Ben White becomes latest English defender to switch clubs for big money

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Leicester City v Brighton and Hove Albion – Emirates FA Cup – Fifth Round – King Power Stadium
(Image credit: Mike Egerton)

After a breakthrough season at Brighton, Ben White is swapping blue and white for red and white following his reported £50million move to Arsenal.

The 23-year-old was wanted permanently by Leeds last season after helping them to Premier League promotion during a loan spell at Elland Road, but he opted to stay with the Seagulls and has now become one of the most expensive English defenders.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at where he ranks.

Harry Maguire – £80m from Leicester to Manchester United

Maguire became football’s most expensive defender when he moved to Old Trafford for an eye-watering £80m fee in the summer of 2019. The move did raise some eyebrows and he has had his critics, but Maguire has been a pillar in United’s back-line over the past couple of years. He also became club captain for the Red Devils just months after his move.

Kyle Walker – £53m from Tottenham to Manchester City

Before Maguire, fellow Sheffield lad Walker took the title of the world’s most expensive defender when he transferred to the Etihad Stadium in 2017. Since his move, the right-back has helped City to three Premier League titles, four League Cups and one FA Cup.

Ben Chilwell – £50m from Leicester to Chelsea

Leicester have a knack for developing quality defenders and Chilwell is no exception. The left-back was courted by then Blues manager Frank Lampard and has since become a reliable cog in Thomas Tuchel’s machine. He had an impressive debut season for the Londoners, making 27 Premier League appearances and helping the club win the Champions League.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – £50m from Crystal Palace to Manchester United

Another player swapping London for Manchester, United splashed £50m on the right-back in the summer of 2019 when he was just 21. Wan-Bissaka, who had been part of the Crystal Palace set-up from a young age, has since gone on to make 100 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.

Ben White – £50m from Brighton to Arsenal

After loan spells with Newport and Peterborough, Brighton’s White really caught the eye on loan at Leeds, helping them to promotion in 2020.
He impressed for the Seagulls last season, making 36 Premier League
appearances, and earned an England call-up for Euro 2020. Although he was unused in the tournament, Arsenal are pleased to have got their man.

PA Staff