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Most expensive defenders sold by Premier League clubs

With Dean Huijsen's move to Real Madrid edging ever closer, we take a look at the most expensive defenders ever sold by Premier League clubs.

Premier League

10. Ben Chilwell to Chelsea (£42.2m)

There was a lot of hype around Ben Chilwell's move to Chelsea in the summer of 2020 and it all started brilliantly for the England international.

He played 42 times in all competitions during his first season at Stamford Bridge, playing an integral part in their UEFA Champions League triumph.

Chilwell has struggled to recapture his best form after suffering a season-ending cruciate ligament injury in November 2021.

Enzo Maresca's arrival saw his playing time limited even further with the 28-year-old joining Crystal Palace on loan in January 2025.

9. Kyle Walker to Man City (£44.3m)

Currently plying his trade on loan for AC Milan in Serie A, Kyle Walker was pivotal to the most successful period in City's history.

Walker has won 16 trophies with the Citizens and in the process established himself as one of, if not the best right-back in Premier League history.

8. Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Man Utd (£46.3m)

Crystal Palace netted the most expensive sale in their history when academy ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka made the switch to Old Trafford in 2020.

Wan-Bissaka played 190 times for Manchester United, winning an FA Cup and League Cup, before joining West Ham on a seven-year-deal for a reported £15m.

7. John Stones to Man City (£46.8m)

Arguably the finest ball-playing centre back England have ever produced, John Stones' move from Everton to Manchester City comes next on the list.

Similarly to previous entry Kyle Walker, Stones' role in the team has lessened in recent times but he was vital during the peak of his powers.

In 2023, he was recognised as one of the best defenders in the world - earning a spot in the FIFPRO Men's World XI.

6. Ben White to Arsenal (£49.3m)

Predominantly featuring at right back for Arsenal, versatility is a feature of Ben White's game with the former Brighton defender able to fill in at the heart of defence and has even played in defensive midfield.

This is all enabled by his excellent on-the-ball ability but his defensive prowess is not to be underestimated.

White appeared in all but one league game for Arsenal in 2023/24 - a season where the Gunners conceded the least amount of goals in the Premier League last season.

5. Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid (£50m)

Huijsen only moved to Bournemouth in the summer of 2024, but in less than 12 months at the club he has made a lasting impression.

For someone who is still in the early stages of his fledgling career, he played with maturity far beyond his years.

When his impending move to Real Madrid is made official, he will become the newest entry on the list.

Huijsen at £50m is the most expensive Premier League defender ever sold to a foreign club.

4. Marc Cucurella to Chelsea (£55.1m)

Brighton are famed for their ability to turn a profit so it's no surprise one of their exports features on here for a second time.

Cucurella is still very much in the midst of his Chelsea career and he has enjoyed a decent campaign in 2024/25.

The Spaniard has been absent from just two Premier League games - scoring six goals and providing two assists.

3. Wesley Fofana to Chelsea (£67.7m)

Ultimately, for issues that are largely out of Fofana's control, the 2022 move to Stamford Bridge has not worked out.

The Frenchman has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but the cruciate ligament tear that he suffered in June of 2024 kept him out of action for over 50 matches.

2. Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool (£71.2m)

There wouldn't be too many arguing against Van Dijk being the best signing of the 10 on this list.

Now Liverpool captain, the Dutchman was the subject of interest from Manchester City before he joined the Reds from Southampton in January 2018.

In the eight seasons that have followed, Van Dijk has proved himself to be one of the greatest defenders to play in the Premier League.

1. Harry Maguire to Man Utd (£73.2m)

Leicester's third and final sale on the list tops the lot.

The England international has had a mixed time of things at Old Trafford.

Maguire was named as club captain after just six months at Manchester United but he has since lost the role to Bruno Fernandes.

To date, the 32-year-old has won an EFL Cup and FA Cup at the club.

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