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
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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.
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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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.
