The 10 Most Expensive Football Transfers of All Time

Football transfers have always been a hot topic, with the astronomical fees paid for top players making headlines worldwide. Here's a look at the 10 most expensive transfers in football history, along with the story behind each move: Neymar - €222 million (2017) From: Barcelona To: Paris Saint-Germain Neymar's shock move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 shattered the world transfer record. The Brazilian superstar's combination of skill, flair and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most sought-after players in the world. His decision to leave the Catalan giants for a new challenge in France stunned the football world. Kylian Mbappé - €180 million (2018) From: Monaco To: Paris Saint-Germain At just 19 years old, Kylian Mbappé became one of the most expensive players ever when he joined PSG from Monaco in 2018. The young French striker had taken Ligue 1 by storm with his blistering pace, technical ability and eye for goal. His potential to become one of the all-time greats made him a priority signing for the ambitious Parisian club. Philippe Coutinho - €135 million (2018) From: Liverpool To: Barcelona Barcelona broke their club record by signing Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in January 2018. Coutinho had developed into one of the Premier League's best players at Anfield, known for his vision, passing range and long-range shooting. Barca had been chasing him for over a year and were delighted to finally land their man. Joao Félix - €127.2 million (2019) From: Benfica To: Atlético Madrid Atlético Madrid broke their transfer record to sign the highly-rated Portuguese teenager Joao Félix from Benfica in 2019. The versatile forward had emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe with his dribbling skills, vision and goal threat. Atlético beat off competition from Europe's top clubs to secure his signature Enzo Fernández - €121 million (2023) From: Benfica To: Chelsea Chelsea made Enzo Fernández the most expensive signing in British football history when they paid Benfica €121 million for the Argentine midfielder in January 2023. The 22-year-old had been one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, helping Argentina win the title with his composure, passing range and goal threat. His arrival continued Chelsea's heavy spending under new ownership. Antoine Griezmann - €120 million (2019) From: Atlético Madrid To: Barcelona Barcelona paid the release clause to sign French striker Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid in 2019. The World Cup winner had established himself as one of the best forwards in Europe with his creativity, movement and finishing ability. His arrival at the Camp Nou was seen as a statement of intent by the Catalan giants Jack Grealish - €117 million (2021) From: Aston Villa To: Manchester City In August 2021, Manchester City broke the British transfer record when they signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for a staggering £100 million fee. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder put pen to paper on a six-year contract with the Premier League champions, fulfilling his dream of playing under Pep Guardiola. Moisés Caicedo - €116.2 million (2023) From: Brighton & Hove Albion To: Chelsea In August 2023, Chelsea made headlines by signing Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo from Brighton for a record fee of £115 million, making him the most expensive player in British football history at that time. The deal included an initial payment of £100 million, with an additional £15 million in performance-related add-ons. Romelu Lukaku - €115 million (2021) From: Inter Milan To: Chelsea Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea in August 2021 for a club-record fee of £115 million, making him the second most expensive transfer in Premier League history at that time. The Belgian striker had previously played for Chelsea from 2011 to 2014 but had spent much of that time on loan before eventually leaving for Everton.