9 Liverpool players 

©TM/IMAGO

Rafael Benítez is one of the most recognisable managers in recent history with a managerial career spanning four decades. The 64-year-old began coaching with Real Madrid’s youth teams after progressing through the Spanish giants’ academy before his playing career was curtailed by injury at an early age. Benítez made his name in management in his homeland Spain, starting his managerial career at Osasuna before progressing to ultimately end up at Valencia.

The Spaniard famously won two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup with Valencia before earning his move to Liverpool. Benítez led Liverpool to one of the greatest comebacks in history when they came back from 3-0 down to AC Milan to win the Champions League in 2005. After leaving Liverpool, Benítez managed Real Madrid, Napoli, Chelsea and Newcastle United amongst others and he’s coached some famous faces over the years. But who are Benítez’s most expensive signings across his decorated career? Let’s find out.

Rafa Benítez’s most expensive signings

Gonzalo Higuaín is Benítez’s most expensive buy across his managerial career. The Argentinian international cost Napoli €39 million from Real Madrid in 2013 and he proceeded to score 91 goals in 146 games for the Serie A club. Fernando Torres was the figurehead of Benítez’s tenure at Anfield and he cost Liverpool €38m from Atletico Madrid in 2007, which ranks second with Mateo Kovacic completing the top three.

As the graphic above illustrates, Danilo is the fourth and final player that Benítez paid more than €30m for during his career. Benítez was adored by the Newcastle fanbase during his spell on Tyneside and Miguel Almirón represents his sixth highest signing. Nine of Benítez’s top 20 most expensive signings were during his Liverpool reign – including Xabi Alonso – while Casemiro ranks 16th.