The 10 Most Expensive Goal Contributions in Football History
When clubs pay top dollar for attacking talent, they expect goals and assists in return. However, not all big-money signings deliver value on the pitch. Here's a look at the ten players across Europe’s top five leagues who have cost the most per goal contribution (G/A), based on at least 50 appearances for their club.
10. Rasmus Højlund – €2.4M per G/A
Manchester United spent €78 million on the Danish striker, expecting him to lead the line for years to come. So far, he’s registered 32 goal contributions, resulting in a cost of €2.4 million per G/A. While he has shown flashes of promise, his price tag remains a heavy weight.
9. Christopher Nkunku – €2.6M per G/A
Chelsea signed Nkunku for €60 million, hoping he’d be a creative force in attack. But injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact to just 23 goal contributions, meaning the club has paid €2.6 million per G/A so far.
8. Jack Grealish – €2.9M per G/A
Manchester City splashed out €117.5 million for Grealish in what was a record-breaking transfer. Despite winning trophies, his individual output has been modest, with 40 G/A, equaling €2.9 million per contribution.
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7. Mykhailo Mudryk – €3.3M per G/A
Chelsea’s €70 million gamble on Mudryk has yet to pay off. The Ukrainian winger has managed 21 goal contributions, meaning he currently costs the Blues €3.3 million per G/A – a steep price for inconsistent performances.
6. Pedro Neto – €3.3M per G/A
Chelsea signed Pedro Neto for €60 million, expecting a dynamic wide threat. But with only 18 goal contributions, he comes in at €3.3 million per G/A, putting him among the league’s least efficient attackers.
5. Umar Sadiq – €3.3M per G/A
Real Sociedad invested €20 million in Sadiq, but have seen just 6 goal contributions in return. That translates to €3.3 million per G/A, making him one of the least efficient forwards in Europe’s top leagues.
4. Fábio Silva – €3.6M per G/A
Wolverhampton Wanderers spent €40 million on the young Portuguese striker, hoping he’d blossom into a top scorer. However, with only 11 goal contributions, each one has cost the club €3.6 million – a disappointing return.
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3. Jadon Sancho – €4.7M per G/A
Manchester United hoped Sancho would become a star after paying €85 million for his services. But with just 18 goal contributions, he has cost the club €4.7 million per G/A, raising serious questions about his future at Old Trafford.
2. Randal Kolo Muani – €5.3M per G/A
PSG invested €95 million in Kolo Muani to bolster their attack. With 18 G/A since joining, his contribution cost sits at €5.3 million per goal involvement – a number far above expectations for a striker of his profile.
1. Antony – €5.6M per G/A
Topping the list is Manchester United’s Antony, who cost the club €95 million. After more than 50 matches, he has produced only 17 goal contributions, making each one worth a staggering €5.6 million. It's the highest cost-per-output ratio among all players analyzed – not exactly the kind of history United hoped to make.
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