Manchester United have completed a £36 million move for 19-year-old Anthony Martial from AS Monaco, a massive price for a teenager.
However, where does he rank amongst the most expensive players under 20 ever? The Daily Telegraph has revealed all, with the Red Devils featuring no less than four times in the top ten. Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Barcelona have also spent big on young players in the past, with various levels of success.
Signing such a player at such a young age obviously brings with it many risks, including but not being limited to potential injury problems and not living up to their potential. Although, United do have a relatively good record for buying in the age group.
Here are the ten priciest teenagers ever, and how they have each performed after their deals. Will Martial be a Pato or a Rooney?
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10) Alexandre Pato, Internacional to AC Milan, £15m
Still only 25-years-old, the Brazilian hasn’t lived up to expectations yet and is back in his home country with Sao Paulo FC. However, there is still time to return to Europe and prove his doubters wrong.
9) John Obi Mikel, Lyn to Chelsea, £16m (£12m to Manchester United)
Controversy surrounded this move when it went through back in 2006, leaving the Red Devils benefiting from the move. However, he has been an important player for the Blues since then, helping them to win the Champions League and multiple Premier Leagues.
8) Sergio Ramos, Sevilla to Real Madrid, £22m
Now Los Merengues captain, the Spain international has certainly lived up to this huge price tag. During his career he has won almost everything possible.
7) Antonio Cassano, Bari to AS Roma, £24m
The mercurial forward did win the Serie A Young Player of the Year twice, but his temperament has regularly been questioned since. Real Madrid bought him for just £4 million five years later.
6) Marquinhos, AS Roma to PSG, £25m
David Luiz and Thiago Silva are both ahead of the 21-year-old in the pecking order at the Parc des Princes. However, he is still highly rated, and Chelsea were unable to take him away from the club this summer.
5) Anderson, Porto to Manchester United, £25m
Perhaps a complete failure at Old Trafford, and they will be hoping that Martial doesn’t suffer a similar fate.
4) Javier Saviola, River Plate to Barcelona, £29m
70 goals in 168 appearances isn’t a terrible record for the Argentina international, but he never set the world alight at the Nou Camp after his big money move.
3) Wayne Rooney, Everton to Manchester United, £30m
Possibly one of the best signings the Premier League has ever seen, having become captain of the Old Trafford club and being set to become their highest ever scorer.
2) Luke Shaw, Southampton to Manchester United, £31m
It’s unfair to pass judgement on the 20-year-old as of yet, with him only being at the club for a single season. He has plenty of potential, and could be their left-back for the next decade.
1) Anthony Martial, AS Monaco to Manchester United, £36m
At 19-years-old the forward has become one of the Red Devils’ most expensive signings, with all the pressure that brings. Will he be able to live up to those expectations?