There are goalkeepers that could have made this list, who were possibly even cheaper, but in truth, how many come close in terms of ability or quality? Mignolet arrived on Wearside as an unknown Belgian prospect, one of many that the country has produced over this last generation. Manager Steve Bruce was very excited to have the young lad aboard, believing -given 18 months - that he would be up to speed and ready to challenge for a first team place. But these things seldom work out in that way, and Mignolet was pressed into action far sooner than expected or hoped. Though the young Belgian stood up well considering his inexperience at Premiership level. He was always going to make the odd blunder as all keepers do and would come in for a little criticism, though all in all, that would be forgotten as he became one of the finest young keepers around. His heroics at St James Park, saving from the penalty spot and making ever more impressive saves had gotten him noticed. As his reflexes played a key role in retaining Sunderlands Premier League status at the end of the 2012/13 season, it was inevitable there would be big clubs circling. So as the large cash offer from Liverpool arrived, despite being first choice and being highly unlikely to replace him with someone to match his abilities, Sunderland accepted. The fee was around £9m, potentially rising to £12m some reports have suggested.
