On 3rd February, the winter transfer window for European football clubs closed. Manchester City set a new club record for January transfer window spending, investing over £170 million in four new players. This figure could rise above £180 million with potential add-ons included in the deals. The acquisitions include defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, forward Omar Marmoush, and midfielder Nico Gonzale. Barring them and PSG who signed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for €60 million, the rest of the elite clubs were not very active. We look at some of the most expensive transfers in the history of football.
Neymar - €222 million
From: Barcelona
To: Paris Saint-Germain
In 2017, Paris Saint-Germain paid a whopping €222 million transfer fee to acquire Neymar from Barcelona, shattering all previous transfer records. The astronomical fee demonstrated PSG's ambition to become a global football power. However, things did not pan out as expected. Neymar's stint at PSG was marked with injuries and flashes of brilliance.
Kylian Mbappé - €180
From: Monaco
To: Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe, at just 18, became one of the most sought-after players in the world, thanks to his goal-scoring proficiency at Monaco in Ligue 1. PSG paid €180 to Monaco to acquire his services in 2017. Mbappe spent seven seasons at the club, guiding them to domestic dominance but failed to win the Champions League with them. He moved to Real Madrid last year.
Philippe Coutinho - €145
From: Liverpool
To: Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho's transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in January 2018 for €145 million was one of football's most costly deals. It made Coutinho Liverpool's record sale and positioned him among the game's most expensive players at the time. Barcelona viewed Coutinho as a vital addition to their long-term strategy, seeking to fill the void left by the aging Andres Iniesta and sustain their supremacy in Spanish and European football. However, despite some early promise, Coutinho's tenure at Barcelona has been regarded as a mixed bag, as he struggled to recapture his top form from Liverpool.
João Félix - €126
From: Benfica
To: Atlético Madrid
João Félix's transfer from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in 2019 and was one of the most high-profile and expensive transfers in La Liga by a team not named Real Madrid or Barcelona. It was valued at around €126 million. The move was significant not only for the financial aspect but also due to Félix's potential and skill as an attacking player. Félix showed glimpses of his potential but had a hard time adapting to Simeone's tactical system, which is often defensively oriented. He is currently playing for AC Milan.
Enzo Fernández - €121
From: Benfica
To: Chelsea
It was in the January 2023 transfer window when Chelsea bought Enzo Fernandez, paying €121 to Benfica. The Argentine midfielder had played a critical role in Benfica's success. After his outstanding performances in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Enzo attracted significant attention from various top clubs.
Antoine Griezmann - €120
From: Atlético Madrid
To: Barcelona
After numerous failed attempts, Barcelona's offer of €120 million was accepted by Atletico Madrid, making it one of the most expensive transfers in La Liga. Barcelona saw Griezmann as a key piece in their attacking puzzle, however, he could not fully replicate his magic at the Catalan club. Later on, he joined Atletico, where his career flourished again.
Jack Grealish - €117
From: Aston Villa
To: Manchester City
Manchester City broke the British transfer record in 2021 by signing Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for €117 million. The England international, a product of the Aston Villa academy, had established himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, creativity, and vision, Grealish was a key figure in Villa's resurgence. City, under Pep Guardiola, saw him as a valuable addition to their squad as they sought to maintain their dominance in English and European football.
