Ranking the 15 Most Expensive Teenage Football Transfers of All Time

March 29, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Teenage footballers are often seen as long-term investments, but some clubs aren’t afraid to spend big right away. In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the transfer fees paid for players who haven’t even turned 20 yet—often matching or exceeding what’s spent on established stars.

We’ve taken a closer look at the most expensive teenage signings in football history, ranking the top 15 based on their transfer fees, from the lowest to the highest.

15. William Saliba – £27m

Arsenal signed William Saliba from Saint-Étienne in 2019 for £27 million. The French center-back was seen as a long-term project and was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 side to continue his development.

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14. Yankuba Minteh – £30m

Brighton made headlines in 2024 when they paid £30 million to Newcastle United for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh. It was a bold move for a player who had yet to play a Premier League game for his parent club.

13. Archie Gray – £30m

Tottenham secured teenage sensation Archie Gray from Leeds United for £30 million in 2024. The young midfielder had impressed in the Championship with his composure and versatility.

12. Lucas Moura – £32m

In 2013, PSG spent £32 million to sign Brazilian winger Lucas Moura from São Paulo. At the time, it was a record-breaking deal for a teenager and part of PSG’s early spending spree under Qatari ownership.

11. Endrick – £34m

Real Madrid snapped up Endrick from Palmeiras for £34 million, a deal finalized while he was still 16. He officially joins the Spanish giants in 2024, with high expectations on his shoulders.

10. Fabio Silva – £34m

Fábio Silva — Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

Wolves surprised many by splashing £34 million on 18-year-old striker Fabio Silva from Porto in 2020. It remains one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.

9. Vitor Roque – £34m

Barcelona reached deep into their pockets to land Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense for £34 million. The Brazilian forward was seen as a long-term replacement for aging stars at the club.

8. Rodrygo – £38m

Real Madrid paid Santos £38 million for Rodrygo in 2019, securing his services before he turned 18. The Brazilian winger has since become a regular contributor in their attack.

7. Vinicius Junior – £38m

A year before Rodrygo, Real Madrid had already invested £38 million in another teenage Brazilian—Vinicius Junior from Flamengo. His raw pace and flair made him an instant fan favorite in Madrid.

6. Anthony Martial – £51m

Manchester United shocked the football world in 2015 by paying £51 million to Monaco for 19-year-old Anthony Martial. The deal included a series of ambitious bonuses, reflecting United’s belief in his potential.

5. Leny Yoro – £52m

Manchester United continued their tradition of betting big on young talent with the £52 million signing of Leny Yoro from Lille. The teenage center-back was one of France’s brightest prospects in 2024.

4. Roméo Lavia – £53m

Romeó Lavia — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea signed Belgian midfielder Roméo Lavia from Southampton for £53 million in 2023. Injuries delayed his impact, but the club views him as a key figure in their long-term project.

3. Matthijs de Ligt – £72.5m

Juventus beat several top clubs to sign Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax in 2019 for £72.5 million. The then 19-year-old had captained Ajax to the Champions League semifinals.

2. João Félix – £108m

Atlético Madrid broke the bank in 2019 to land João Félix from Benfica for £108 million. The Portuguese forward was dubbed the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo and arrived with huge expectations.

1. Kylian Mbappé – £154m

The most expensive teenager in football history remains Kylian Mbappé. PSG paid Monaco £154 million in 2018 to secure the electrifying French forward, who has since become one of the sport’s global icons.