In today’s market, center-backs are becoming increasingly valuable. Last season, five center-backs were signed for €50.00 million or more, with two (Matthijs de Ligt and Wesley Fofana) being among the ten most expensive signings of the year.
A great center-back can completely change a team’s fortunes. Manchester United, for example, has improved exponentially since signing Lisandro Martínez. After heavy investment in their backline, rivals Manchester City finally won their first Champions League, notably signing Rúben Dias. Napoli returned to the top of Serie A thanks to star defender Kim Min-jae. The list goes on and on.
However, while some high-profile defenders will make moves this summer, plenty of less expensive center-backs will make moves this summer. Here are five top defenders who could be available for relatively cheap.
Marco Friedl, 25, Werder Bremen
Bremen defender Marco Friedl is a lot like his countryman David Alaba. Both are left-footed defenders who featured in Bayern Munich’s academy, where they featured at left-back before transitioning to center-back. However, while Alaba spent ten seasons with Bayern, becoming one of the best defenders in the world, Friedl had to leave to find success.
Since joining Bremen in 2018, Friedl has played over 100 games. Last season, he started 30 of the club’s 34 games, only missing four games due to either suspension or illness. As captain, he bolstered the defensive line for Bremen, who were able to comfortably avoid relegation in their first season back in the Bundesliga.
Friedl is a top defender, and left-footed center-backs are in high demand. He could fetch a decent transfer fee for Bremen, but he would not cost nearly as much as other options on the market (like Pau Torres). He would be a valuable asset for most top Bundesliga sides — a return to Bayern could make sense.
Lucas Martínez Quarta, 27, Fiorentina
Fiorentina had a great year, finishing in the top half of Serie A while reaching the Conference League final. Their strong defense was a big part of that, conceding just 43 goals in league play. While Martínez Quarta didn’t play every match, he still was a big part of the team.
The Argentine defender played 25 times, even captaining the side twice. In the 13 matches the club played without him, they won just five times and kept only three clean sheets. With him in the side, they kept seven and had a higher win percentage. He was also top ten in the league in tackles won (48) and interceptions (also 48).
Martínez Quarta will likely have more playing time next season with Fiorentina, but, if he wanted to leave, there would likely be a lot of interest. He is a Premier League-caliber player, although he would also be a great fit for some top Serie A sides — Inter Milan, for example, is losing starting defender Milan Skriniar and the Argentine could be a replacement.
Auston Trusty, 24, Arsenal
Trusty’s profile has increased significantly in the last few years. After a successful few seasons in MLS with Philadelphia and Colorado, he made a surprise move overseas, signing for Premier League giants Arsenal. He was instantly loaned out to Championship side Birmingham City, where he thrived.
The American was one of the Championship’s top players last season. He finished top ten in tackles won (65), blocks (82), and clearances (188). He was crucial for Birmingham City, who barely avoided relegation.
Trusty is returning to Arsenal, but he likely has no future with the club. The English club paid under €2 million to sign him, so they wouldn’t mind a relatively cheap sale as long as they make a profit (probably €8-10 million). He would be a great fit for most mid-table teams across Europe’s top five leagues, but a Bundesliga move would really suit him.
Santiago Bueno, 24, Girona
Bueno joined Girona in 2019 on a free transfer from Barcelona and has thrived. After three years of starting in the second tier, he (and the club) is back in La Liga. Despite many expecting a relegation battle, he led the club to 10th.
Bueno was absolutely crucial for Girona. He missed only four games all season, and the club lost all four. What distinguishes Bueno from other center-backs is that he isn’t just a quality on defense — he’s great at bringing the ball forward from defense, and he also has a great passing range.
Girona is a very good team, and Bueno is under contract with the club until 2026. However, if he chose to leave, there will be plenty of enticing options for him. The top teams in La Liga could all be good options — Atletico Madrid need some depth, and it would be a step up for the Uruguayan.
Mees Hilgers, 22, Twente
Hilgers is a player I have written about in the past, as he was one of 15 upcoming free agents that I highlighted back in March. However, he has since renewed his contract, with Twente eager to hold onto one of their top players. Or, at the very least, make a profit by selling him.
While this was not Hilgers best season, he is still a quality player. He got better at intercepting passes this season, going from 27 to 43 interceptions. However, his tackle percentage went down and made more errors. However, it’s only his second full season, and there’s plenty of room to improve.
With his stock lower than it had been, Hilgers would be very cheap. He’s young and has Eredivisie experience, so he would be a low-risk signing. He would be a great signing for most Bundesliga sides.
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Image Courtesy of Hans Reefman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
