The Biggest Transfer Sales in Premier League History – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The Premier League is known for its record-breaking transfer fees, with clubs investing massive sums in the pursuit of success. Over the years, we’ve seen staggering deals where players have been sold for amounts that continue to rise. Spending nearly a billion pounds on a single player has become a reality in the world’s most financially powerful league.
We’ve taken a look at the biggest sales in Premier League history and ranked them from lowest to highest.
35. John Stones – £47,260,000
Manchester City signed John Stones from Everton in 2016, making him one of the most expensive defenders in history at the time. His composure on the ball and tactical awareness helped him become a key player under Pep Guardiola.
34. Raheem Sterling – £47,770,000
Sterling left Manchester City for Chelsea in 2022 after an incredibly successful stint at the Etihad. Despite being a key part of City’s dominance, he sought a new challenge with the Blues.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
33. Raphinha – £49,300,000
Barcelona secured Raphinha from Leeds United in 2022 after his standout performances in the Premier League. The Brazilian winger had been instrumental in helping Leeds avoid relegation before his big move to La Liga.
32. Richarlison – £49,300,000
Tottenham made a major investment in Richarlison, signing him from Everton in 2022. The Brazilian forward was expected to provide competition in Spurs’ attack but struggled to find consistency.
31. Ben White – £49,725,000
Arsenal brought in Ben White from Brighton in 2021 as part of Mikel Arteta’s defensive rebuild. His ball-playing skills and versatility helped him become an integral part of the Gunners’ backline.
30. Fernando Torres – £49,725,000
Chelsea’s signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool in 2011 was one of the most shocking transfers of the era. Though he struggled to replicate his Anfield form, he played a crucial role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph.
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29. Amadou Onana – £50,447,500
Aston Villa made a statement by signing Onana from Everton in 2024. The towering midfielder had impressed with his physicality and passing ability, making him a valuable addition to Villa’s midfield.
28. Moussa Diaby – £51,000,000
Aston Villa splashed the cash on Diaby in 2024, bringing him in from Bayer Leverkusen. Known for his pace and dribbling, the French winger was seen as a key figure in Villa’s push for European football.
27. Pedro Neto – £51,000,000
Chelsea secured the services of Pedro Neto in 2024, adding more depth to their attack. The Portuguese winger had consistently impressed at Wolves with his speed and ability to take on defenders.
26. Oscar – £51,000,000
Oscar shocked the football world when he left Chelsea for the Chinese Super League in 2016. The talented playmaker was at his peak but chose financial incentives over staying in European football.
25. Diego Costa – £51,000,000
Costa rejoined Atlético Madrid from Chelsea in 2017 after a fallout with manager Antonio Conte. The fiery striker had been a key figure in Chelsea’s Premier League-winning campaigns before his exit.
24. Matheus Nunes – £52,700,000
Manchester City brought in Nunes from Wolves in 2023 to strengthen their midfield depth. The Portuguese playmaker was highly rated for his dribbling and ability to drive forward with the ball.
23. Ángel Di María – £53,550,000
Manchester United signed Di María from Real Madrid in 2014, hoping he would be their next superstar. However, the Argentine struggled to adapt to English football and left for PSG after just one season.
22. Raheem Sterling – £54,145,000
Chelsea signed Sterling from Manchester City in 2022, believing he would add experience and firepower to their attack. Despite his reputation, his time at Stamford Bridge has been inconsistent.
Read also: The 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World Right Now - Ranked
21. Mason Mount – £54,570,000
Mount’s move from Chelsea to Manchester United in 2023 was a major talking point. After years as a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, contract issues led to his departure for Old Trafford.
20. Dominic Solanke – £54,655,000
Tottenham made a surprise move for Solanke in 2024 after his impressive form at Bournemouth. The English striker had developed into a clinical finisher, earning a big-money move to a top-six club.
19. Marc Cucurella – £55,505,000
Chelsea signed Marc Cucurella from Brighton in 2022 after an outstanding season on the south coast. Despite his high price tag, the Spanish left-back struggled to justify the investment, often finding himself out of favor in a turbulent Chelsea squad.
18. Riyad Mahrez – £57,630,000
Manchester City brought in Mahrez from Leicester in 2018, strengthening their already formidable attack. The Algerian winger proved his worth, delivering crucial goals and assists in City’s dominant Premier League campaigns.
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17. Romelu Lukaku – £62,900,000
Lukaku returned to Chelsea in 2021, expected to be the club’s long-term solution up front. However, his spell at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming, and he was loaned back to Inter Milan just a year after his blockbuster return.
16. Kai Havertz – £63,750,000
Chelsea splashed the cash on Havertz in 2020, securing him from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite initial struggles, the German attacker etched his name into Chelsea history by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final.
15. Julián Álvarez – £63,750,000
Manchester City signed Álvarez as a promising forward in 2022, and he quickly adapted to the English game. After winning multiple trophies, the Argentine forward moved to Atlético Madrid in 2024 in search of a bigger role.
14. Jhon Durán – £65,450,000
The Colombian striker made headlines with his big-money move to Al-Nassr in 2025. After showing glimpses of potential at Aston Villa, the Saudi Pro League club saw him as a long-term attacking investment.
13. Wesley Fofana – £68,340,000
Chelsea paid a massive fee to sign Fofana from Leicester in 2022, believing he would be a cornerstone of their defense. Unfortunately, persistent injuries limited his impact, making his transfer a risky gamble.
12. Luis Suárez – £69,462,000
Barcelona signed Suárez from Liverpool in 2014 after his stunning 31-goal Premier League season. The Uruguayan striker became part of one of football’s most iconic attacking trios alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.
11. Virgil van Dijk – £71,952,500
Liverpool broke the transfer record for a defender when they signed Van Dijk from Southampton in 2018. His leadership and defensive dominance helped transform Liverpool into Champions League and Premier League winners.
10. Romelu Lukaku – £71,995,000
Manchester United brought in Lukaku from Everton in 2017, expecting him to be their star striker. Although he had a decent goal return, inconsistency and struggles in big games led to his eventual exit to Inter Milan.
9. Harry Maguire – £73,950,000
United made Maguire the most expensive defender in football history when they signed him from Leicester in 2019. While he brought leadership, his performances often came under heavy scrutiny, dividing opinions among fans.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo – £79,900,000
Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 marked the beginning of a new era. The Portuguese superstar became one of the greatest players of all time, winning multiple Ballon d’Or titles and Champions League trophies.
7. Harry Kane – £80,750,000
After years of speculation, Tottenham finally sold Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023. The England captain had cemented himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever strikers before seeking silverware in Germany.
6. Gareth Bale – £85,850,000
Bale left Tottenham for Real Madrid in 2013, becoming the world’s most expensive player at the time. His pace, power, and crucial goals helped Madrid dominate European football, winning multiple Champions League titles.
5. Moisés Caicedo – £98,600,000
Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Caicedo from Brighton in 2023. The Ecuadorian midfielder was one of the most sought-after players in Europe, with his ability to dominate the midfield and dictate play.
4. Declan Rice – £99,110,000
Arsenal signed Rice from West Ham in 2023, making him the most expensive English midfielder ever. His leadership and defensive skills made him a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
3. Jack Grealish – £99,875,000
Manchester City broke their transfer record to bring in Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021. After a slow start, he became a key player in their treble-winning season in 2022/23.
2. Eden Hazard – £102,680,000
Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 after seven successful years in England. Injuries and inconsistent form prevented him from reaching the same heights in Spain.
1. Philippe Coutinho – £114,750,000
Liverpool sold Coutinho to Barcelona in 2018 in the most expensive transfer in Premier League history. His struggles in Spain, combined with Liverpool reinvesting the money wisely, made it a defining move.
