Unleash the Cash: The Jaw-Dropping Transfer Deals That Redefined the Beautiful Game

The world of football is known for its high-stakes drama, intense rivalries, and record-breaking transfer deals. Since 2017, one player has held the distinction of being the most expensive transfer in football history. But who are the other players that have broken the bank and made it to the top 9 most expensive transfers in football history?

9. Ousmane Dembele - €105 million - Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, 2017

French winger Ousmane Dembele sealed a €105 million move to Barcelona in 2017, making him the ninth most expensive player in football history at the time of his transfer. Dembele has had mixed success at Barca, with his performances marked by both brilliance and inconsistency.

8. Paul Pogba - €105 million - Juventus to Manchester United, 2016

Paul Pogba's €105 million transfer to Manchester United in 2016 marked a then-English transfer record. The French midfielder has experienced highs and lows at Old Trafford, with differing opinions about his value to the team.

7. Gareth Bale - €100 million - Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid, 2013

In 2013, Welsh superstar Gareth Bale sealed a move to Real Madrid for €100 million. His successful stint at the Santiago Bernabeu was filled with goals and memorable performances. Bale won numerous titles with Real Madrid before returning to Tottenham in 2020.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo - €100 million - Manchester United to Real Madrid, 2009

Way before Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo set the precedent for blockbuster transfers. In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in a deal worth €100 million at the time of signing. During his nine-year tenure in Madrid, the Portuguese phenom gained enormous success with La Liga titles and the Champions League.

6. Joao Felix - €126 million - Benfica to Atletico Madrid, 2019

Young Portuguese sensation Joao Felix became one of the most expensive players when Atletico Madrid shelled out €126 million for his transfer in 2019. Felix continues to prove his potential as a bright talent in La Liga.

5. Kylian Mbappe - €135 million - Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain, 2018

French starlet Kylian Mbappe makes this list with his €135 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. At just 18 years old at the time of signing, the transfer proved Mbappe was among the young talents coveted by major clubs.

4. Jack Grealish - €135 million - Aston Villa to Manchester City, 2021

English midfielder Jack Grealish gained widespread attention and then raised eyebrows when he moved from Aston Villa to Manchester City for €135 million in 2021, catapulting him to England’s priciest football transfer at the time of the transfer. Time will tell if the huge outlay ultimately pays off for Manchester City and England.

3. Luis Suarez - €142 million - Liverpool to Barcelona, 2014

The enigmatic striker Luis Suarez broke the transfer record for a South American player in 2014. Moving from Liverpool to Barcelona for €142 million proved to be an inspired choice, as the Uruguayan would form one of the most menacing attacking trios, MSN. The MSN era experienced considerable success while winning the Champions League title in 2015.

2. Antoine Griezmann - €144 million - Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, 2019

Spanish club Barcelona signed Frenchman Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €144 million. However, two seasons into the signing, Griezmann is yet to rediscover his Atlético form. His current status hangs in balance.

1. Neymar Jr. - €222 million - Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, 2017

Neymar Jr. finally set a new world record in football history for transfer cost. This was for a jaw-dropping €222 million in a stunning transfer that led him to leave Neymar to join Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. This transfer catapulted Neymar to Europe’s top 3 leagues - Spain, England, and France, without becoming a European Cup champion, along with also setting up the South American Champions win with Santos earlier in his career. 5 years on, the transfer price continues to hold.