4. Javier Saviola – £25.13m
Javier Saviola is an unusual case in which the first move of his career also attracted the biggest transfer fee. His switch from River Plate to Barcelona in 2001 cost £25.13m, a fee derived from his alleged potential to be one of the best footballers in the world, and perhaps even succeed Diego Maradona. Although the 19-year-old racked up 14 goals in his first season with Barca, but his importance to the squad gradually dwindled throughout his second season. He was loaned to Monaco in 2004-05 and then Sevilla in 2005-06 before playing one final season at the Nou Camp until his contract expired in July 2007.
3. Wayne Rooney – £25.9m
Considering Wayne Rooney’s massive £25.9m transfer to Manchester United went through over a decade ago, it was only a matter of time until he would be usurped as the most expensive teenage footballer ever. The former Everton starlet burst onto the scene with a stunning long range strike to end Arsenal’s 30-match unbeaten run in 2002, five days before his 17th birthday. He continued his good form throughout two seasons with the Toffees, but he eventually opted to submit a transfer request. United jumped the chance to pry the 18-year-old away from Goodison Park and, despite his ups and downs, he has remained there since.
Discussion about this post