Top 10 Expensive Trades in European Football of All Time
Football’s transfer market remains pivotal in European clubs’ fortunes – record-breaking moves spark global interest and shape team dynamics. Transfers not only excite fans but also reflect power shifts in Europe’s most popular sport.
1. Neymar – FC Barcelona → Paris Saint-Germain (2017)
- Transfer Fee: €222 million
Paris Saint-Germain’s record-breaking signing of Neymar in 2017 redefined the transfer market. It boosted their global brand visibility, merchandising, and sponsorship reach. Neymar’s arrival helped transform Paris Saint-Germain into one of Europe’s elite clubs, eventually guiding them to their first UEFA Champions League title in 2025. The move also reshaped transfer strategies across Europe and inspired a wave of high-budget signings.
2. Kylian Mbappé – AS Monaco → Paris Saint-Germain (2018)
- Transfer Fee: €180 million (with bonuses)
Signing Kylian Mbappé solidified Paris Saint-Germain’s long-term ambitions. His electrifying pace and goal-scoring ability made him the face of the club and helped establish a strong marketing presence, particularly among younger global fans. Mbappé was instrumental in domestic dominance and their 2025 Champions League victory, elevating Paris Saint-Germain’s value and international credibility in the football economy.
3. Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool Football Club → FC Barcelona (2018)
- Transfer Fee: €135 million
FC Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho as a creative replacement for Neymar. Though his on-field impact was inconsistent, the transfer reflected the club’s aggressive transfer strategy. While Coutinho’s spell was marred by injuries and loan spells, the move sparked financial strain, influencing Barcelona’s future wage policies and squad planning. It became a cautionary tale for overvaluing creative midfielders.
4. Ousmane Dembélé – Borussia Dortmund → FC Barcelona (2017)
- Transfer Fee: €135 million
FC Barcelona brought in Ousmane Dembélé to replace Neymar’s attacking threat. Despite flashes of brilliance, Dembélé struggled with injuries and consistency. The high transfer fee placed pressure on both player and club, complicating Barcelona’s financial structure and leading to scrutiny of their scouting and investment decisions. It remains one of the more debated transfers in the post-Neymar era.
5. João Félix – SL Benfica → Atlético de Madrid (2019)
- Transfer Fee: €126.7 million
Atlético de Madrid made a bold move to sign João Félix as a future Ballon d’Or candidate. While his technical skill and promise were evident, his performances never fully justified the fee. The investment strained Atlético’s budget, limiting flexibility in other areas. Nonetheless, it raised the club’s ambition level and brought global attention to their evolving attacking philosophy.
6. Enzo Fernández – SL Benfica → Chelsea Football Club (2023)
- Transfer Fee: €121 million
Chelsea Football Club secured Enzo Fernández after his breakout World Cup performance. He was seen as a cornerstone in the club’s midfield rebuild. The move showcased Chelsea’s aggressive post-takeover transfer approach. While still integrating into the squad, Enzo’s signing reflected Chelsea’s long-term planning and a continued emphasis on youthful, high-potential talent with resale value.
7. Antoine Griezmann – Atlético de Madrid → FC Barcelona (2019)
- Transfer Fee: €120 million
FC Barcelona’s acquisition of Antoine Griezmann was part of their continued effort to build a star-studded attack. However, positional overlaps and tactical mismatches limited his impact. He later returned to Atlético de Madrid. The deal strained Barcelona’s wage bill and highlighted the club’s mismanagement of high-profile talents during a financially unstable period.
8. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa Football Club → Manchester City Football Club (2021)
- Transfer Fee: €117.5 million
Manchester City Football Club made Jack Grealish the most expensive British player at the time. While initial performances were uneven, his adaptability improved under Pep Guardiola. Grealish brought fresh creativity and depth to the squad. The transfer also symbolized City’s willingness to spend big domestically while maintaining Financial Fair Play compliance and commercial expansion.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid Club de Fútbol → Juventus Football Club (2018)
- Transfer Fee: €117 million
Juventus Football Club stunned the world by signing Cristiano Ronaldo at 33 years old. His arrival boosted shirt sales, commercial partnerships, and global viewership for the club. On the pitch, while he delivered goals, Juventus didn’t achieve expected Champions League success. Financially, the deal had mixed returns and marked a shift toward more cautious spending in future seasons.
10. Romelu Lukaku – Football Club Internazionale Milano → Chelsea Football Club (2021)
- Transfer Fee: €115 million
Chelsea Football Club re-signed Romelu Lukaku to lead their frontline. Though the return was hyped, the player struggled to settle and was loaned back to Inter shortly after. The transfer highlighted Chelsea’s inconsistency in striker recruitment. Despite underwhelming output, the move reaffirmed their aggressive transfer stance under new ownership and commitment to immediate competitiveness.
