Manchester City, Arsenal, premier League, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United

Ranking the Biggest Transfer in Every Premier League Club’s History

June 25, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Premier League is no stranger to jaw-dropping transfer fees. From historic giants battling for trophies to newly promoted teams fighting for survival, every club has, at one point, made a record-breaking move in the hopes of transforming their fortunes. Some of these signings became instant legends, others faded under the weight of expectations — but all of them represent a moment where ambition met opportunity.

In this article, we take a club-by-club look at the most expensive transfer in each current Premier League side's history, and what kind of impact those players have had on the pitch.

Arsenal – Declan Rice (£105m)

Arsenal broke the bank to sign Declan Rice from West Ham in 2023, and it’s already paying dividends. The England international has become a commanding midfield presence, leading by example in their title challenges. His blend of defensive grit and improving offensive output makes him a franchise cornerstone.

Aston Villa – Amadou Onana (£50m)

Villa made a major statement by snapping up Onana from Everton in 2024. The Belgian midfielder instantly slotted into Unai Emery's system, offering strength, versatility, and composure. His performances in both domestic and European competitions justify the hefty fee.

Bournemouth – Evanilson (£40.2m)

Following Solanke’s departure, Bournemouth turned to Porto striker Evanilson in the summer of 2024. The Brazilian impressed with his finishing and movement, contributing 15 goal involvements in his debut Premier League season. He’s quickly become a central figure in Iraola’s attacking system.

Brentford – Igor Thiago (£30m)

Brentford signed Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge in 2024 in a record-breaking deal. Though he has only featured briefly in his first season, the club is banking on his raw potential. With Brentford’s strong recruitment history, many believe he could blossom soon.

Brighton – Georginio Rutter (£40m)

Brighton shelled out big for Rutter in 2024, hoping to boost their attacking creativity. Though inconsistent at times, the young forward has shown flashes of brilliance. If he finds consistency, he could become one of the league’s standout playmakers.

Burnley – Zeki Amdouni (£16.1m)

Amdouni arrived from FC Basel in 2023 but couldn’t prevent Burnley’s relegation. After one season, he moved to Benfica on loan where he has shown promise. His brief Premier League stint, however, left fans wondering what could’ve been.

Chelsea – Enzo Fernandez (£106.8m)

The Argentine World Cup winner joined Chelsea with enormous expectations in January 2023. While his talent is evident, the club’s overall struggles have limited his impact. Fernandez has time on his side to justify his massive price tag and become a midfield general.

Crystal Palace – Christian Benteke (£27m)

Palace’s record deal for Benteke came in 2016 and saw early returns with 17 goals in his first season. Unfortunately, inconsistency plagued his following campaigns. Though serviceable, he never fully justified the fee paid to Liverpool.

Everton – Gylfi Sigurdsson (£45m)

Everton's record signing remains Gylfi Sigurdsson, who joined from Swansea in 2017 amid high expectations. While he produced occasional moments of brilliance, he never reached elite levels. His time at Goodison Park ended quietly in 2022.

Fulham – Emile Smith Rowe (£34m)

Smith Rowe arrived in 2024 with hopes of proving himself after a lack of chances at Arsenal. He started brightly but faded as the season progressed. Fulham still see long-term value, especially if he regains early-season form.

Leeds United – Georginio Rutter (£34.1m)

Leeds signed Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023 with hopes of Premier League impact, but it was in the Championship where he shined. His creativity helped Leeds push for promotion, before being sold to Brighton. A success in hindsight, but not in the top flight.

Liverpool – Florian Wirtz (£116m)

Liverpool smashed the British transfer record to land Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025. The German playmaker arrives with massive hype and the pressure to lead Arne Slot’s post-Klopp era. If he adapts quickly, he could become a club legend.

Manchester City – Jack Grealish (£100m)

Grealish moved to City in 2021 amid fanfare and delivered a solid role in their treble-winning campaign. However, his contributions have since declined, and injuries have limited his game time. Still, his peak moments keep him in City’s good books.

Manchester United – Paul Pogba (£89.5m)

Pogba’s return to Old Trafford in 2016 was met with huge fanfare and mixed results. He produced memorable moments — like the derby comeback — but was often criticized for inconsistency. Injuries and off-field noise overshadowed his undeniable talent.

Newcastle United – Alexander Isak (£63m)

Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 and has silenced doubters with consistent goals and big-game performances. His 23-goal season powered Newcastle back to the Champions League and a Carabao Cup title. If he stays healthy, the Swede could become a Magpies icon.

Nottingham Forest – Morgan Gibbs-White (£42.5m)

Gibbs-White has been Forest’s talisman since arriving from Wolves in 2022. His energy, creativity, and flair helped the club avoid relegation and push into Europe. A fan favorite and core part of the team's rebuild.

Sunderland – Enzo Le Fee (£19.1m)

Enzo Le Fée — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

After helping Sunderland gain promotion on loan, Le Fee joined permanently from Roma in 2025. He brings elegance and work rate to the midfield. The fee could prove a bargain if he continues his upward trajectory.

Tottenham Hotspur – Dominic Solanke (£65m)

Solanke joined Spurs from Bournemouth in 2024 as the successor to Harry Kane. While he hasn’t matched Kane’s output, his 16 goals and 8 assists were vital in their Europa League win. Spurs hope he’ll continue growing into the role.

West Ham United – Lucas Paqueta (£51m)

Paqueta became West Ham’s record signing in 2022 and quickly proved his worth. He played a key role in their Conference League win and remains a target for bigger clubs. Despite off-pitch issues, his quality is undeniable.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Matheus Cunha (£44m)

Cunha’s goals saved Wolves from relegation after his permanent signing in 2023 and earned him a move to Manchester United. His versatility and flair made him a fan favorite. A short but impactful stay that brought solid profit for the club.