Biggest transfers in Bundesliga history
The Bundesliga has long been a breeding ground for elite talent and a destination for international stars. From developing future Ballon d'Or contenders to securing marquee names from Europe’s top clubs, Germany’s top flight has seen some eye-watering transfer fees over the past decade.
This ranking highlights the 25 most expensive transfers involving Bundesliga clubs, both arrivals and departures. Whether it was a record-breaking purchase by Bayern Munich or a blockbuster sale by Borussia Dortmund, these moves reshaped German football and had ripple effects across Europe.
25. Xavi Simons – £43.5m
RB Leipzig made headlines when they signed Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain. The Dutch attacking midfielder was valued highly after his breakout season in the Eredivisie.
24. João Palhinha – £44.3m
Portuguese midfield enforcer João Palhinha joined Bayern Munich from Fulham. His strength and defensive discipline brought balance to the Bavarian giants’ midfield.
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23. Leroy Sané – £45.2m
Sané moved from Manchester City to Bayern Munich in 2020. Known for his explosive pace and dribbling, he added flair to Bayern's wings.
22. Michael Olise – £46.1m
In one of Bayern Munich’s boldest signings of 2025, they secured Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. The talented right winger added creativity and finesse to their attack.
21. Timo Werner – £46.1m
Werner left RB Leipzig for Chelsea in 2020 after establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most lethal strikers. The move reflected Chelsea’s desire for clinical finishing up front.
20. Moussa Diaby – £47.8m
The French winger transferred from Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa. Diaby's speed and directness made him a standout in the Bundesliga.
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19. Dani Olmo – £47.8m
Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo moved from RB Leipzig to Barcelona. His vision and technical skill were key attributes in Xavi’s system.
18. Naby Keïta – £52.2m
Liverpool signed Guinean midfielder Naby Keïta from RB Leipzig in 2018. Keïta was a box-to-box force and one of Leipzig’s brightest stars.
17. Christopher Nkunku – £52.2m
Chelsea secured the signature of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023. The French attacker impressed with his versatility and consistent goal output.
16. Erling Haaland – £52.2m
Haaland’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City shocked few. For just over £52m, City gained one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
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15. Luka Jović – £54.8m
Real Madrid signed Luka Jović from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019. The Serbian striker had enjoyed a prolific season in Germany before making the jump.
14. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £55.4m
In 2018, Arsenal bought Gabonese striker Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. Known for his pace and precision, he was a fan favorite in the Bundesliga.
13. Christian Pulisic – £55.7m
Chelsea brought in Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund in 2019. The American winger was a symbol of the Bundesliga's growing international influence.
12. Matthijs de Ligt – £58.3m
Bayern Munich acquired de Ligt from Juventus in 2022. The Dutch center-back was seen as a long-term solution for their defensive line.
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11. Dominik Szoboszlai – £60.9m
Liverpool paid over £60m to snatch Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. His dynamism and dead-ball prowess made him one of Europe’s hottest midfielders.
10. Omar Marmoush – £65.2m
After a strong showing in Germany, Omar Marmoush left Eintracht Frankfurt for Manchester City. The Egyptian forward continued his rise on a global stage.
9. Kevin De Bruyne – £66.1m
In 2015, Manchester City signed Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg. Though once doubted, the Belgian became one of the Premier League's greatest playmakers.
8. Lucas Hernández – £69.6m
Bayern Munich made Hernández the most expensive defender in Bundesliga history when they bought him from Atlético Madrid in 2019.
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7. Kai Havertz – £69.6m
The young German sensation left Bayer Leverkusen for Chelsea in 2020. His technique and football IQ made him a marquee signing.
6. Jadon Sancho – £73.9m
Manchester United landed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund after prolonged negotiations. He had dazzled in Germany with his assists and flair.
5. Josko Gvardiol – £78.3m
Manchester City signed the Croatian defender from RB Leipzig in 2023. Gvardiol combined strength, pace, and composure beyond his years.
4. Randal Kolo Muani – £82.6m
PSG brought in French striker Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt. His ability to play across the front line made him a versatile asset.
3. Harry Kane – £82.6m
In 2023, Bayern Munich made a historic move for England captain Harry Kane. He joined from Tottenham, filling the striker void since Lewandowski’s departure.
2. Jude Bellingham – £98.3m
Real Madrid paid nearly £100m to lure Bellingham away from Borussia Dortmund. At just 20 years old, he was already one of Europe’s best midfielders.
1. Ousmane Dembélé – £117.4m
Dortmund’s record sale remains Ousmane Dembélé, who joined Barcelona in 2017. The French winger’s dribbling and raw talent fetched a staggering fee.
