List of Premier League's biggest-ever transfers adjusted for inflation with five players above Enzo Fernandez

The data is based on a football inflation calculator and features Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.

A list of the most expensive Premier League signings adjusted based on inflation suggests Rio Ferdinand’s move to Manchester United would now be worth €183 million.

From the introduction of billionaire owners to significant TV deals, transfers have skyrocketed since the turn of the century.

Jack Grealish’s much-talked about £100 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City stands out as one of the biggest deals of late alongside Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea and Antony to Manchester United.

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But what about transfers from the ’90’s?

Back in 2022, The Athletic published a fascinating report based on a football inflation calculator from finance expert Kieran Maguire and his colleague Jason Laws at the University of Liverpool.

And now, Arsenal fan and ‘stat guy’ Scott Willis has published an update based on Transfermarkt reported fees.

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Rio Ferdinand tops the list with his then-British record €46 million move to Manchester United in 2002. According to inflation, his fee would now be worth a whopping €183 million.

Alan Shearer joining Newcastle United in the summer of 1996 from Blackburn for a then-world record fee of £15 million would now be worth €164 million, meaning he places second.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, meanwhile, features in fifth following his €121 million move. Only Andriy Shevchenko, Juan Sebastian Veron and Paul Pogba top that fee.

Ferdinand recently revealed that he felt the weight of expectation following his big money move to Manchester United.

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“The pressure that [beings a world record transfer] brings is immeasurable,” he said on his FIVE podcast.

“Anywhere you walk… subconsciously you feel that people are looking at you, thinking and talking about the price tag.

“Whether it’s going to the shops for a loaf of bread, filling your car up with petrol or walking down the road with your missus. Whatever it is, you just think all eyes are on you, and all they’re thinking about is the transfer fee and the expectation.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

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