Enzo Fernandez, Declan Rice, Florian Wirtz

The 20 Biggest Premier League Transfers – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

July 8, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Premier League isn’t just the most-watched football league on the planet—it’s also the richest. Backed by jaw-dropping TV deals, global sponsorships, and sold-out stadiums week after week, English clubs have turned the transfer market into a high-stakes playground. Over the past decade, we've seen record after record smashed as clubs gamble huge sums on star players, hoping to secure trophies and global prestige. From seasoned leaders to raw, electrifying talents, these signings reveal just how far Premier League teams are willing to go to stay on top.

20. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £56 M

In January 2018, Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. The speedy striker quickly repaid their investment with crucial goals and a Golden Boot. Despite later contract disputes and an acrimonious exit, his impact in North London was undeniable.

19. Aymeric Laporte – £57 M

Manchester City snapped up Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 to bolster their defense. His calm presence and excellent ball-playing ability helped City secure multiple Premier League titles. Laporte became a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup.

18. Christian Pulisic – £58 M

Chelsea signed American star Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, marking one of the biggest deals involving a US player. While injuries hampered his consistency, Pulisic showcased flashes of brilliance and played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph.

17. Nicolas Pépé – £72 M

Nicolas Pepe — Clement Demazure / Shutterstock.com

In 2019, Arsenal made headlines by paying a then-club-record fee for Nicolas Pépé from Lille. The Ivorian winger struggled to live up to expectations in the Premier League. Despite moments of flair, his inconsistency left many fans questioning the hefty price tag.

16. Kepa Arrizabalaga – £72 M

Chelsea triggered Kepa Arrizabalaga’s release clause at Athletic Bilbao in 2018, making him the most expensive goalkeeper ever. His stint at Stamford Bridge was turbulent, with high-profile mistakes leading to criticism. Eventually, Kepa lost his starting spot but regained some form under new managers.

15. Kai Havertz – £72 M

The versatile German playmaker joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. Though his league form was inconsistent, Havertz cemented his place in club history by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final. His technical quality remains undisputed.

14. Jadon Sancho – £73 M

Manchester United secured Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 after a long pursuit. The English winger arrived with huge expectations, but struggled to replicate his Bundesliga brilliance. Despite glimpses of talent, Sancho continues to search for consistent form at Old Trafford.

13. Virgil van Dijk – £75 M

Liverpool’s record-breaking signing of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in 2018 transformed their defense. The Dutchman’s composure and leadership were instrumental in the club’s Premier League and Champions League successes. He’s widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation.

12. Harry Maguire – £80 M

Manchester United made Harry Maguire the world’s most expensive defender when they signed him from Leicester City in 2019. Although he had solid early seasons, errors and intense scrutiny followed. Maguire’s hefty fee has often been cited amid criticism of his performances.

11. Darwin Núñez – £85 M

Liverpool signed Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez from Benfica in 2022 as part of a major attacking rebuild. Known for his pace and work rate, Núñez showed promise but also missed several key chances. Fans are hopeful he can mature into a lethal Premier League forward.

10. Antony – £86 M

Manchester United spent big to bring Antony from Ajax in 2022, reuniting him with manager Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian winger dazzled at times with his skill and flair but was also inconsistent. United supporters await more end product from their high-profile acquisition.

9. Mykhailo Mudryk – £88.5 M

Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea outbid rivals in January 2023 to sign Ukrainian talent Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk. His pace and dribbling sparked excitement, though he’s still finding his feet in England. The Blues hope his long-term potential justifies the massive fee.

8. Paul Pogba – £89 M

Manchester United re-signed Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016, four years after letting him leave on a free. The £89 M move broke the world record at the time. Pogba delivered moments of brilliance, but inconsistency and controversy often clouded his second stint at Old Trafford.

7. Joško Gvardiol – £90 M

In 2023, Manchester City brought in Croatian center-back Joško Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. His composure and passing ability perfectly fit Guardiola’s style. Still young, Gvardiol is expected to anchor City’s defense for years to come.

6. Romelu Lukaku – £97.5 M

Chelsea’s 2021 reunion with Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan was intended to solve their striker woes. However, the move didn’t work out as planned. Despite a strong start, goals dried up, and Lukaku was soon loaned back to Italy in a surprising turn.

5. Jack Grealish – £100 M

Manchester City signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee. Known for his dribbling and creativity, Grealish needed time to adjust but eventually played key roles in City’s domestic and European triumphs.

4. Declan Rice – £105 M

Arsenal made a huge statement in 2023 by signing West Ham captain Declan Rice. The deal, rising to £105 M with add-ons, shattered Arsenal’s transfer record. Rice brought leadership and stability to Mikel Arteta’s midfield, becoming an instant fan favorite.

3. Enzo Fernández – £106.8 M

After winning the 2022 World Cup Best Young Player award, Enzo Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in early 2023. His £106.8 M fee set a new British record at the time. The Argentine’s vision and passing were exactly what Chelsea hoped to build around.

2. Moisés Caicedo – £115 M

Chelsea broke the British transfer record again in 2023 by landing Moisés Caicedo from Brighton. The Ecuadorian midfielder was in high demand after a stellar season. His defensive prowess and energy are seen as vital to Chelsea’s future midfield dominance.

1. Florian Wirtz – £126 M (incl. add-ons)

Liverpool’s blockbuster signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 tops the list. The dynamic German attacking midfielder arrived for a staggering £126 M package. Touted as one of Europe’s finest young talents, Wirtz is expected to lead Liverpool’s next era.