World's most expensive transfers by age - featuring Paul Pogba and Gareth Bale but no Cristiano Ronaldo

There is no Ronaldo on the list, despite being the third-most expensive player in history

Think of the most expensive footballers in the history of the game, and it’s likely the following names enter your head: Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale, Zinedine Zidane.

But when the most expensive football transfers are divided by age, some rather unusual names catch the eye.

So while Gareth Bale still proudly books his spot on this list as the most expensive 24-year old, and while Paul Pogba's space as the most expensive 23-year old is also assured, there is also a space for Brad Friedel, who remains the most costly 37-year old after his 2008 move from Blackburn to Aston Villa.

Manchester United and Manchester City are two clubs to feature prominently – responsible for signing eight of the 27 players listed – but clubs including Anzhi Makhachkala, Nogometni Klub Interblock and humble Dundee United also appear, having spent the record sum on a 30, 38 and 39-year old, respectively.

Scroll through the gallery at the top of the page to see the full list…