5 expensive defenders who succeeded
While the whole football world celebrated Christmas, it was a busy week for Liverpool as they secured the signing of their long-time top target in Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk after agreeing to pay the sum of £75m.
Van Dijk, who has been a long target for Liverpool, is now expected to join the Merseyside club come January - making him the most expensive defender in history with pundits and ex-footballers questioning the price tag of the Southampton man.
We take a look of expensive defenders in history who have featured excellently for their clubs.
#5 Rio Ferdinand (Leeds - Manchester United)
The England international broke the record of being the most expensive defender in history twice, the most for any defender. First, his £18m move from West Ham to Leeds made him the most expensive defender, also earning him the captaincy over his two-year stay at the club.
Then, a switch to Old Trafford followed. In July 2002, he signed for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United for £30m - becoming the most expensive defender at a time where such amounts were termed ridiculous even for an attacking player.
He went on to win the Premier League in his first season, but could not feature well in his second season at the club after failing a doping test.
Rio formed a great partnership with Vidic at the time and made the Manchester United defence one of the best in his playing days, building a fortress as the Red Devils blasted past other opposition.
Known for his work-rate and ability to read the game, Ferdinand did not only establish himself as one of the finest in the Premier League but also featured in five PFA Teams of the Year, and was vital in Manchester United's Champions League triumph.
Rio Ferdinand's career at Manchester United ended with 6 EPL titles and 14 major trophies including the Champions League.