Top 15 Football Transfers above €100 Million in History
The summer transfer window leading up to the 2023-24 season has been quite active, featuring several deals that have made their way into the top 15 list of most expensive transfers.
Back in the summer of 2017, Paris Saint-Germain sent shockwaves through the football world by acquiring Neymar from Barcelona and then swiftly securing Kylian Mbappe from Monaco. These two players still hold the title of the most expensive signings in history. Undoubtedly, PSG’s remarkable double acquisition significantly inflated the transfer market.
Welcome to the club, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice! 😎💸
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) July 26, 2023
All €100m+ transfers in chronological order 👀👇 pic.twitter.com/zyQkxhPgYb
Subsequently, a series of high-profile transfers quickly followed suit. Barcelona aimed to fill the void left by Neymar’s departure by bringing in players like Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, and Antoine Griezmann, all commanding nine-figure fees. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid invested €127 million in acquiring Benfica’s promising attacking talent Joao Felix. Additionally, Real Madrid secured Eden Hazard’s services at Santiago Bernabeu for €115 million.
While the Covid-19 pandemic briefly disrupted the transfer market, several clubs managed to recover within a couple of seasons, particularly in England. Since 2021, numerous Premier League teams have made significant signings for substantial sums, including players like Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Mykhailo Mudryk, Antony, and Darwin Nunez.
In the meantime, prominent European clubs like Real Madrid have showcased their influence by making significant acquisitions, including players of stature such as Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni.
A fresh force has now risen in the Middle East, as Saudi Pro League clubs have made a substantial impact on the transfer market in 2023, securing notable names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. This development raises the question: might the existing transfer record be surpassed in the near future? The possibility certainly looms.
However, at present, Neymar maintains his position at the pinnacle of the list, holding the title of the most expensive player of all time…
The Top 15 Transfers with fees exceeding €100 Million or more:
| Position | Player | Clubs | Fee | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NEYMAR | Barcelona – PSG | €222.00M | 03/08/17 |
| 2 | KYLIAN MBAPPÉ | Monaco – PSG | €180.00M | 01/07/18 |
| 3 | OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ | Borussia Dortmund – Barcelona | €135.00M | 25/08/17 |
| 4 | PHILIPPE COUTINHO | Liverpool – Barcelona | €135.00M | 08/01/18 |
| 5 | JOÃO FÉLIX | Benfica – Atletico Madrid | €127.20M | 03/07/19 |
| 6 | ENZO FERNÁNDEZ | Benfica – Chelsea | €121.00M | 31/01/23 |
| 7 | JACK GREALISH | Aston Villa – Manchester City | €117.50M | 05/08/21 |
| 8 | CRISTIANO RONALDO | Real Madrid – Juventus | €117.00M | 10/07/18 |
| 9 | DECLAN RICE | West Ham – Arsenal | €116.60M | 15/07/23 |
| 10 | EDEN HAZARD | Chelsea – Real Madrid | €115.00M | 01/07/19 |
| 11 | ROMELU LUKAKU | Inter – Chelsea | €113.00M | 12/08/21 |
| 12 | PAUL POGBA | Juventus – Manchester United | €105.00M | 09/08/16 |
| 13 | JUDE BELLINGHAM | Dortmund – Real Madrid | €103.00M | 01/07/23 |
| 14 | GARETH BALE | Tottenham – Real Madrid | €101.00M | 01/09/13 |
| 15 | ANTOINE GRIEZMANN | Atletico Madrid – Barcelona | €120.00M | 14/07/19 |
Read More: [Updated] Top 10 most expensive transfers of 2023 so far
Top 15 Football Transfers above €100 Million in History
1. NEYMAR (03/08/17, €222.00M)
Neymar’s record-breaking move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 marked a new era in football finances. The Brazilian forward, known for his flair and skill, aimed to establish himself as a leading figure for PSG and enhance their Champions League prospects.
2. KYLIAN MBAPPÉ (01/07/18, €180.00M)
Mbappé’s transfer to PSG from Monaco solidified his status as one of football’s brightest talents. His incredible speed and goal-scoring ability justified the significant fee, making him a pivotal asset for both club and country.
3. OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ (25/08/17, €135.00M)
Dembélé’s move to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund showcased his potential as a dynamic winger. Despite challenges adapting to Barcelona’s style, his technical prowess and versatility remain promising for his future.
3. PHILIPPE COUTINHO (08/01/18, €135.00M)
Coutinho’s transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona highlighted his creative playmaking abilities. His vision and technique added depth to Barcelona’s midfield, although consistency and injuries have impacted his impact at times.
4. JOÃO FÉLIX (03/07/19, €127.20M)
João Félix’s transfer to Atletico Madrid was fueled by expectations of him becoming a future superstar. The Portuguese forward possesses flair, vision, and scoring ability, with Atletico banking on his potential to lead their attack.
5. ENZO FERNÁNDEZ (31/01/23, €121.00M)
Enzo Fernández’s move from Benfica to Chelsea marked a significant investment in a rising talent. The midfielder’s technical skills and playmaking ability suggest he could become a key figure for Chelsea’s future success.
6. JACK GREALISH (05/08/21, €117.50M)
Jack Grealish’s transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City recognized his exceptional creativity and dribbling skills. The English playmaker’s ability to unlock defenses added a new dimension to Manchester City’s attacking play.
7. CRISTIANO RONALDO (10/07/18, €117.00M)
Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid to Juventus showcased his enduring brilliance. Despite his age, the Portuguese icon’s goal-scoring prowess continued to inspire and elevate Juventus’ ambitions.
8. DECLAN RICE (10/07/18, €116.60M)
Declan Rice’s high-value transfer from West Ham to Arsenal underlined his emergence as a top midfield talent. The Englishman’s defensive solidity and passing range offered Arsenal a well-rounded presence in the middle of the park.
10. EDEN HAZARD (01/07/19, €115.00M)
Hazard’s switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid represented a dream move for the Belgian forward. His dribbling, creativity, and experience were expected to bring a new spark to Real Madrid’s attack.
11. ROMELU LUKAKU (12/08/21, €113.00M)
Lukaku’s transfer from Inter Milan to Chelsea showcased his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence. The powerful striker’s return to Chelsea aimed to bolster their attacking options.
12. PAUL POGBA (09/08/16, €105.00M)
Pogba’s world-record transfer from Juventus to Manchester United marked a homecoming for the French midfielder. His athleticism, passing range, and versatility were expected to drive Manchester United’s midfield.
13. JUDE BELLINGHAM (01/07/23, €103.00M)
Bellingham’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid recognized his potential as a dynamic midfielder. His work rate, composure, and versatility made him a coveted addition to Real Madrid’s squad.
14. GARETH BALE (01/09/13, €101.00M)
Bale’s high-profile transfer from Tottenham to Real Madrid showcased his speed and remarkable left foot. The Welsh winger’s ability to score and create goals brought excitement and expectations to the Spanish capital.
15. ANTOINE GRIEZMANN (14/07/19, €120.00M)
Griezmann’s move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona highlighted his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. The French forward’s versatility and tactical understanding added depth to Barcelona’s attacking options.
In the world of sports, the realm of football transfers continues to push the boundaries of financial prowess. The Top 15 Transfers with fees exceeding €100 million or more showcased not only the immense value placed on exceptional talent but also the strategic investments made by clubs to secure their future success. These monumental moves have not only redefined the dynamics of the game but have also elevated the status of players, turning them into global icons. As the transfer market continues to evolve, these transactions serve as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of football, where the pursuit of excellence knows no financial bounds.
