[Updated] Top 10 most expensive transfers of 2023 so far

Most expensive transfers of 2023: Money is the name of the game in modern football, with the richest clubs ever-present in the upper echelons of competition. And the biggest spends in the sport are usually on transfers to sign the best players. Here are the top ten most expensive transfers of 2023 so far. 

Only the signings of the summer transfer window are being considered for the list, ahead of the new season. 

Top 10 most expensive transfers of 2023

10. Lucas Hernandez: €45m (Bayern to PSG) 

Bayern’s most expensive player was offloaded this summer to PSG, who were in need of a new central defender. The Frenchman suffered an ACL injury to rule him out for a major portion of 22/23, but will be fit in time for the new season. 

9. James Maddison: €46.3m (Leicester to Spurs) 

After Leicester City’s shocking relegation, Maddison completed a move to Tottenham to return to the Premier League, becoming the second signing of the summer for the Lilywhites. 

8. Ruben Neves: €55m (Wolves to Al Hilal) 

Amidst interest from Barcelona, the Portugal international has decided to see out a massive payday in Saudi Arabia, joining several other players. So far, his is the most expensive transfer to the Middle East, priced at €55 million. 

7. Manuel Ugarte: €60m (Sporting CP to PSG) 

After a bidding war with Chelsea, PSG were able to win the race for Manuel Ugarte by offering him a contract in the region of €200,000 per week. The Blues decided to not match that amount and pulled out of the race, leaving the Parisians free to complete the deal. 

6. Christopher Nkunku: €60m (RB Leipzig to Chelsea) 

The deal was agreed between RB Leipzig and Chelsea since January, and has been made official now, after months of speculation. Nkunku was the joint-top scorer of the Bundesliga this past season and will be expected to alleviate the goalscoring woes of Chelsea in the coming season. 

5. Sandro Tonali: €64m (AC Milan to Newcastle) 

Tonali’s sudden move to Newcastle United is among the most shocking transfers of the summer. The midfielder dreamt of playing for Milan, but a €64 million offer was too good to refuse for the Rossoneri, with Tonali also being offered double his Serie A wages to play in the Premier League. He is the most expensive Italian of all-time, and also among the most expensive transfers of 2023.

4. Mason Mount: €64.2m (Chelsea to Man Utd) 

With only one year remaining on his Chelsea contract, the Cobham academy graduate decided to join their Premier League rivals in a €64.2 million move. He has signed a five-year contract with United until 2028, with the option for a further year. 

3. Dominik Szoboszlai: €70m (RB Leipzig to Liverpool) 

Liverpool have a new number 8 in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian’s release clause worth €70 million was activated by the Reds to make him their second signing of the summer after recruiting Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. 

2. Kai Havertz: €70m (Chelsea to Arsenal) 

Kai Havertz’s three-year spell with Chelsea has now come to an end with the player signing for their London rivals, Arsenal. He follows the likes of Jorginho, Petr Cech, David Luiz and Ashley Cole to have featured for both capital clubs. He scored the goal that won Chelsea their second Champions League title, but was fairly inconsistent during his time in West London. 

1. Jude Bellingham: €135m (Dortmund to Real Madrid) 

Bellingham made it clear that he only wanted Real Madrid, making it easier for Los Blancos to fend off competition from Premier League clubs to sign the midfielder. He has now become the most expensive signing in the history of Real Madrid, and has taken up the number 5 shirt after his idol, Zinedine Zidane.