role in both triumphs.

---

#2 Ibrahima Konate | €40m

TSG Hoffenheim v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga

Liverpool made Ibrahima Konate the second-most expensive defensive signing in their history earlier this week. The French star has long been regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Europe at RB Leipzig, along with his compatriot Dayot Upamecano. While the latter joined Bayern Munich, Liverpool beat a host of top European clubs to sign his teammate.

Standing at 6'4", Konate is a gifted athlete who is dominant on the ground and in the air, as he's shown in his 95 appearances for Leipzig.

Accord Convenu ✅We are delighted to have reached an agreement for the transfer of @IbrahimaKonate_ from @DieRotenBullen 🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2021

He has been likened to Virgil van Dijk by many and combines his pace, defensive awareness, and ability on the ball, making him the complete package. The 22-year-old could possibly turn out to be a brilliant piece of business for Klopp's men.

---

#1 Virgil van Dijk | €84.65m

Liverpool FC v Manchester United - Premier League

Liverpool's seemingly questionable decision to spend a record €84.65m fee for Virgil van Dijk turned out to be one of their best pieces of business. The Dutchman proved to be the catalyst that brought about one of the Reds' most successful eras in their history. Van Dijk inspired Liverpool to their first-ever Premier League title and a sixth UCL crown since arriving from Southampton in 2018.

The towering centre-half is Liverpool's most expensive defender and player of all time. In fact, Harry Maguire of Manchester United is the only central defender in history who has cost more than Van Dijk after the Red Devils paid €87m.

10 - Virgil van Dijk has scored his 10th @premierleague goal for Liverpool - more than any other centre back in the competition since his PL debut for the Reds in January 2018. Each of his last nine such goals have been headed. Mountain. pic.twitter.com/vbmrlRMTsr

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 12, 2020

Regardless of his price, the manner in which Van Dijk transformed Liverpool as a unit is an astonishing achievement in itself. The 29-year-old made 130 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions and scored 13 goals in that period.

---