| RECORD TRANSFERS Last updated 23/01/09 |
| PHILIPP LAHM (West Ham United - Chelsea) £40,000,000 German international Philipp Lahm became the most expensive player in GI Soccer history when he joined Chelsea in a massive £40,000,000 deal from London rivals West Ham United. The defender had originally entered the GI when he left Bayern Munich to link up with West Ham United in a £15,000,000 deal. The player soon began to impress at Upton Park, his eye catching displays making him an instant cult hero in East London. During his time at West Ham, he also picked up one Team GI cap. After having several bids knocked back, Chelsea finally got their man and Lahm is now considered a key player at Stamford Bridge, holding down the left-back position. |
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| THEO WALCOTT (Arsenal - Aston Villa) £39,400,000 After Arsenal manager Johan Cruyff made it clear that youngster Theo Walcott didn't feature in his plans, there was a mad scramble for his signature. The whole transfer saga seemed to drag on with Theo Walcott finally sealing a shock £39,400,000 move to Aston Villa from the Emirates Stadium. The move will always be covered in controversy and mystery. Just a few days prior to sealing the move to Villa Park, Theo Walcott pubicly stated his desire to join Wigan Athletic, the other team vying for his services. In the end though, Villa were able to outbid their rivals and land the England international. |
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| FRANCK RIBERY (Fulham - Chelsea) £37,500,000 In another coup for Chelsea, they were able to pip several top European clubs to the £37,500,000 signature of Fulham star Franck Ribery. The move turned out to be a disaster for Fulham. French international Ribery was their talisman and Gerard Houllier was soon given the sack, for selling his top player. Franck Ribery first entered the GI when he joined Arsenal in an £18,000,000 move from Bayern Munich. The Frenchman was soon shipped off to Fulham, used as a makeweight as Arsenal landed Brazilian star Kaka from Fulham. Former Marseille ace Ribery is one of only a handful of GI stars to have picked up two Team GI caps. |
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| DAVID VILLA (FC Barcelona - Newcastle United) £36,000,000 Newcastle United jumped at the chance when Barcelona made David Villa available for the transfer. The Spanish international joined the Magpies in a bumper £36,000,000 following a dismal spell at the Camp Nou. David Villa made his first appearance in the GI when he left Valencia to join West Ham United in a £25,000,000 deal. After struggling with form and falling down the pecking order at Upton Park, Villa returned to La Liga and joined Barcelona in a £31,000,000 deal. Villa never really settled at the club and soon made his exit from the Catalan giants, signing with Newcastle and making a suprise return to GI Soccer. |
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| JORGE ANDRADE (Aston Villa - Everton) £36,000,000 One deal that did raise a few eyebrows was that of Portuguese defender Jorge Andrade, who left Aston Villa to seal a suprise £36,000,000 move to D2 rivals Everton. The former Deportivo star was wanted by several clubs, including Arsenal, before joining the Toffees, making him the second most expensive defender of all time. Jorge Andrade had originally left Juventus to join Aston Villa in an £8,500,000 deal. Although not exactly setting the world alight with his talents, Andrade has always been considered one of the better centre-backs in Europe. Villa will be very happy with the £27,500,000 profit made from his sale to Everton. |
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