Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Juventus for €100 million, so where does the forward rank on the list of the biggest deals of all time?
Getty Images101David Beckham | €37.5m
Given David Beckham was one of the most marketable sporting stars on the planet, Real Madrid could not believe their luck when Manchester United told them they could have the England captain in 2003 for €37.5m.
Of course, former Red Devils boss Alex Ferguson wanted rid of Beckham, feeling that the midfielder had become more of a celebrity than a footballer, but it still proved a shrewd move by Los Blancos, who made a fortune in sponsorhip and shirt sales off, as well as winning La Liga in the style icon's final season at the Santiago Bernabeu, in 2006-07.
AdvertisementGetty100Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | €38m
Many Liverpool fans wondered why manager Jurgen Klopp elected to spend €38m on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the 207-18 season when it was clear that there was a great need to strengthen the Reds' defence.
However, whereas it was initially thought that the versatile winger would prove little more than a valuable squad player, Oxlade-Chamberlain now looks set to become a key man at Anfield thanks to his impressive performances, both on the wing and in midfield, and the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.
Attila Kisbenedek99Andre Silva | €38m
It is easy to understand why AC Milan felt compelled to sign Andre Silva for €38m as part of their 2017 summer spending spree. The young striker had impressed in the Champions League for Porto, while Cristiano Ronaldo had labelled him the heir to his throne within the Portuguse national team.
However, while Silva has had no issues scoring in the Europa League, he has thus far struggled horribly in Serie A and there is even talk that Ronaldo now wants Real Madrid to sign his compatriot, so that he can take the No.9 under his wing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Getty Images98Mats Hummels | €38m
Having come through the youth-team ranks at Bayern Munich only to fail to force his way into the first team, Mats Hummels departed for Borussia Dortmund in 2009, after a successful loan season at Signal Iduna Park.
However, the Bavarians rectified their mistake seven years later by returning to their favourite super-market with €38m in the wallet to re-sign the defender, who, in spite of some fitness and form issues, remains one of the game's top centre-halves.