Nathan Collins Breaks His Own Irish Transfer Record By Joining Brentford For £23m

The two biggest transfer fees for Irish footballers have both been spent on Nathan Collins. He broke his own record to stay as Ireland's most expensive player.

Nathan Collins has broken his own record to remain as the most expensive Irish player in soccer history.

Collins joined Brentford from Wolves on Tuesday for an Irish record transfer fee of £23 million.

The Leixlip-born defender had replaced Robbie Keane as Ireland's priciest footballer less than 12 months earlier when he moved to Wolves in a £20.5m transfer from Burnley.

Nathan Collins pictured celebrating after scoring a goal for the Republic of Ireland against Greece last month :: IMAGO/Inpho Photography

Keane had held the record for 14 years, after moving from Tottenham to Liverpool for £19m in 2008.

The former Spurs star is still the Republic of Ireland's record scorer with 68 goals. Keane has also earned more caps for Ireland, 146, than any other player past or present.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Collins has been capped 14 times by Ireland at senior international level.

He is a third-generation footballer as his dad and grandfather are both ex-players.

Biggest Transfer Fees For Irish Footballers

1. Nathan Collins, Wolves to Brentford (2023) - £23m
   
2. Nathan Collins, Burnley to Wolves (2022) - £20.5m
3. Robbie Keane, Spurs to Liverpool (2008) - £19m
4. Damien Duff, Blackburn to Chelsea (2003) - £17m
5. Matt Doherty, Wolves to Spurs (2020) - £15m
6. James McCarthy to Everton (2013) - £13.5m