Jermain Defoe believes that if he were playing today, his transfer value would skyrocket to £100 million—far beyond the £15 million Tottenham paid for him the second time in 2009.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy often comes under scrutiny, with the club frequently accused of opting for cheaper alternatives instead of going all out for their primary targets.
This past winter window was no different, as Spurs scrambled through a long list of backup options after failing to secure some of their top choices. Randal Kolo Muani’s situation was a prime example of this approach in action.
However, while the club has had its fair share of questionable signings, there have been moments of brilliance.
One such instance was the acquisition of Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth for £15m. A move that, in hindsight, proved to be an absolute bargain.
Defoe went on to cement his legacy at White Hart Lane, making 363 appearances for Spurs and scoring 143 goals while providing 29 assists.
Jermain Defoe believes Tottenham would have to pay £100m for him today
While £15m might seem like a modest fee by today’s standards, at the time, it was a significant investment.
Speaking with ESPN, Defoe was asked to remain silent until he heard a valuation that he felt was fair for what his transfer fee would be in the current market.
He stayed quiet as figures of £10m, £20m, £30m, and even £90m were thrown around. Only when he heard £100m did he finally speak up, seemingly in agreement with the valuation.
English goalscorers come at a premium, says Defoe
Defoe elaborated on his valuation, stating: “I’m English, prime, goalscorer.” He continued, “Here is a statement for you, even someone like Darren Bent does not get enough flowers.
“Even Benty, goalscorer, how much is he going for now? Do you get what I am saying? £100m+, especially if you are English and a consistent goalscorer. £100m+”
Given the inflation in the transfer market, particularly for proven goal scorers, it is not a far-fetched claim.
English strikers with a track record of consistent goalscoring command massive fees, and Defoe, in his prime, would have been no exception.