Most Expensive Bundesliga Transfers of All Time – Ranked
The Bundesliga has seen some eye-watering transfer deals over the years, both in terms of imports and exports. While some of these players justified their lofty price tags, others sparked debate. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 25 most expensive Bundesliga transfers ever, starting from number 25 to the record-breaking number 1.
25. João Palhinha – £43.35M (Fulham to Bayern Munich, 2024)
The Portuguese defensive midfielder finally made his long-awaited move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024. After a failed transfer in 2023, the Bavarians returned with a solid offer to land one of the Premier League’s most consistent enforcers.
24. Timo Werner – £45.05M (RB Leipzig to Chelsea, 2020)
Werner’s prolific Bundesliga form earned him a high-profile switch to Chelsea in 2020. Though his time in England was mixed, his transfer marked a turning point in Leipzig’s selling power.
23. Michael Olise – £45.05M (Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich, 2024)
Bayern snapped up the French winger in 2024 following an impressive Premier League campaign. Known for his flair and creativity, Olise’s move was part of a generational refresh at the Allianz Arena.
Read also: The 20 Most Valuable Strikers in World Football - Ahead of the 2025/2026 Season
22. Moussa Diaby – £46.75M (Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa, 2023)
The French speedster left Leverkusen for Aston Villa in a bold career move. His direct style and attacking flair made him a marquee signing for the Premier League club.
21. Dani Olmo – £46.75M (RB Leipzig to FC Barcelona, 2024)
Olmo returned to Spain after several impressive seasons in Germany. His versatility and technical brilliance made him a natural fit for Barcelona’s attacking setup.
20. Naby Keïta – £51M (RB Leipzig to Liverpool, 2018)
Keïta’s energetic midfield play caught the eye of Jürgen Klopp, who brought him to Liverpool in 2018. The transfer fee made him one of Leipzig’s biggest financial successes.
19. Erling Haaland – £51M (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, 2022)
One of the most feared strikers in Europe, Haaland joined Manchester City in 2022. His release clause made the move possible, despite his value likely being far higher.
Read also: 23 Favourites to Win the 2025/26 PFA Player of the Year – Ranked
18. Christopher Nkunku – £51M (RB Leipzig to Chelsea, 2023)
Nkunku’s dynamic performances for Leipzig earned him a big-money move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea hoped his creativity and goal threat would add much-needed spark.
17. Luka Jović – £53.55M (Eintracht Frankfurt to Real Madrid, 2019)
After a standout season with Frankfurt, Jović secured a major move to Madrid. However, his time in Spain failed to match the explosive form he showed in Germany.
16. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £54.23M (Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal, 2018)
Aubameyang's prolific goal scoring made him a prized asset for Arsenal. The move was one of the biggest winter deals in Premier League history.
15. Christian Pulisic – £54.4M (Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea, 2019)
Pulisic became the most expensive American player ever when he joined Chelsea. His technical ability and marketability were key factors in the move.
Read also: Premier League Clubs Ranked by Non-Home-Grown Players
14. Jamie Gittens – £54.66M (Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea, 2025)
Chelsea’s faith in youth continued with the acquisition of Gittens from Dortmund. The English winger was seen as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects.
13. Matthijs de Ligt – £56.95M (Juventus to Bayern Munich, 2022)
Bayern invested heavily in the Dutch center-back to bolster their defensive line. De Ligt brought experience, physicality, and leadership to the back four.
12. Dominik Szoboszlai – £59.5M (RB Leipzig to Liverpool, 2023)
The Hungarian international impressed with his vision and long-range strikes. His move to Anfield further highlighted Liverpool’s admiration for Bundesliga talent.
11. Omar Marmoush – £63.75M (Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City, 2025)
A surprise entry, Marmoush’s rapid rise led to a massive transfer to City. His technical growth and versatility made him a standout performer in Frankfurt.
Read also: The 25 Greatest Goalscorers of the 21st Century - Ranked
10. Kevin De Bruyne – £64.6M (Wolfsburg to Manchester City, 2015)
De Bruyne’s departure marked one of the most profitable exits for a Bundesliga club. He quickly became a Premier League icon and central to City’s dominance.
9. Lucas Hernández – £68M (Atlético Madrid to Bayern Munich, 2019)
Bayern made Hernández the most expensive defender in Bundesliga history at the time. Despite injury struggles, he offered grit and tactical intelligence.
8. Kai Havertz – £68M (Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea, 2020)
A generational talent, Havertz’s move to Chelsea underlined his elite potential. He later scored the winner in a Champions League final, validating the fee.
7. Jadon Sancho – £72.25M (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, 2021)
Sancho’s dazzling displays at Dortmund made him a top target. His big-money move back to England was the culmination of years of hype and development.
Read also: The 26 Highest-Paid Liverpool Players - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
6. Joško Gvardiol – £76.5M (RB Leipzig to Manchester City, 2023)
The Croatian defender became one of the most expensive center-backs in history. City invested heavily in his composure, physicality, and ball-playing ability.
5. Harry Kane – £80.75M (Tottenham to Bayern Munich, 2023)
In a blockbuster move, Kane swapped North London for Bavaria. Bayern hoped his experience and finishing would be the final piece of their European puzzle.
4. Randal Kolo Muani – £80.75M (Eintracht Frankfurt to PSG, 2023)
Kolo Muani’s explosive rise caught PSG’s attention, who made him their marquee signing. His blend of pace, strength, and finishing made him a unique threat.
3. Jude Bellingham – £96.05M (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, 2023)
Bellingham’s mature displays at Dortmund earned him a record-breaking switch to Madrid. He was seen as a future Ballon d’Or contender even before the move.
2. Florian Wirtz – £106.25M (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, 2025)
One of Germany’s brightest stars, Wirtz became the second-most expensive Bundesliga export. Liverpool’s trust in youth and creativity made him their summer centerpiece.
1. Ousmane Dembélé – £114.75M (Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, 2017)
Dembele’s sensational rise at Dortmund led to an extraordinary move to Barcelona. Despite injury setbacks, his transfer remains the most expensive in Bundesliga history.
