The 10 Most Expensive English Strikers of All Time – Ranked

June 8, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

English strikers have long commanded hefty price tags, with clubs across Europe willing to invest big in proven goal scorers. From Premier League giants to ambitious challengers abroad, the market value of English forwards continues to rise. This list highlights the 10 most expensive English strikers of all time, ranked by their transfer fees converted to British pounds.

Starting from Danny Ings at No. 10 and ending with Harry Kane’s record-breaking move to Bayern Munich, each transfer tells a story of expectation, ambition, and occasionally, redemption.

10. Danny Ings – £25M

Danny Ings completed a notable move from Southampton to Aston Villa ahead of the 2021/22 season. The £25 million transfer was seen as a statement by Villa as they looked to bolster their attack after Jack Grealish’s departure. Ings brought proven Premier League experience and a solid goal-scoring record to Villa Park.

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9. Eddie Nketiah – £25.25M

In the summer of 2024, Crystal Palace splashed £25.25 million to lure Eddie Nketiah away from Arsenal. The young striker had shown flashes of potential in North London but was never fully established as a starter. Palace offered him the opportunity for regular top-flight minutes in a pivotal career move.

8. Ollie Watkins – £28.9M

Aston Villa signed Ollie Watkins from Brentford in 2020 for £28.9 million following his impressive campaign in the Championship. Watkins quickly adapted to the Premier League and became a crucial part of Villa’s attack. His pace, pressing, and eye for goal made him one of the smartest signings that summer.

7. Liam Delap – £30.3M

Liam Delap made headlines in 2025/26 with a surprise £30.3 million transfer from Ipswich Town to Chelsea. The promising forward, son of Rory Delap, had impressed in the Championship and caught the eye of top clubs. Chelsea’s big investment signaled their belief in his long-term potential at Stamford Bridge.

6. Wayne Rooney – £31.45M

One of the most iconic transfers in English football history came in 2004 when Manchester United paid £31.45 million to sign Wayne Rooney from Everton. At just 18 years old, Rooney was already making waves and would go on to become United’s all-time top scorer. The fee was enormous at the time and proved worth every penny.

5. Andy Carroll – £34.85M

Liverpool made a bold move in January 2011 by spending £34.85 million to bring Andy Carroll from Newcastle United. Seen as a direct replacement for Fernando Torres, Carroll struggled with injuries and consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance, the hefty price tag ultimately weighed heavily on his Anfield spell.

4. Tammy Abraham – £34.85M

Tammy Abraham left Chelsea for Roma in 2021 in a deal worth £34.85 million. The move to Serie A under José Mourinho gave him a fresh start and the chance to be a leading man. Abraham thrived in Italy, quickly becoming a fan favorite and delivering consistent goals in all competitions.

3. Ivan Toney – £35.7M

In one of the headline transfers of 2024/25, Ivan Toney joined Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli for £35.7 million from Brentford. After serving a ban and returning to form, Toney was courted by several clubs but opted for the lucrative Middle Eastern offer. His move highlighted the growing financial muscle of Saudi football.

2. Dominic Solanke – £54.65M

Tottenham made waves in 2024/25 by signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for £54.65 million. After years of steady improvement, Solanke had a breakout season that caught Spurs’ attention. The deal raised eyebrows, but Tottenham clearly believed he could become their next long-term No. 9.

1. Harry Kane – £80.75M

Topping the list is Harry Kane’s blockbuster £80.75 million switch from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in 2023. After years of loyalty and record-breaking performances in North London, Kane sought silverware in Germany. The transfer ended one of the longest-running sagas in modern football and marked a new chapter in his legendary career.