10 Affordable Defenders Worth Under £50 Million

It is difficult to find good defenders on a budget in football, but there are some bargains out there with market values below £50 million. Here, we look at 10 defenders who are proven performers but could be yours for a bargain. The market values of these players were sourced from Transfermarkt.com.

1. Antonee Robinson

Antonee Robinson is an American left back who currently plays for Premier League side Fulham FC.

He’s known for his speed and defensive prowess and is a key figure for both his club and the US national team.

His market value stands at €28 million. Robinson can play both defensively and offensively and would be a great addition to any team in need of a solid left back.

2. Dean Huijsen

Dean Huijsen, a young and promising centre-back, plays for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old Dutchman has plenty of potential, and combines defensive solidity with composure on the ball. Market value: €18 million.

Height and physical presence make Huijsen a solid defender, and his growth potential makes him an intriguing prospect for the future.

3. Nikola Milenkovic

Nikola Milenkovic, the Serbian centre-back, currently plays for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

With a market value of €25 million, Milenkovic is known for his strong aerial ability and excellent positioning.

He has been a consistent performer for both his club and the Serbian national team. Milenkovic’s versatility allows him to play as a right-back as well, adding to his value as a defender.

Read More: 10 Top Striker Whose Market Value Is Under £50 Million

4. Dani Vivian

Dani Vivian (born 5 July 1999) is a Spanish centre-back who plays for La Liga side Athletic Bilbao.

A leader at the back, the centre-back is a key performer for his club and has a market value of €40 million. Vivian’s ability to read the game and make vital interceptions makes him an attractive defender for sides looking to strengthen their backline.

5. Carl Starfelt

The Swedish centre-back plays for LaLiga side Celta de Vigo. He is known for his power in the tackle and aerial ability, and he is a solid defender for the club.

The 29-year-old’s market value is €6 million. Starfelt is an excellent option for teams that need a defensive stalwart at a relatively cheap price.

6. Loic Bade

Loic Bade (centre back, France) is valued at €25 million by Transfermarkt and currently plays for Sevilla FC in LaLiga. The centre back is known for his physicality and defensive qualities.

He is a strong aerial presence who makes key interceptions in the defensive third. At 6’4″ he uses his frame to his advantage on both defensive and offensive set-pieces and his strength helps him stand up to attackers and stay in control in one-on-one situations.

Moreover, Bade’s ball-control allows him to play confidently from the back, contributing to his team’s build-up play. His consistent performances make him a key player for Sevilla FC.

7. Robin Koch

Robin Koch (born 17 July 1996) is a German centre-back who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

He is valued at €18 million. Koch is known for his defensive prowess, especially his ability to win aerial duels and make key interceptions.

He is 1. 92 meters tall, which allows him to be effective on both defensive and offensive set-pieces.

Koch is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and can contribute to his team’s build-up play. He has made 19 appearances in the 2024–25 season, scoring 1 goal, and has a good defensive record. His consistent performances make him a key player for Eintracht Frankfurt.

8. Paul Joly

Paul Joly, a French right-back, plays for AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1. Joly has shown great potential with his defensive skills, ability to join the attack, and deliver accurate crosses. His market value is €2 million.

9. Piero Hincapié

Piero Hincapié (9 January 2002) is an Ecuadorian centre-back who plays for Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen. He is a solid defender with the ability to play out from the back and is versatile. He is valued at €40 million.

10. Julian Chabot

Julian Chabot (born February 12, 1998) is a German centre-back who plays for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. He is noted for his aerial prowess, strength and composure on the ball. He is valued at €9. 5 million.

Chabot wins aerial duels and makes key interceptions in defence. At 6’4, he is a threat on set-pieces in both the defensive and attacking thirds.

His physical presence intimidates attackers and he can control one-on-one situations with his composure on the ball. His ability to play from the back is enhanced by his composure with the ball.

Chabot has made 30 appearances for VfB Stuttgart during the 2024-25 season.His performances have been key to Stuttgart’s defensive record and have helped the team maintain a positive goal difference.

With his combination of physical characteristics and technical ability, Chabot is certainly a key target for any team looking to strengthen their defense.

These 10 defenders represent good value for money and could make a big impact at their new clubs. Whether you’re a football manager looking to bolster your squad or just interested in the latest transfer news, these players are worth tracking.