The Most Expensive Footballers of All Time

Source: Statista

Chelsea‘s signing of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan this week for €115m has made the 28-year-old the most expensive footballer of all time. Not to be mistaken with the highest single transfer fee, Lukaku’s five career transfers now total €327.6m, according to figures from Transfermarkt.com. That takes him ahead of Brazilian superstar Neymar, who has generated tranfer fees to the value of €310.2m in his career so far, albeit with only two moves.

That’s not the only record broken with this transfer, either. Transfermarkt adds: “The forward set two further records. In addition to the most expensive sale of a Serie A club…Lukaku is also the new record signing at Chelsea. This position was previously held by Kai Havertz and goalkeeper Kepa with €80 million each. Furthermore, Lukaku joins a group of now twelve players who have cost at least €100 million.”

The Bookmakers’ Favorites to Win the Premier League

Source: Statista

The 2021-22 Premier League will be kicked off tonight when newly promoted Brentford play host to Arsenal. The Gunners are far from serious title contenders at this stage, but according to the bookmakers at least, are currently joint fifth with Leicester in terms of chances – far ahead of Brentford of course, who have average odds of 750.75 and will rather be focusing on survival for now.

Defending champions Manchester City are the favourites to win the league once more, with current average odds of 1.70. Champions League winners Chelsea are in second with 5.75 while Liverpool are seen as the next most likely to win, close behind with 6.00. Manchester United are also considered a decent shout for the title, with things looking very open at the top before the first ball is kicked in anger.

Back into the realms of fantasy, Tottenham join Arsenal and Leicester in the ‘best of the rest’ category. But as The Foxes once showed us, anything can happen in football.