Jude Bellingham, former Borussia Dortmund midfielder tops the list of the most expensive British football players following his record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid.
The England international has become the most costly British footballer of all time after he secures a move from Dortmund to the Spanish capital.
On Wednesday, the 14th day of June, Jude Bellingham completed a sensational record-breaking 115 million pounds transfer from Germany to the Spanish powerhouse after months of negotiations.
It was reported earlier this month that Real Madrid reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund over the acquisition of Bellingham for an initial contract of 86 million pounds plus add-ons.
However, Real Madrid officially confirmed the signing of the former Birmingham City midfielder and are expected to present him at a ceremony later today, Thursday, 15th June.
Bellingham is Real Madrid’s second most expensive signing, after only Eden Hazard’s 115 million euro transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2019.
In addition, Bellingham now stands at the top of a special list of players including Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, and Ben White, all of whom cost their respective club sides a whopping amount of money.
While the vast majority of these stars have more than lived up to their exorbitant salaries, a few have struggled to perform up to their standard.
However, this article will examine the top 10 most expensive British players of all time.
Jude Bellingham
Despite not yet having played for Real Madrid, Bellingham’s performances for Borussia Dortmund and England have more than justified his record-breaking cost (115 million pounds).
The midfielder has at least another decade of his career ahead of him, considering he is only 19 years old.
He is no stranger to the spotlight, having previously earned 24 senior England caps and making 124 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, including a few as captain.
Jack Grealish
In 2021, Manchester City paid Aston Villa £100 million to acquire the services of the gregarious winger.
Although he had a rough start in his first year at the Etihad, Jack Grealish has become a key player in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
After 50 games this season, he proved he was worth City’s £100 million transfer fee by leading them to a historic treble.
Harry Maguire
Maguire signed with Manchester United for a then-record £85 million in 2019.
Since then, he has made 175 appearances with the Red Devils, with varied results.
In the 2022-2023 season, the defender’s poor play caused him to lose favor with new manager Erik ten Hag.
And he’ll probably leave this summer, for a lot less money than they paid for him.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho joined Man United in 2021 for a reported £75 million after transferring from Borussia Dortmund.
His experience at the club has been similar to that of Maguire.
He had a difficult first season at Old Trafford, scoring only five goals in 38 appearances.
Sancho’s inconsistent play carried over into the 2022-23 season, as injuries and illnesses further hindered his play.
Spurs are reportedly preparing a £50 million bid to sign him away from Real Madrid.
Ben White
In 2021, Arsenal paid £50 million to acquire the defender from Brighton.
Despite the skepticism of some fans, White has established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s team.
He has emerged as a crucial contributor for Arsenal.
White started all 38 games for Arsenal this season as they chased down the Premier League championship.
Raheem Sterling
In 2015, Sterling made headlines when he was transferred from Liverpool to Manchester City.
The transaction cost the Citizens a staggering £49 million.
That cost was justified, though.
During his seven years at Man City, he scored 131 goals in 339 games and helped the club win four Premier League crowns, one FA Cup, and five League Cups.
Sterling joined Chelsea for the same price last summer and has since appeared in 38 games in all competitions.
Aaron Wan Bissaka
In 2019, the fullback moved from Crystal Palace to Manchester United for £49 million.
There has been a wide range of reactions from fans during his stint at Old Trafford.
But in the second half of the season, under Ten Hag’s guidance, Wan-Bissaka started to shine.
Jone Stones
The £47.5 million that Man City spent for Stones in 2016 is starting to appear like a steal.
It was a lot of money for a defender back then, but when you consider how many games the England superstar won while playing for Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, you realize he worth it.
Stones has won five Premier League championships, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the Champions League.
And he will be remembered as an integral part of Man City’s legendary Treble-winning squad.
Kyle Walker
Walker, like Stones, is a club legend who has won nearly everything there is to win.
He joined City a year after his England teammate, although both players have been honored with multiple honors at fullback.
His contribution to Pep Guardiola’s team has more than paid for the £45 million he cost to acquire him from Tottenham.
Ben Chilwell
In 2020, Chilwell moved to Chelsea from Leicester for £45 million.
He has won the Champions League and the Club World Cup since joining the Blues, although his career at Stamford Bridge has been hampered by several injuries.
However, when he does play, he provides a strong defensive presence while also being fast going forward.
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