Most expensive teenage transfers in Football
With the FIFA World-Cup going on, everything including transfers, has taken a backseat. But some shocking transfers have even managed to come out of the shadow of the grandest footballing event on the planet for the sheer extravagance of their nature. Here’s taking a look at some of the most expensive teenager transfers in football.
# 6. Anderson: FC Porto to Manchester United in £18m in 2007
Much was expected from the Brazilian midfielder when Sir Alex Ferguson shelled out heavy bucks for this then 19 year old. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned and he ended up getting lost in a crowd of superstars, weighed under the load of expectations.
# 5. Sergio Ramos: Sevilla to Real Madrid in £21m in 2005
Madrid fans made a lot of hue and cry when a hefty price was paid for this defender but over time, he went on to become one of the most successful defenders of recent times and the icing on the cake was the equalizer against Atletico in the latest Champions League final. He was 19 when the transfer was made.
# 4. Marquinhos: Roma to PSG in £23.5m in 2013
It’s just been an year for Marquinhos at PSG and he has already been very impressive.A stepping stone for him is being selected in the Brazil senior side. That if the heavy sum of money paid for him is justified, remains to be seen but in my opinion, there’s nothing but promise in this lad’s future. The best part is that he is still just 20 years old.
# 3. Javier Saviola: River Plate to Barcelona in £24m in 2001
His is one of those sad cases when initial promise couldn’t be converted into success. His two seasons were wasted in being on loan and in the remaining ones he could never really live up to the hype he was associated with.
# 2. Wayne Rooney: Everton to Manchester United in £25.6m in 2004
He scored a hattrick on debut and in all his 10 seasons after that, he has scored goals in double figues. How important he has been to Manchester United is not really something that needs much explanation. He was just 18 when United paid the hefty sum.
#1. Luke Shaw: Southampton to Manchester United in £30m 2014
Meet the King of the Castle.This transfer makes Shaw the most expensive teenager in Football history. He starred in all Southampton matches this season and Manchester United fans are hoping that just like Rooney, this signing will prove to be a successful one.