We’ve dipped into the archives to put together the top six most expensive Australian footballers.

6. Vince Grella

Torino to Blackburn Rovers, $7.4million

The 46-time Socceroos midfielder was bought by Paul Ince at then-Premier League outfit Blackburn in 2008, having spent almost the previous decade in Italy’s top two divisions.

He had been linked with Fulham as well, but Blackburn made a holding midfielder a priority and got their man. Ince said he was a “bargain buy”. Unfortunately it didn’t work out, with injuries plaguing Grella’s time at Ewood Park. He ultimately made 38 appearances in four seasons and left upon the conclusion of his original four-year deal.

5. Harry Kewell

Leeds United to Liverpool, $8.8million

There is some confusion about the actual figure that the Reds outlaid for Kewell’s services in 2003, with a portion going to the player’s unregistered agent Bernie Mandic, but $8.8m is the public number.

Kewell had fielded interest from several big European clubs including AC Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United before settling for Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool. Like Grella, injuries hampered Kewell’s time at Anfield, making less than 100 appearances in five years, with reports he cost the club $331,000 per match.