Florian Wirtz, Ousmane Dembele, Gvardiol

The 18 Most Expensive Sales from Each Bundesliga Club – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

July 21, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Bundesliga has long been a proving ground for some of the world’s brightest footballing talents. From powerhouse clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to rising sides like Union Berlin and Heidenheim, German teams continue to produce – and sell – elite-level players to Europe’s top leagues.

This ranking highlights the most expensive outgoing transfer for each current Bundesliga club, beginning with FC St. Pauli and culminating with Borussia Dortmund. Each fee is presented in British Pounds for clarity and comparison. Whether the player was a breakout star, a homegrown talent, or a short-term sensation, every transfer reflects a unique chapter in the club’s sporting and financial history.

18. FC St. Pauli – Philipp Treu – £4.7M

FC St. Pauli set their club record by selling Treu for approximately £4.7 million in the 2025/26 season. Known more for their culture and fans than transfer fees, this deal reflects a rare but significant moment in their financial history.

17. Heidenheim – Beste – £6.8M

Jan-Niklas Beste’s transfer in 2024/25 brought in £6.8 million, becoming Heidenheim’s most valuable sale. The attacking left-back’s rise symbolized the club’s development success since reaching the Bundesliga.

16. Hamburger SV – Nigel de Jong – £15.3M

HSV’s biggest sale dates back to 2008/09, when they transferred Nigel de Jong for £15.3 million. The Dutch international was a midfield powerhouse and his departure marked the beginning of a long financial downturn for the club.

15. Union Berlin – Taiwo Awoniyi – £17.4M

Union Berlin earned £17.4 million from the sale of striker Taiwo Awoniyi in the 2022/23 season. His physical presence and goal-scoring form helped propel the club to European football before his move to England.

14. SC Freiburg – Kevin Schade – £21.3M

Kevin Schade was sold for around £21.3 million in 2023/24. Freiburg’s scouting and player development once again paid off, as Schade’s pace and flair earned him a Premier League move.

13. FC Augsburg – Baba Rahman – £22.1M

abdul baba rahman — Vlad1988 / Shutterstock.com

In 2015/16, Augsburg sold left-back Baba Rahman for £22.1 million. The Ghanaian's dynamic performances made him one of the most promising defenders in the Bundesliga at the time.

12. Werder Bremen – Diego – £22.9M

Brazilian playmaker Diego commanded a fee of £22.9 million in 2009/10. Known for his creativity and flair, Diego was a standout figure in Bremen’s last golden era.

11. 1. FC Köln – Anthony Modeste – £24.7M

Anthony Modeste’s transfer in 2018/19 brought in £24.7 million. After a spectacular goal-scoring season, his sale offered Köln one of their most profitable moments in the modern transfer market.

10. Mainz 05 – Brajan Gruda – £26.8M

In the 2024/25 season, Mainz sold young star Brajan Gruda for £26.8 million. The transfer showcases the club’s continued success in nurturing Bundesliga-ready talent.

9. VfB Stuttgart – Benjamin Pavard – £29.8M

Stuttgart sold World Cup-winning defender Benjamin Pavard for £29.8 million in 2019/20. His versatility and strong international profile made him a sought-after asset.

8. TSG Hoffenheim – Joelinton – £37M

In 2019/20, Joelinton left Hoffenheim for a record £37 million. Though not prolific in goals, his physical presence and potential sparked interest from the Premier League.

7. Bayern Munich – Robert Lewandowski – £38.3M

Even giants like Bayern had to part ways with a legend. Robert Lewandowski’s 2022/23 move brought in £38.3 million, closing a remarkable chapter of consistent goal-scoring dominance in Munich.

6. Borussia Mönchengladbach – Granit Xhaka – £38.3M

Granit Xhaka’s leadership and midfield control earned Mönchengladbach £38.3 million in 2016/17. His sale was a key moment in the club’s modern rebuild era.

5. VfL Wolfsburg – Kevin De Bruyne – £64.6M

In 2015/16, Wolfsburg cashed in big when they sold Kevin De Bruyne for £64.6 million. After dominating the Bundesliga with assists, De Bruyne became one of the top midfielders in the world.

4. RB Leipzig – Joško Gvardiol – £76.5M

Leipzig’s defensive gem Joško Gvardiol departed in 2023/24 for £76.5 million. The Croatian's technical skill and composure made him a record-breaking defender for the Red Bull system.

3. Eintracht Frankfurt – Randal Kolo Muani – £80.8M

After a phenomenal 2023/24 season, Randal Kolo Muani was sold for £80.8 million. His explosive pace and lethal finishing made him one of the most exciting forwards in Europe.

2. Bayer Leverkusen – Florian Wirtz – £106.3M

Florian Wirtz became Leverkusen’s record departure in 2025/26 for a stunning £106.3 million. The creative midfielder had been central to the team’s resurgence, and his transfer confirmed his world-class status.

1. Borussia Dortmund – Ousmane Dembélé – £114.8M

Dortmund remains king of the transfer market with Dembélé’s £114.8 million sale to Barcelona in 2017/18. Despite only one season in yellow and black, his raw talent secured one of the highest fees in Bundesliga history.