We are going through the hottest football season with 2 top competitions taking place at the same time in the 2 most footballing continents of the world, the EURO24 in the stadiums of Germany and the Copa America in the stadiums of the USA. The USA is also among the countries that will host the 2026 World Cup along with Canada and Mexico. Sports broadcasts are currently offered by ERT channels and Ant1.
Alongside the on-field battles, a game of billions is also taking place, with the most expensive transfers determining the dynamics of the big clubs on a European level, but also on a global level with the notable arrival of Asia (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) on the international football scene .
After the completion of the football championships, but also during them, the fans strive to be informed regarding rumors and information concerning their teams either at the National level if this concerns the Super League in Greece or at the International level with the rich teams such as Real Madrid , Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and City, Liverpool and Bayern among others to spark interest.
From time to time we read regarding sums that exceed the limits of logic in transfer fees and player fees especially for the most skilled and featured in the media and social networks. The top transfer of all time is that of Neymar from Barcelona in Paris in 2017 for 222 million euros, recording the highest amount in history. Next is Killian Mbappewho moved from Monaco in Paris in 2018 for 180 million euros.
Other notable transfers include his Felipe Coutinho from Klopp’s Liverpool in Barcelona for 145 million euros and Joao Felix from Benfica in Atletico MADRID for 127.2 million euros. These moves show the high value placed on top talent, as well as the desire of major clubs to ensure success at national and international level through the acquisition of top football picks. Let’s take a brief look at the Top 10 most expensive transfers in international football to date:
- Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. – By Barcelona in Paris Saint Germain for 222 million euros (2017)
Neymar’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 remains the most expensive in football history. The French team paid the release clause of the Brazilian star which reached the unreal amount of 222 million, causing a shock to the world football community.In addition to Neymar, they acquired Mbappe the following year and Lionel Messi as a free agent from Barcelona in 2021, creating a formidable array of stars that did not bring the coveted Champions League trophy to Paris. Neymar scored 82 goals in 112 appearances for Paris, while last year he transferred to Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) for 90 million euros. He managed to play only 3 matches and was followed by a serious injury that still keeps him out of competition.
- Kylian Mbappe – By Monaco in Paris for 180 million euros (2018)
Mbappe moved to PSG in 2018, initially on loan that included an obligation to buy, making him the second most expensive transfer of all time. His speed and skill make him one of the top players of his generation
He played for the Parisians until the 2023-24 season, scoring 162, while every year his possible transfer became a serial in the news agencies. He finally managed to make his dream come true, according to his words, by signing as a free agent for Real Madrid with a signing bonus of 100 million.
- Felipe Coutinho – From Liverpool in Barcelona for 145 million euros (2018)
Coutinho’s move to Barcelona in 2018 for €145m was one of the biggest transfer failures in history. With the colors of the Reds of Liverpool, he made excellent appearances having a leading role in Jurgen Klopp’s team. He scored 41 goals giving the team a Brazilian air. He wanted to take the next step with Liverpool not cutting him off by collecting almost 150 million. Unfortunately, he was unable to stand up at Barcelona, scoring only 17 goals in 76 appearances and failing to impress the Barcelona crowd and coaches. He continued his journey with loans to various teams (Bayern Munich, Aston Villa), while now playing for a team in Dubai.
- Joao Felix – From Benfica in Atletico Madrid for €127.2 million (2019)
Félix’s €127.2m move from Lisbon Eagles to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in 2019 at the age of just 19 was a high-risk move for the Spanish club. The young Portuguese is considered one of the biggest talents in world football, but he still hasn’t found his footing and balance changing football roofs. With Atlético in 95 appearances he has scored 25 goals, while he was loaned out in 2023 to Chelsea (16 appearances – 4 goals) and in 2024 to Barcelona in 2024 (30 appearances – 7 goals).
- Antoine Griezmann – From Atletico Madrid in Barcelona for 120 million euros (2019)
The Frenchman managed to stand out with the colors of Real Sociedad competing for 6 years (2009-2014) making 180 appearances and scoring 46 goals. His Spanish journey found him in Madrid in the colors of Atlético, producing excellent performances under the guidance of Simeone while also conquering the Spanish La Liga where he scored 94 goals in 180 appearances. He followed the next step for Barcelona which was not as successful (74 appearances – 22 goals). He returned in 2021 to the familiar haunts of Atlético to continue building his legend with the Atlético team.
The top 10 with the most expensive transfers are completed by the following players:
- Jack Grealish – From Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 for €117.5 million. This transfer is the biggest for an English footballer
- Enzo Ferdandez – From Benfica to Chelsea in 2023 for €121 million. This transfer set a record for Chelsea under new ownership.
- Dembele – From Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017 for €140 million. The French striker was one of Barcelona’s biggest signings at the time. He didn’t stay long moving to PSG.
- Paul Pogba – From Juventus to Manchester United. in 2016 for 105 million euros. The return of the French midfielder to the Premier League was one of the most expensive transfers. He also returned to Juve and is now out of the doping cave.
- Cristiano Ronaldo – From Real Madrid to Juventus in 2018 for 100 million euros. The Portuguese striker strengthened the Juventus team with his experience and quality, but he did not manage to win the Champions League with the colors of the Great Lady. He now plays for Al Nasr Riyadh on a commanding contract that earns him $200 million a year.
Source: athletics–metadoseis.gr
21+ | EEEP | PLAY RESPONSIBLY
#Top #Expensive #Transfers #Football #History
