Eliaquim Mangala Becomes Most Expensive Defender in History with €54 Million Manchester City Move
At just 22 years old, French defender Eliaquim Mangala has set a new record as the most expensive defender in football history after his €54 million transfer to Manchester City.
The 22-year-old’s move eclipses the recent high-profile €50 million signing of David Luiz by Paris Saint-Germain, signaling an escalating transfer market for top defenders. The hefty fee for Mangala, who joined from FC Porto, has sparked reactions across the football world.
Among the vocal commentators was Rio Ferdinand, former England and Manchester United defender, who expressed his surprise and concern via Twitter. “Mangala €54 million, David Luiz €50 million… How much would Varane cost at such rates? €60, €70 million?” he wrote, referring to the Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, regarded as one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents.
To put the figure into perspective, Ferdinand himself was signed by Manchester United in 2002 for a then-record fee for a defender of approximately €46 million. The rising transfer costs underline the growing premium placed on quality defensive players in modern football.
Mangala’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium signals Manchester City’s ambition to strengthen their defence as they prepare to challenge on multiple fronts this season. The young defender is expected to compete for a starting role alongside established players, bringing pace, power, and composure to City’s backline.
As the transfer market continues to escalate, fans and pundits alike are watching closely to see if these record-breaking fees translate into on-field success.
