While clubs don’t pay the highest fee for goalkeepers, a good defense is reliant on how the keeper sets them up. And these goalkeepers have been signed by top clubs for a bargain price considering their talent and the performances that they have produced.
5. Hugo Lloris: Lyon to Spurs (12 million Euros)
Lloris was signed by Spurs from Lyon as a 25-year-old, and nine years later, the goalkeeper is the captain of the club. While he hasn’t lifted any trophies with Spurs yet, he has won the World Cup with France, and has also helped Tottenham get to their first ever Champions League final.
4. Thibaut Courtois: Genk to Chelsea (9 million Euros)
Courtois was recruited by Chelsea as a 19-year-old, and he was immediately loaned out to Atletico Madrid for two years. Upon returning to Stamford Bridge, Courtois established himself as the undisputed number 1 in the squad, and currently plays for Real Madrid, cementing his status as one of the best in the world.
3. Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Borussia Monchengladbach to Barcelona (12 million Euros)
Barcelona got themselves one of the best deals in recent years when they signed ter Stegen from the Bundesliga. The German is now the best, and most important player in the Barcelona lineup and is also challenging Manuel Neuer for the coveted German number 1 spot between the sticks.
2. Petr Cech: Stade Rennais to Chelsea (13 million Euros)
Cech was signed by Chelsea as a 22-year-old, and he was the man responsible for delivering them their first Champions League trophy, as the hero of the penalty shootout against Bayern. The player is recognised as a Premier League legend, having won the league four times with Chelsea.
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma: AC Milan to PSG (free transfer)
Just like Petr Cech, Donnarumma made the move from his boyhood club, AC Milan to PSG as a free agent in the summer transfer window of 2021. The player was named the Player of the Tournament at the Euros, as he helped Italy win the competition, and is the best young goalkeeper in the world right now.
