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#3 David Alaba (Real Madrid) - £49.5 million
David Alaba arrived at Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer, in what is perhaps one of the deals of the transfer window so far.
The Austrian is one of the most versatile defenders in world football as he can not only play at left-back and centre-back, but can also fill in as a central midfielder.
Alaba won numerous titles at Bayern Munich and was a key player for the Bavarians before his free transfer to Real Madrid.
Although Real Madrid lost Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos this summer, Alaba’s addition will compensate as the Austrian is in the peak years of his career, and has signed a long-term contract with the club.
#2 Jules Kounde (Sevilla) - £54 million
Jules Kounde is the youngest player on the list, and has a big future ahead of him. France have produced some bright young defenders in recent years, and Kounde is perhaps the pick of the lot.
Although Kounde isn’t the tallest of defenders, he more than makes up for it with his good reading of the game.
Armed with pace and good passing ability, Kounde can play at right-back and centre-back, and has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Sevilla have done well to retain Kounde’s services so far this summer. They will hope the Frenchman’s transfer value rises further this season along with his centre-back partner Diego Carlos.
#1 Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid) - £54 million
The Uruguayan moved to Atletico Madrid in 2013, and has slowly developed into one of the most talented centre-backs in the Spanish top-flight.
Gimenez has been seen as Diego Godin’s heir at the club as the latter was an integral part of Diego Simeone’s side for several years.
Gimenez is a strong defender who rarely lets anything past him. At 26 years of age, he is still approaching his peak years, and will continue to be extremely valuable.
The centre-back played 21 times for Atletico Madrid last season as they won the league title, and will hope to feature more regularly this season.
