Football transfers have reached extraordinary levels in the 21st century, with fees breaking nine figures for the first time in history. Clubs now flex immense financial muscle, fueled by commercialization and lucrative TV rights. It’s estimated that by 2050, transfer fees could range between $443 million and $708 million.
Below is a look at the 25 most expensive transfers in modern football and their outcomes, measured as either a hit or miss:
25. Harry Maguire (Manchester United – $90 million)
Verdict: Miss
Signed in 2019, Maguire struggled to justify his price tag and has been considered a liability due to inconsistent performances.
24. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United – $91 million)
Verdict: Miss
Signed in 2021, Sancho failed to make an impact and eventually returned to Dortmund on loan after a falling-out with Erik ten Hag.
23. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United – $94 million)
Verdict: Miss
Although prolific early on, Lukaku’s performances declined, leading to his exit after two seasons at Old Trafford.
22. Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus – $94.5 million)
Verdict: Hit
Higuain delivered 40 Serie A goals in two seasons, helping Juventus secure consecutive titles.
21. Neymar (Al-Hilal – $96 million)
Verdict: Miss
Moved to Al-Hilal in 2023, Neymar’s time was quickly derailed by an ACL injury just two months after joining.
20. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City – $96 million)
Verdict: Hit
Gvardiol has quickly adapted at City, showing his versatility as both a center-back and an attacking full-back.
19. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid – $99 million)
Verdict: Hit
One of the most successful transfers ever, Ronaldo scored 451 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid, winning multiple Champions League titles.
18. Antony (Manchester United – $100 million)
Verdict: Miss
Signed in 2022, Antony has struggled with both form and controversies, leading to widespread criticism.
17. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich – $102 million)
Verdict: Hit
Kane has excelled in the Bundesliga, scoring at a goal-per-game rate since joining Bayern Munich in 2023.
16. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid – $105 million)
Verdict: Hit
Bale contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s success, including five Champions League titles, despite controversies with fans and media.
15. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid – $110 million)
Verdict: Hit
Bellingham has become a key player for Real Madrid, helping the club secure a La Liga and Champions League double in his debut season.
14. Paul Pogba (Manchester United – $110.5 million)
Verdict: Miss
Pogba’s return to United in 2016 was marked by inconsistent performances and injury setbacks.
13. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid – $110.5 million)
Verdict: Miss
Persistent injuries limited Hazard to just 76 appearances in four years, making his move a major disappointment.
12. Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona – $120 million)
Verdict: Miss
Despite moments of brilliance, Dembele struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, leading to his eventual exit to PSG.
11. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea – $121 million)
Verdict: Miss
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea in 2021 failed to meet expectations, with injuries and controversies derailing his performances.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus – $123 million)
Verdict: Hit
Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 appearances for Juventus, but the team fell short of its Champions League ambitions.
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal – $124 million)
Verdict: Hit
Rice has seamlessly adapted to Arsenal’s midfield, becoming a key figure in their push for a Premier League title.
8. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea – $124 million)
Verdict: Mixed
Caicedo struggled early but has since found form, emerging as Chelsea’s most consistent player in 2024.
7. Jack Grealish (Manchester City – $124 million)
Verdict: Hit
Grealish has adapted to Guardiola’s system, contributing to City’s Premier League and Champions League successes.
6. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea – $132 million)
Verdict: Miss
Despite flashes of brilliance, Fernandez has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances.
5. Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona – $132 million)
Verdict: Mixed
Griezmann had a solid second season but was ultimately a tactical mismatch for Barcelona, returning to Atletico Madrid.
4. Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona – $133 million)
Verdict: Miss
Coutinho’s move is regarded as one of football’s worst transfers, with injuries and poor form defining his time at Barcelona.
3. Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid – $139 million)
Verdict: Miss
Felix struggled to fit into Simeone’s system, leading to loans and an eventual move to Chelsea.
2. Kylian Mbappe (PSG – $205 million)
Verdict: Hit
Mbappe became PSG’s all-time top scorer, but the club failed to secure a Champions League trophy during his time.
1. Neymar (PSG – $263 million)
Verdict: Mixed
Neymar dazzled with individual brilliance but fell short of expectations due to injuries and PSG’s Champions League failures.