1993: Liverpool land Ruddock
Liverpool completed the signing of Neil Ruddock from Tottenham Hotspur.
The centre-back became a mainstay of the Reds’ rearguard over four seasons and 115 Premier League appearances.
Known for his uncompromising, aggressive style Ruddock also weighed in with 11 goals for the Merseysiders, including a brave diving header in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Man Utd in January 1994 and two goals in a 5-0 home win over Leeds United two years later.
He moved to West Ham United in 1998 where he spent his final two seasons in the top flight before closing his career with spells at Crystal Palace and Swindon Town.
2002: Man Utd sign Ferdinand from Leeds
Rio Ferdinand became the most expensive British footballer and the world’s most expensive defender for the second time when he signed for Manchester United from Leeds United.
The former West Ham United centre-back enjoyed a glittering career at Old Trafford, bringing pace, power and composure to the side with whom he won the Premier League title in his first season.
The England international lifted a further five Premier League trophies, as well as the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League, during his 12 seasons with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
