Leeds United have splashed the cash since returning to the Premier League last year, even breaking their long-standing record transfer fee.
But who have the whites paid the most for over the years? Today, we’re looking at Leeds United’s five most expensive transfers of all time.
5. Raphinha (£17 million from Rennes)
Raphinha is the best player Leeds have had in a very long time. They somehow managed to bring him to the Premier League for only £17 million, which is absurd when you consider all he brings to the table. He can beat any defender in the league, he has extraordinary passing ability, and he knows how to find the back of the net. The Brazilian is one of the most exciting players in the division, and Leeds will hope to keep him for years to come.
4. Diego Llorente (£18 million from Real Sociedad)
Llorente had a turbulent start to life at Leeds due to injury, but when he has got on the pitch he has been incredible. The centre back oozes class, with his passing ability being a step above most centre backs. He has been key to Leeds getting the ball up the field accurately, and we expect him to remain in the Leeds side for the next few years.
3. Rio Ferdinand (£18 million from West Ham)
It’s worth noting that £18 million in 2000 is much more valuable than £18 million now, which meant that signing Ferdinand was a real statement of intent. Ferdinand was a large part of the club whilst at Elland Road, being a key member of the squad that made the Champions League Semi-Finals in 2001 and even captaining the club for a period. Ferdinand’s reputation at Leeds would sour when he moved to rivals Manchester United for £30 million in 2002.
2. Dan James (£25 million from Man Utd)
Leeds finally landed Dan James ahead of the 2021/22 season, with then manager Marcelo Bielsa chasing the speed merchant for three years. The Argentine boss got his man before the current season and he added more speed and pressing ability to ‘Bielsa ball’. In his first season after signing from Manchester United, the Welsh international has performed okay but has been out of position playing as the main striker for much of the campaign.
1. Rodrigo (£27 million from Valencia)
A newly promoted team signing Spain’s starting forward sounds incredibly strange on paper, but Leeds showed that they weren’t here to just make up the numbers when they broke their transfer record for Rodrigo last summer. Despite playing as a striker for Spain, he has been deployed in midfield for Leeds this season, potentially due to the incredible form of Patrick Bamford. His season has been disrupted by multiple injuries, but the Spaniard has been great when fit this season.
