Over the years, some big-money signings have flopped and ended up leaving for nothing, while others have gone on to become club legends and more than justified their costly price.With spending in football being reigned in among ongoing financial uncertainty caused by Covid-19, we aren't expecting to see a huge amount of record deals landed this summer, but there could yet be some surprises ahead of the 2021/22 campaign kicking off in August.In the meantime, for a bit of pre-season fun, we've taken a look at every Championship club's record signing fee, as well as the side they turn out for now.
Here's a look at how Peterborough’s record signing fee shapes up against every other club they'll be facing in the Championship this season:
. PETERBOROUGH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Mo Eisa of Peterborough United celebrates after scoring his second, Peterborough's third goal during the EFL Trophy match between Peterborough United and West Ham United Under 21 at Weston Homes Stadium on December 08, 2020 in Peterborough, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Peterborough United's £1.5m record transfer compares to Cardiff City & the rest of the Championship Photo: David Rogers
. 1st - Bournemouth
Record signing: Jefferson Lerma. Estimated transfer fee: £25m (from Levante in in 2018). Current club: He's still a Bournemouth player, and now has 24 caps at senior level for Colombia. Photo: Naomi Baker
. 2nd - Sheffield United
Record signing: Rhian Brewster. Estimated transfer fee: £23.5m (from Liverpool in 2020). Current club: Brewster struggled to make an impact last season, but he'll be looking to get back to his best in the second-tier when the 2021/22 campaign gets underway in August. Photo: STU FORSTER
. 3rd - Fulham
Record signing: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. Estimated transfer fee: £23m (from Villarreal in 2018). Current club: While he's still at Fulham, a number of high-profile clubs are looking to snap him up this summer, after the Cottagers were relegated last season. Photo: Marc Atkins
. 4th - Stoke City
Record signing: Giannelli Imbula. Estimated transfer fee: £18.3m (from Porto in 2016). Current club: He was a total flop at Stoke, and is now turning out for Portuguese side Portimonense. Photo: Michael Regan
. 5th - Swansea City
Record signing: Andre Ayew. Estimated transfer fee: £18m (from West Ham United in 2018). Current club: He's just left the Swans upon the expiry of his contract, and has been linked with the likes of Celtic and Leeds United. Photo: Harry Trump
. 6th - Huddersfield Town
Record signing: Terence Kongolo. Estimated transfer fee: £17.5m (from Monaco in 2018). Current club: He moved to Fulham last summer, for significantly less than the fee paid by the Terriers three years ago. Photo: Jordan Mansfield
. 7th - West Bromwich Albion
Record signing: Oliver Burke. Estimated transfer fee: £15m (from RB Leipzig in 2017). Current club: He's now at Sheffield United, and made 25 Premier League appearances for the club last season. Photo: Bryn Lennon
. 8th - Middlesbrough
Record signing: Britt Assombalonga. Estimated transfer fee: £15m (from Nottingham Forest in 2017). Current club: He left Boro at the end of last season, and is still on the hunt for a new side. Photo: Harriet Lander
. 9th - Nottingham Forest
Record signing: Joao Carvalho. Estimated transfer fee: £13.2m (from Nottingham Forest in 2018). Current club: Carvalho spent last season on loan with Almeria, but isn't expected to join them on a permanent deal. Photo: Mike Hewitt
. 10th - Hull City
Record signing: Ryan Mason. Estimated transfer fee: £13m (from Spurs in 2016). Current club: Mason had his playing career ended prematurely, after he suffered a fractured skull in a game against Chelsea. He stepped in as caretaker boss for Spurs at the end of last season. Photo: Ian MacNicol
21. 21st - Barnsley
Record signing: Georgi Hristov. Estimated transfer fee: £1.5m (from Partizan in 2007). Current club: He retired in 2009, concluding his career with Finnish side JJK. Photo: Nathan Stirk
22. 22nd - Preston North End
Record signing: Ben Whiteman. Estimated transfer fee: £1.5m (from Doncaster Rovers in 2021). Current club: He joined the Lilywhites in last January's transfer window. Photo: Clive Brunskill
23. 23rd - Luton Town
Record signing: Simon Sluga. Estimated transfer fee: £1.3m (from Rijeka in 2019). Current club: The Croatia international remains a Luton player, and will continue to be a key player in the club's progression to becoming an established Championship side. Photo: Matthew Lewis
24. 24th - Blackpool
Record signing: DJ Campbell. Estimated transfer fee: £1.25m from (Leicester City in 2010). Current club: The Aston Villa youth academy product retired in 2015, ending his career with Maidenhead United. Photo: Chris Brunskill