Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson Becker from AS Roma, who has arrived at Anfield as the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.
The Brazilian will cost the Merseysiders around £56million, which could rise to £62million, an amount which shatters the previous world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
In honour of the move, we’ve taken a look at the most expensive goalkeeper transfers in history. All fees taken from Transfermrkt.
10. Sebastien Frey - Inter Milan to Parma
When Parma sold Gigi Buffon to Juventus (more on that later) they brought in Sebastien Frey to replace him. However, Parma had to sell him just one year later when they had financial issues.
9. Alex Meret - £19.8m - Udinese to Napoli
With Pepe Reina coming to the end of his career, Napoli have looked to the future by bringing in 21-year-old Alex Meret from Udinese. The Italian spent last season on loan with SPAL but will be hoping to start for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this year.
J7. David De Gea - £22.5m - Atletico Madrid to Manchester United
How’s that for value!? United plucked De Gea from Atleti in 2011, and after some early troubles, the Spaniard has become one of the most awe-inspiring shot-stoppers in the world.
J7. Bernd Leno - £22.5m - Bayer Leverkusen to Arsenal
After trying to force his way out of Leverkusen for the majority of the season, Leno’s exit from the Bundesliga club was hardly surprising. Arsenal were the preferred suitor for the German international, where he will take over the gloves from Petr Cech.
6. Francesco Toldo - £23.85m - Fiorentina to Internazionale
The Italian made the switch to the imperious Internazionale in 2001, where he would win Serie A five times, and the Champions League in 2010.
5. Jordan Pickford - £25.65m - Sunderland to Everton
Prised from the relegated Sunderland ahead of the 2017-18 season, Pickford will be long-remembered for his part in England’s 2018 World Cup campaign, propelling the national side into the semi-finals.
4. Manuel Neuer - £27m - Schalke to Bayern Munich
The ultimate sweeper keeper, Manuel Neuer has lifted the World Cup and won plenty of medals at Bayern Munich since his move from Schalke.
3. Ederson - £36m - Benfica to Manchester City
In Pep Guardiola’s second year in charge, the performances of Claudio Bravo in the previous season forced the hand of the Spaniard, who spent big to get a new man between the sticks. Ederson was brought in from Portuguese outfit Benfica and made an instant impact as he played a critical part in City’s memorable 100-point season.
2. Gianluigi Buffon - £47.6m - Parma to Juventus
The Italian heavyweights snapped up the then 22-year-old Buffon from Serie A rivals Parma for a price-tag that reflected what the shot-stopper had done to that point in his career, and how much was expected of him.
1. Alisson - £56.25m - Roma to Liverpool
Liverpool, having spent years with questionable goalkeepers, decided that Alisson was worth spending a record fee on. The Brazilian number one will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his countryman Ederson by hitting the ground running in the Premier League.