The Most Expensive Transfers in Premier League History
The Premier League is one of the most popular and competitive football leagues in the world. It attracts some of the best players from different countries and clubs. However, signing these players often comes at a high cost. In this article, we will look at the top 10 most expensive transfers in Premier League history, as of March 2024.
10. Paul Pogba - £89 million
Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016, after four years at Juventus. The French midfielder was the world’s most expensive player at the time, costing United £89 million. Pogba has won the Europa League, the League Cup, and the World Cup with United and France respectively. He is also known for his flashy hairstyles and dab celebrations.
9. Harry Maguire - £80 million
Harry Maguire became the most expensive defender in the world when he joined Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019. The English centre-back cost United £80 million, breaking the record set by Virgil van Dijk. Maguire has been a solid and reliable presence in United’s defence, as well as a leader and a captain. He has also scored some important goals for club and country.
8. Nicolas Pepe - £72 million
Nicolas Pepe was Arsenal’s record signing when he arrived from Lille in 2019. The Ivorian winger cost the Gunners £72 million, making him the most expensive African player ever. Pepe has shown glimpses of his talent and potential but has also struggled to adapt to the Premier League. He has scored some spectacular goals but has also missed some easy chances.
7. Kepa Arrizabalaga - £71.6 million
Kepa Arrizabalaga was the most expensive goalkeeper in the world when he joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. The Spanish shot-stopper cost the Blues £71.6 million, replacing Thibaut Courtois who left for Real Madrid. Kepa has had a mixed spell at Chelsea, making some brilliant saves, but also some costly errors. He has also been involved in some controversies, such as refusing to be substituted in the 2019 League Cup final.
6. Romelu Lukaku - £75 million
Romelu Lukaku was Manchester United’s record signing when he joined from Everton in 2017. The Belgian striker cost United £75 million, plus £15 million in add-ons. Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 games for United but also faced criticism for his touch and movement. He left for Inter Milan in 2019, where he has been a prolific and consistent scorer.
5. Virgil van Dijk - £75 million
Virgil van Dijk was the most expensive defender in the world when he joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2018. The Dutch center-back cost the Reds £75 million, making him the most expensive player ever sold by an English club. Van Dijk has been a transformative figure for Liverpool, leading them to the Champions League, the Premier League, and the Club World Cup titles. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.
4. Kai Havertz - £75.8 million
Kai Havertz was Chelsea’s record signing when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. The German playmaker cost the Blues £75.8 million, making him the second most expensive German player ever. Havertz has had a difficult start to his Chelsea career, struggling with injuries, Covid-19, and form. However, he has also shown flashes of his quality and versatility, playing in various positions and scoring some crucial goals.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo - £85 million
Cristiano Ronaldo was the world’s most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009. The Portuguese superstar cost the Spanish giants £85 million, breaking the record set by Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo spent nine years at Madrid, scoring a staggering 450 goals in 438 games, and winning four Champions League titles, among other trophies. He is widely considered as one of the greatest players of all time.
2. Jack Grealish - £100 million
Jack Grealish became the most expensive British player ever when he joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021. The English midfielder cost the Citizens £100 million, making him the first player to reach the nine-figure mark in the Premier League. Grealish has been a creative and influential player for City, as well as a fan favourite. He has also established himself as a regular for the England national team.
1. Jadon Sancho - Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United (2021)
In another high-profile transfer, Manchester United acquired English winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021. The deal, valued at £73 million, showcased the club's commitment to building a formidable attacking force.
Conclusion
The Premier League's most expensive transfers highlight the financial power and competitive nature of the English top flight. Clubs are willing to invest heavily in proven talent to secure success both domestically and on the European stage. As the transfer market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these records will be broken in the future, but for now, these eye-watering sums stand as a testament to the immense value placed on top-tier football talent in the Premier League.
