1. Neymar – Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (€222 million, 2017)
The transfer that changed everything. In August 2017, PSG activated Neymar's €222 million release clause, making him the most expensive player in history—a record that still stands eight years later. The Brazilian superstar left Barcelona after four successful seasons, where he formed the famous MSN trio with Messi and Suárez.
The move was a statement of intent from PSG, backed by Qatari investment. Neymar won multiple Ligue 1 titles and reached the Champions League final in 2020, but injuries and off-field issues limited his impact. The fee shattered the previous record (Paul Pogba's €105 million) and inflated the market, leading to a new era of mega-transfers. As of 2025, Neymar plays in the Saudi Pro League, but his 2017 move remains the benchmark for transfer madness.
2. Alexander Isak – Newcastle United to Liverpool (€145 million, 2025)
The biggest deal of the 2025 summer window. Liverpool paid a British record €145 million to sign Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. The 25-year-old had been one of the Premier League's top scorers, with his pace, finishing, and link-up play making him a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s system.
The transfer broke the previous British record and highlighted Liverpool’s ambition after a strong 2024-25 season. Isak’s arrival was seen as a replacement for aging stars and a statement to rivals. The fee included add-ons, but the base amount was enough to make it the second-most expensive transfer ever. As of November 2025, Isak has started well at Anfield, scoring in key matches and forming a dangerous partnership with existing attackers.
3. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (€125 million, 2025)
Another massive Liverpool signing in 2025. The German wonderkid Florian Wirtz moved from Bayer Leverkusen for €125 million, becoming one of the most expensive teenagers in history. Wirtz had been the star of Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season in 2023-24, with his vision, dribbling, and goalscoring making him a generational talent.
Liverpool beat competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City to secure his signature. The transfer was a coup for the club, adding creativity to their midfield. Wirtz’s arrival signaled Liverpool’s intent to dominate for years to come. As of November 2025, he has adapted quickly, providing assists and goals in the Premier League and Champions League.
4. Kylian Mbappé – Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain (€180 million, 2018)
Kylian Mbappé’s move to PSG in 2018 (after a loan) for €180 million made him the most expensive teenager ever. The French prodigy had exploded onto the scene at Monaco, helping them win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals.
At PSG, Mbappé became a global superstar, winning multiple titles and the World Cup with France in 2018. His speed, finishing, and big-game performances were unmatched. The fee was a sign of PSG’s ambition, and Mbappé’s partnership with Neymar and Messi formed one of the most feared attacks in history. He left PSG on a free transfer in 2024 for Real Madrid, but his 2018 move remains one of the biggest in history.
5. João Félix – Benfica to Atlético Madrid (€127 million, 2019)
João Félix became the most expensive Portuguese player when Atlético Madrid signed him for €127 million in 2019. The young attacker had shone at Benfica, scoring 20 goals in his breakout season.
The move was seen as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, but Félix struggled to adapt to Simeone’s system. Loans to Chelsea and Barcelona followed, but he returned to Atlético and has shown flashes of brilliance. The fee was controversial at the time, and Félix’s career has been a mix of highs and lows.
6. Enzo Fernández – Benfica to Chelsea (€121 million, 2023)
Enzo Fernández’s World Cup-winning performances with Argentina in 2022 led to a €121 million move to Chelsea in January 2023. The midfielder was named Young Player of the Tournament and became one of the most sought-after players in the world.
At Chelsea, Fernández has been a key player, providing balance and quality in midfield. His passing and work rate have made him a fan favorite. The fee was a record for a January transfer and highlighted Chelsea’s spending under new ownership.
7. Declan Rice – West Ham to Arsenal (€116 million, 2023)
Declan Rice became the most expensive English player when Arsenal signed him for €116 million in 2023. The midfielder had captained West Ham to the Europa Conference League title and was a key player for England.
At Arsenal, Rice has been outstanding, providing defensive solidity and leadership. His partnership with Martin Ødegaard has been crucial to Arsenal’s title challenges. The fee was justified by his performances, and he has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
8. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa to Manchester City (€117 million, 2021)
Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City for €117 million in 2021 made him the most expensive English player at the time. The winger had been Villa’s star, helping them avoid relegation and reach the Premier League’s top half.
At City, Grealish has won multiple titles, including the Treble in 2023. His dribbling and creativity have added a new dimension to City’s attack. The fee was criticized at the time, but Grealish has proven his worth in big games.
9. Romelu Lukaku – Inter Milan to Chelsea (€115 million, 2021)
Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea for €115 million in 2021 after a successful spell at Inter Milan, where he won Serie A. The Belgian striker had been one of the best forwards in Europe, scoring 64 goals in two seasons.
The move was controversial, and Lukaku struggled in his second spell at Chelsea. He was loaned back to Inter and then to Roma. The fee remains one of the biggest flops in recent history.
10. Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United (€105 million, 2016)
Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United for €105 million in 2016 broke the world record at the time. The French midfielder had left United on a free transfer in 2012 and won multiple titles with Juventus.
At United, Pogba showed flashes of brilliance but was inconsistent. Injuries and off-field issues limited his impact. He left on a free transfer in 2022. The transfer is remembered as one of the most disappointing big-money moves.
The most expensive football transfers of all time show how the market has evolved. Fees have skyrocketed, driven by TV money, ownership investment, and the globalization of the sport. The 2025 deals have pushed the boundaries further, and the January 2026 window could see more records broken. These transfers are not just about money—they change clubs, careers, and the balance of power in football.
Disclaimer: These articles are for general entertainment and inspiration only—not professional analysis or official advice. Transfer fees can include add-ons and vary by source; figures are approximate as of November 2025. Opinions expressed are subjective. Consult reliable sources for in-depth research. See our full Disclaimer.
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