Is Ferdinand worth £18m?

England defender Rio Ferdinand has been introduced to the fans at Leeds United as he joins the club for a record fee of £18m.

West Ham boss Harry Redknapp admitted it was a blow to lose Rio Rio but that it was a lot of money to turn down.

So is he worth that amount of money?

The deal makes Ferdinand, 22, the world's most expensive defender and smashes the British transfer record fee, currently held by Alan Shearer and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink at £15m.

The Yorkshire side have made no secret of their admiration for the young England defender.

Ferdinand has been a target for Leeds since the summer and they had already tabled a £15m bid which the Hammers consistently snubbed.

But has David O'Leary paid over the odds for the ex-Hammer? Even Bayern Munich put a stop to their pursuit of the defender because of the high fee.

Or have Leeds made a healthy investment for the future? BBC Sport's Alan Hansen thinks they have.

Tell us what you think.

Is Rio Ferdinand worth £18m?

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West Ham are right to sell Ferdinand, as are Leeds to buy him. The re-development of Upton Park is a necessity, and West Ham have to take the chance when they have it, ie. now. Leeds aren't buying Ferdinand to shore up their squad, they're buying him as an investment for the future. With a mature Woodgate, Radebe, Ferdinand and Robinson, Leeds will have one of the most formidable defences in the league. Woodgate and Ferdinand will be the heart of England's defence, along with Wes Brown, in a few years, and playing for a top club at top level will only add invaluable experience. In reference to the argument that Rio hasn't won anything, what have Newcastle won since Shearer went? He's still the best goalscorer in England, though.
Rob Scarrow, England

As an ardent West Ham fan it is a very sad day for me to see Rio go. But in this day and age where money rules the game the club simply cannot ignore £18m. More importantly they cannot ignore how the long suffering fans are going to take this. If the money is not re-invested in the team then we will know for sure why Rio has been sold.
Phil Sheppard, England

Bring back the old boys who were less focused on what they were paid, how they looked, who they were with and what the media said about them but concentrated on just playing

  Charlie, UK

Ferdinand is a good defender, granted, but he's not 18 million pounds worth. As for Leeds paying this amount of money on one single player, when their squad is so weak wreaks of idiocy. In my opinion, it would benefit Leeds much more to spend the money on 2-3 quality players to strengthen their side. That said, in a couple of years with the correct guidance from their coaches, the young defence at Leeds could be fantastic, which should help the national squad. Couple Woodgate, Ferdinand along with Man Utd's Brown, Neville and Neville and, in a few years, you have a strong defence for the national side.
Matthew James Lear, England.

I was a fan of West Ham in the early seventies when all the team boasted great international players and were hugely successful. They also played attractive football to boot. Unfortunately, nowadays all you here about is players spiralling, transfer fees(£18m), wage demands, bonuses and advertising endorsements and lavish lifestyles they enjoy. I say, "Bring back the old boys who were less focused on what they were paid, how they looked, who they were with and what the media said about them but concentrated on just playing". Rio wouldn't even get their team....
Charlie, UK

Compared to Jaap Stam, who is probably one of the best defenders in the game at present, then I would say that the price tag is steep, as well as the wage demands. But this is how the game is going, clubs can afford this, and clubs like West Ham rely on these sorts of transfers to survive. I am just worried that transfers may spiral out of control and make smaller clubs non-existent, it is too much of a business rather than 'a game'. We may see in several years time, players nearing retirement going for this sort of price. Watch this space!
Steven Knibbs, UK

Common sense has to prevail and West Ham cannot afford to turn down this amount of money

  Graham, UK

Ferdinand is often most comfortable in a three-man defensive formation and as Leeds play a 4-4-2, I think that this is a bit of a risk for such an expensive fee. Does this signing mean that Leeds think that Woody is going down, because I can't see them dropping Radebe? Also, for this amount of money, it makes Richard Gough and David Weir seem like bargains of the century!!
Stephen Yeung, Hong Kong

As a West Ham Fan it will be sad to see him go, but common sense has to prevail and West Ham cannot afford to turn down this amount of money.
Graham, UK

There is no way that Ferdinand is as good as Stam. No way. Ferdinand is the most overrated player in England, not as good as Campbell, Brown or many others. Leeds are paying 18 million too much.
Anon, UK

David O'Leary in his day was one of the best central defenders to play in England. If he has identified Rio as a player who can take us further and Mr Ridsdale and Co are willing to pay the cash then why not buy him? David O'Leary has been excellent so far with his purchases and I personally trust him. If anybody can identify a world class defender then David is the man.
Jamie Cromie, Belfast

The world has gone mad. 18 million for a young lad with a few England caps to his name. Take the money and run Harry. Chances are that transfer fees will be capped, bring in a few bargain foreigners and concentrate on some home grown talent.
Steve Blanchard, Hong Kong

Harry's right, a club like West Ham has to accept its commercial position and move on

  John Dickens, England

He impresses doing the right things but can look naive when he doesn't. There were certain games last year - Sheffield Wednesday at home in particular - when he seemed to lose all idea of how to defend. Harry's right, a club like West Ham has to accept its commercial position and move on. His comments regarding Gordon Strachan were extremely pertinent. Like all record setting fees they look enormous when they occur and then look relatively cheap once they are surpassed. The fundamental issue here is the looming decision on the validity of transfer fees. West Ham have ambitious plans to fund a wholesale re-development of Upton Park and the fans have always believed that Rio would be a major part of the funding for it. To watch £18m disappear is just not viable for this club.
John Dickens, England

How can Rio Ferdinand be worth 18 million. He struggles to get into the England team and plays for a weak Premiership side. It will be good business for West Ham but I feel that Ridsdale is bonkers for paying 18 million for a player so close to the end of the transfer system. Rio Ferdinand has achieved nothing in his career and if he is worth 18 million then Sol Campbell is worth 30.
Dan Vale, England

This sends out all the wrong signals to other clubs, it's basically saying you can buy whoever you want from West Ham as long as you pay enough money for them. We were promised a team would be built around players such as Rio and Frank, yet we still see the same old West Ham. I don't think Harry was responsible for this deal, although I do feel he could have done more to prevent it, for me the blame lies firmly at the feet of the board and their leader Terrence Brown. West Ham will never achieve the kind of success their fans deserve until this lot go.
Dean Hughes, England

Rio would be an excellent acquisition for Leeds and can only become a better player under the guidance of David O'Leary

  Robert Harrison, UK

Rio would be an excellent acquisition for Leeds and can only become a better player under the guidance of David O'Leary. I just feel that with the current defensive qualities of Radebe, Woodgate and Mills the £18m should have been used to strengthen other areas. A creative midfield player must be next on the shopping list.
Robert Harrison, UK

I know that Rio sometimes looks uncomfortable on the ball, but that is just the unique style with which he plays. I think he is a great young defender and would bring something special to any club he plays for.
Stephen Childs, England

There are better defenders in Europe who will cost far less than Rio, so I think this will lead to more and more foreign imports. Why buy British when foreign players are generally cheaper and better?
Ian Burgess, UK

The problem I see with the deal is Ferdinand may have done well recently but that has been playing as a sweeper / third centre back. Leeds play with a flat back four so does this mean O'Leary is going to change his philosophy to fit Rio in or will he play him as one of two central defenders which, given his tendency to lose concentration / make errors in defence, could be a risk?
Iain Taylor, England

This is great acquisition, despite the fee

  Bill Glad, New Zealand

I have supported Leeds United from birth and this is great acquisition, despite the fee. I agree that Rio is not quite yet the finished article. However, with the guidance of O'Leary (a classy defender in his own right), the weaknesses in his game will be ironed out. £18m! West Ham must be thinking they have won the lottery.
Bill Glad, New Zealand

The incredible transfer prices continue to make a mockery of the sport, when most clubs are struggling financially, and fans who spend a comparative fortune of their own hard-earned money supporting their club can only dream about the scale of money tossed around like confetti by the "big" clubs. It's beyond a joke now.
Dave Love, England

Rio is a good defender and has come up through the youth ranks of West Ham along with others from the team. He is a very good player but still has a lot to learn. Manchester United are who they are today partly because of their youth system, and I think West Ham would be wise to hold on to their younger players for this reason. On the other hand £18m is perhaps too much to turn down - tough call Harry.
M Watkins, England

Leeds got £20m for reaching the second phase of the Champions League. If Rio joins and helps us through to the quarter-finals, his worth to the club will be a great deal more than £18m. With Leeds struggling to find form in the league and therefore unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next year, O'Leary is wise to invest in Rio. Seize the day.
Jake, UK

No-one is worth £18million

  Keith Donnelly, Ireland

Too early to say, wait till near the end of the season and people can have their fair say then. My personal view...no-one is worth £18million.
Keith Donnelly, Ireland

If he is worth £18m, then what price is a player of the class of Nesta, Cannavaro or even Wes Brown? These players are all better players than Rio, and more importantly better defenders. If he is so good, then why did a defence he marshalled concede seven goals against Man Utd last year!
Matt and Toni, England

No way. The man makes so many mistakes. He is not a disciplined defender. It was his fault for Italy's goal against England, when he cleared it to the opposition. As a Villa fan, if he is worth £18m then, Southgate and Alpay are worth £40m. Also, Leeds should be ashamed of themselves, for once again escalating the transfer fees.
Anthony Deakin, UK

There is no doubt that Ferdinand is a fantastic talent. He is probably the best attacking centre back in the world. However he really needs to be more accomplished, especially at defending to be worth this type of money.
Jonny May, UK

I think that Leeds have been robbed

  Nick Evans, England

I think that Leeds have been robbed. They should have waited until the end of the season to see what happens with the transfer market. Who knows they might have got him for free.
Nick Evans, England

Harry Redknapp will be laughing all the way to the bank! What a deal for West Ham. What next Di Canio to Lazio for £20m? OK so Rio is a good player but he is no Nesta or Maldini. I think £8m would have been a sensible price.
Paul, England

If Leeds have the money then why not? Ferdinand is a sound investment, he has proved that throughout his period at West Ham as well as at an international level. Such high transfers in England show that money is no object anymore and such things do not just happen in Italy!
Roberto Anello, England

Rio Ferdinand may be a promising young star within British football but to pay £18m for a defender who still has a lot to learn is a bad move. Considering even some of the greatest defenders in the world (Thuram, Stam, Nesta) would not be worth that much puts the whole transfer into perspective.
Kevin Harper, England

Although I will be very sad to see him go, £18m is too good to turn down

  Jason Becker, UK

As a West Ham fan and season ticket holder, I have seen Rio from when he started to break through into the first team a few years back. Although I will be very sad to see him go, £18m is too good to turn down. Rio is a very good defender but to say he might be the best in the world in a few years is way off the mark. At times Rio's defensive qualities and general awareness is questionable. I just hope that the club allow Harry Redknapp to re-invest the money in a couple of other top quality players.
Jason Becker, UK

Rio is an excellent player, but he is not worth £18 million. Potentially he could become one of the best defenders in the world, if he can overcome the lapses in concentration he has suffered in the past. For a player who has only won 10 international caps and has little experience in Europe £18m is generous. However both my brothers are West Ham fans and I'm sure they'll welcome Harry Redknapp's chance to buy two or three more quality players. Good luck to Rio though.
Charlie Siegle, England

This is the sort of cash West Ham need to break into the big time. They have been hovering below the top six for a few seasons and they needed a boost of cash like this to take them closer to the top.
Richard Streeter, UK

David O'Leary has always been prudent when it comes to transfer fees, so if he thinks Rio is worth £18 million then I believe him.
Martin, England

I only hope Rio stays fit and gives us a payback on this investment

  Matthew, UK

Leeds playing in the Champions League do need to think big. I only hope Rio stays fit and gives us a payback on this investment. It's nice to see an English player in this sort of price bracket though.
Matthew, UK

Rio Ferdinand is a very good defender, but I really don't believe he is worth £18m. I think clubs are throwing out ridiculous sums of money just for the slightest hint of potential in a player. Youngsters need to be more established before clubs start throwing out ridiculous sums of money.
Terry Anderson, UK

Leeds know what they are doing. They clearly recognise Rio's abundant talent, and by securing his services now, they are ensuring that they get his best years out of him. As a West Ham supporter I am very sad to see him go, but realise that this is an awful lot of money. However, we must keep hold of Carrick and Cole to avoid alienating the fans.
Stuart Upminster, UK

Rio is going to be worth every penny paid. A partnership with Jonathan Woodgate will be a fantastic combination not only for Leeds but also for England. But £18m is a lot of cash, and no-one - in or outside football - is worth that much.
Claes Andersen, Denmark

Sledge Blanchard, a member of the Typhoons in Hong Kong, could step in to the Hammers team and provide a credible performance. He'd do this for a decent cup of tea and a couple of biscuits after the game.

  Kell, Hong Kong

It will be very sad to see Rio leave West Ham. Harry has a great bunch of lads at Upton Park and if the bigger clubs see him selling off Rio, they will be clamouring for the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick as well. Don't sell off the crown jewels Harry!. Rio is worth £18m. He is only 22 and already a very accomplished defender. If he stays fit, he has got at least another 10 years in the game. Perhaps Mark Lawrenson will shut up now.
Robert Eva, UK

The world has gone mad. Sledge Blanchard, a member of the Typhoons in Hong Kong, could step in to the Hammers team and provide a credible performance. He'd do this for a decent cup of tea and a couple of biscuits after the game. Harry, take the money, bring in Blanchard, use the cash to build a bit on to the ground so that more fans can come and watch your entertaining brand of football.
Kell, Hong Kong

£18m pounds is a lot of money, and for a player that has not really proven himself yet. Ok, he has looked impressive in times in the Premiership, but there have been many other times where he has looked far from convincing. In the Internationals he has played Rio has not stood out as a top quality defender. People say he is composed on the ball but that's not much good if his defensive skills aren't up to scratch. To be fair to him he is only young and there is a great deal of potential for him to become one of the world's best defenders. Maybe the Champions League can develop him and help him improve.
Tim Guurup, England

He is very much worth £18million. You have to look at this purchase as an investment in the future. He may be worth as much as £21m or even £22m. In about 3 years he could be the best defender in the world.
Grant Parker, UK

He is the 'piece of icing' missing from the Leeds cake.

  Michael O, England

With the prices of football players increasing everyday it is no surprise that Rio is valued at £18m. He is the future of English football, a footballing centre back. He can come out from the back with the ball and set up attacks. If he does sign Leeds will have a very talented player and maybe David O'Leary can tighten up the much criticised defending side of his game. Good luck Rio.
James Holmwood, England

No player is worth £18m. Footballers are paid too much, I just hope West Ham spend the money wisely, on some good quality strikers.
Alex Bean, England

In the current climate, with prices as they are, he IS worth £18m. And, I am a West Ham fan.
Mathew, England

He is the 'piece of icing' missing from the Leeds cake right now. As for investing £18M, I think Rio is worth every penny, and more.
Michael O, England

I think that, potentially, he could be valued at this figure. But he is not the finished article. There are better defenders in the Premiership but it his flair with the ball which Leeds are craving. And in England in general, there are not enough players in the country with that ability. I think that David O'Leary should look at Ipswich's Titus Bramble, he will overtake Ferdinand in the future.
James O'Sullivan, Ireland

Has the world gone mad? Give me a break. Alright, Ferdinand is a good defender but he is not as good a Stam. If it goes through West Ham will, in typical east end fashion, have done a tasty bit of business.
Lawrence Brown, UK