8) Diego Costa (Chelsea) €69.9m-€76.9m
The Chelsea man was the talisman of an Atletico Madrid side that shocked Europe last year by winning La Liga, as well as reaching the Champions League final. With the strength of Real Madrid and Barcelona preventing Diego Simeone’s side sustaining a prolonged spell of success, it was little surprise that he chose a new challenge elsewhere, moving to Stamford Bridge. He made a blistering start to his Premier League career, scoring seven times in his first four games. He would finish the season with 20 goals, and another league winners medal to his name.
7) Paul Pogba (Juventus) €70.3m-€77.3m
Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t get things wrong too often during his time in charge at Manchester United, but letting Paul Pogba leave for Juventus in 2012 will certainly rate as a clanger on the legendary boss’ part. The 22-year-old is already one of the best midfielders on the continent, inspiring the Old Lady to their fourth straight Scudetto this year, and their first Coppa Italia triumph for two decades.
