The Most Expensive Transfers in Football Over the Last 20 Years

Brazilian striker Neymar Jr., currently playing for Saudi club Al Hilal, leads the list of the most expensive transfers in the past twenty years. His move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 from Barcelona, after triggering his release clause for €222 million, remains the most costly deal.

The "Transfer Market" website compiled a special report highlighting the most expensive transfers over the last twenty seasons, featuring big names like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, and Kevin De Bruyne.

In 2005, Midfielder Michael Essien was the most expensive transfer, moving from Lyon to Chelsea for €38 million. The following year, Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko topped the list with his transfer from Milan to Chelsea for €43.9 million.

In 2007, Fernando Torres became the most expensive transfer after moving to Liverpool from Atletico Madrid for €38 million. In 2008, Brazilian forward Robinho made headlines with his €43 million transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester City.

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record when he left Manchester United for Real Madrid for €94 million. The following year, David Villa became the most expensive transfer, joining Barcelona from Valencia for €40 million.

The most expensive transfers of the last two decades
In 2011, Javier Pastore’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for €42 million was the most expensive deal. In 2012, Brazilian defender Thiago Silva became the top transfer, moving from Milan to Paris Saint-Germain for €42 million.

Real Madrid returned to the spotlight in 2013 by signing Welsh forward Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur for €101 million, making it the most expensive transfer of that year. In 2014, Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona from Liverpool for €81.7 million took the top spot.

For the next two years, English clubs led the way. Kevin De Bruyne’s transfer to Manchester City in 2015 for €76 million was the most expensive, followed by Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United in 2016 for €105 million. Paris Saint-Germain then made history with two record-breaking deals, signing Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 for €222 million, followed by Kylian Mbappe for €180 million.

In 2019, Joao Felix’s move to Atletico Madrid for €127.2 million was the most expensive transfer. The following year, Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo became the top transfer with his €80.6 million move to Juventus from Barcelona.

In the last four seasons, English clubs regained dominance. Jack Grealish joined Manchester City in 2021 for €117.5 million, followed by Manchester United’s signing of Antony in 2022 for €95 million. In 2023, Declan Rice moved to Arsenal for €116.6 million. Currently, Julian Alvarez holds the title for the most expensive transfer of this summer, joining Atletico Madrid for €75 million, with more potential transfers still to come in this transfer window.