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Martin Odegaard’s move to Real Madrid has highlighted the value of young footballing talent in the world. Most people have questioned the massive price tags attached with potential world-beaters.If talent could be caught at a young age, the player is bound to flourish and bring accolades for the club. However, are they really worth the audacious price-tags attached to them?The Barclays Premier League is not far behind, when it comes to splurging money on teenagers. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Theo Walcott made big money moves to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.So, let’s have a look at the 10 most expensive teenagers in Premier League history.
#10 Gareth Bale (5 million)
Its sad to see him so low on the list, considering the amount of talent that he has. Currently at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale signed for Tottenhan for just 5millionin 2007 having an immediate impact on the team. After carrying Tottenham through the UEFA Champions League, Bale went trophy-less throughout his Spurscareer.
But his time atMadrid has seen him win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA World Club Cup and the Copa del Rey. The Welshman is on a 300,00 a month salary and ranks amongst the best players in the world.
It was clear from a young age that Bale was destined for success.
#9 Theo Walcott (5 million)
Walcott signed from Southampton in 2006 for 5million. A bargain considering his blistering pace, which haveearned the team several match victories. He was also called up for the 2006 England World Cup squad without making any appearances for Arsenal, such was the talent at theage of16.
However, recent seasons have seen him plagued withinjuries. Walcott is currently on a 100,00 a week salary. He has made only four appearances for the club this season.
Walcott would easily go down as one of Arsene Wengers best youth signings.
#8 Connor Wickham (8.1 million)
Probably the least known player on the list, Wickham signed for Sunderland in 2011 at the age of 18 for 8.1 million. However, he was loaned out almost immediately to Ipswich Town and then a subsequentlyto Sheffield Wednesay.
The experience of first team football rejuvenated him as a player.
He came to the fore towards the end of last season, when Wickhamhelped Sunderland avoid the drop with five goals.
He is currently on a 70,000 a week salary and the teams first choice striker. Whether, Wickham moves onto a bigger club in the future, only time will tell.
#7 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(12 million)
A product of the Southampton youth academy, Chamberlain signed for a fee of 12 million in 2011. Aged 17, he was touted to bethe next Walcott, who made a similar move to Arsenal, a few years back. After playing his first season majorly as a substitute, Chamberlain soon became a first team regular.
He has now made 76 appearances for the club and is very much a part of Arsene Wengers plans. His performances for the London club has seen him make 20 appearances for the England national team as well.
Chamberlain currently earns a 45,000 a week salary.
#6 Cristiano Ronaldo (12.24 million)
The worlds best player this year, Cristiano Ronaldo was once a teenager looking to make a name for himself. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson wrapped up his signature in 2003 as a replacement forDavid Beckham.
He signed for 12.24 million and who would have known that it would be such a bargain.
After struggling in hisfirst couple of seasons, Ronaldo went onto justify his price tagby scoring 84 goals in 196 appearances for the club. At Real Madrid, he is currently on a 380,000 a salary. He has now won every trophy in the top tier of both England and Spain.
If anyone on this list justified their signature, its Ronaldo.
#5 John Obi Mikel (16 million)
Once a Manchester United target, John Obi Mikel signed for Chelsea in 2006 from Lyn FC in Norway, aged 19.He went onto become the pivot between defense and attack winning every possible trophy with the club. Mikel also won the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013.
He was bought for a fee of 16 millionand is currently on a 120,00 a week salary with the club. Mikels no non-sense defending has been a favoured style of manager Jose Mourinho.
Mikel has made 217 appearances for the club.
#4 Romelu Lukaku (18 million)
Romelu Lukaku was signed by Chelsea from Belgian side Anderlecht aged 18, for a sum of 18 million in 2009. However, he never got much playing time at the club, just appearing in 10 games for them. He spent most of his time out on loan, first at West Bromwich Albion, then at Everton. He has now made a permanent move to Merseyside.
It can be concluded that Lukaku was surplusto requirements at Stamford Bridge, but excelled whilst loaned out. A teenage prodigy, he started playing for the Anderlecht first team at the age of 16. He is currently on a 70,000 a week salary.
#3 Anderson Silva (20 million)
Yet another Manchester United player, Anderson was signed from FC Porto for a sum of 20 million. Despite having a few successful seasons at the club, Anderson faded away, failing to make first team appearances. In 2014, he was loaned out to Serie A side, Fiorentina.
In fact, Louis Van Gaal confirmed that Anderson could leave the club by the end of this transfer window.
If Rooney and Ronaldo are the thesis to Alex Fergusons scouting skills, then Anderson is the anti-thesis. He is currently on a 80,000 a week salary. Despite winning several honours withthe club, Anderson failed to perform beyond a season or two.
#2 Wayne Rooney (20 million)
Wayne Rooney signed as an 18-year old from Everton in 2004 for a fee of 20 million. His current salary at the club is 300,000a week. In this case, the money was well worth it asRooney became a first team player from his very first season and he currently captains the team.
Having won the treble with the club, Rooney also became a stalwart in the England national team. With 12 trophies and winners medals to his name, Rooney and Manchester United were the perfect match.
#1 Luke Shaw (27 million)
The defender moved from Southampton to Manchester United this season for a fee of 27 million. His current salary per week is around 120,00-160,00. The 18-year oldSouthampton, after two successful seasons at the club.
However, his time at Old Trafford this season has been plagued by injury, but has put in some solid defensive performances. Shaw is being touted as Englands next big thing, his time at Southampton saw him earn four England caps.
