Before the Premier League behemoth emerged in 1992, the British transfer record had started to take on a familiar pattern.
To put it simply, the UK's top talent was routinely being picked off by cash-richer leagues across Europe.
So the likes of Mark Hughes, Chris Waddle and Paul Gascoigne would all be packing their suitcases and heading for sunnier climes – and bigger wage packets – in Spain, France and Italy, respectively.
But that would all change with the emergence and rapid growth of the re-packaged English top-flight, which meant that clubs were now in the market to bring top foreign talent over to the UK – and keep local talent in Britain.
Huge TV deals and investment from foreign ownership would mean the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Juan Sebastian Veron, Robinho and Andriy Shevchenko would soon be plying their trade in the Premier League after record-breaking moves.
In recent years, though, it is Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona who have taken over as the biggest buyers, paying mammoth fees for Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Philippe Coutinho.
Take a look through the photo gallery above, of the movers and shakers who made record-breaking moves to and from British clubs.
To move on to the next image, simply click on the arrows or swipe on your device.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
More on animal trafficking
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
