The summer of 2026 saw a seismic shift in the rankings of the most expensive central midfielders and defensive players in football history. This list spotlights players filling the pivotal 'six' and 'eight' positions, from deep-lying playmakers to box-to-box engines.
Ranking of the most expensive central midfielders in history
1. Elliott Anderson - £116 million / €135 million (Nottingham Forest ➔ Manchester City, July 2026) - The most expensive English footballer, marking a record transfer for a central midfielder.
2. Enzo Fernandez - £106.8 million / €121 million (Benfica ➔ Chelsea, January 2023) - A record transfer for the Londoners following his standout performance at the 2022 World Cup.
3. Declan Rice - £100 million / €117.4 million (West Ham ➔ Arsenal, July 2023) - A crucial signing for the Gunners, laying the groundwork for their ambitions.
4. Moises Caicedo - £100 million / €117.1 million (Brighton ➔ Chelsea, August 2023) - The Ecuadorian opted for London over Liverpool in a fiercely contested transfer saga.
5. Paul Pogba - £93.2 million / €110 million (Juventus ➔ Manchester United, August 2016) - A record transfer for the Manchester giants at the time.
6. Sandro Tonali - £92.5 million / €108 million (Newcastle ➔ Tottenham, July 2026) - The record signing for Spurs this summer.
7. Jude Bellingham - £88.5 million / €103 million (Borussia Dortmund ➔ Real Madrid, June 2023) - A smart investment for the Spanish giants in young English talent.
8. Mateus Fernandes - £85 million / €99 million (West Ham ➔ Tottenham, July 2026) - Another major signing for the London club to strengthen their midfield.
9. Bruno Guimaraes - £75 million / €87.5 million (Newcastle ➔ Arsenal, August 2026) - The Brazilian's move to the Gunners ranks among the top ten most expensive in football history.
10. Frenkie de Jong - £74.5 million / €86 million (Ajax ➔ Barcelona, July 2019) - A transfer made during the Dutchman's peak performance with the Amsterdammers.
11. Aurelien Tchouameni - £68.3 million / €80 million (Monaco ➔ Real Madrid, June 2022) - Part of a massive midfield overhaul for Los Blancos.
12. Arthur Melo - £66 million / €72 million (Barcelona ➔ Juventus, June 2020) - A notable swap between two giants during the pandemic.
13. Rodri - £62.8 million / €70 million (Atletico Madrid ➔ Manchester City, July 2019) - A strategic acquisition by Pep Guardiola that helped lead the club to Champions League glory.
14. Casemiro - £60 million / €70 million (Real Madrid ➔ Manchester United, August 2022) - The experienced Brazilian made the switch to Old Trafford from Madrid.
15. Martin Zubimendi - £60 million / €69.5 million (Real Sociedad ➔ Arsenal, July 2025) - A Spanish international who bolstered the Gunners' midfield.
16. Jorginho - £57 million / €65 million (Napoli ➔ Chelsea, July 2018) - Joined the Blues along with Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
17. Tanguy Ndombele - £55.4 million / €62 million (Lyon ➔ Tottenham, July 2019) - Former record signing for Spurs.
18. Kevin De Bruyne - £55 million / €75 million (Wolfsburg ➔ Manchester City, August 2015) - One of the most successful transfers in Premier League history.
19. Miralem Pjanic - £54.8 million / €60 million (Juventus ➔ Barcelona, June 2020) - A counter-transfer within the deal involving Arthur Melo.
20. Romeo Lavia - £53 million / €61.9 million (Southampton ➔ Chelsea, August 2023) - A promising Belgian talent's transition to Stamford Bridge.
