Football

The 50 Most Expensive Transfers of the 2025/26 Season – Ranked

The 2025/26 transfer window saw clubs across Europe and beyond make bold statements with their checkbooks. From exciting young prospects to established stars changing scenery, the market was buzzing with big-money moves. Here is a ranked breakdown of the 50 most expensive transfers of the season, starting from number 50 to number 1.

50 – Kevin Danso to Tottenham (£21.25M)

Kevin Danso
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Austrian centre-back Kevin Danso made a £21.25 million switch to Tottenham. Known for his strength and tackling, he’ll add depth and leadership to Spurs’ defense.

49 – Noa Lang to Napoli (£21.25M)

Noa Lang
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Dutch winger Noa Lang joined Napoli in a move that enhances their attacking variety. His flair and trickery on the ball make him a dangerous option down the flanks.

48 – Joan García to Barcelona (£21.25M)

Joan García
Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez / Shutterstock.com

Barcelona signed goalkeeper Joan García for £21.25 million to add young talent to their goalkeeping ranks. He’s seen as a long-term investment for the Catalan giants.

Read also: 15 Best Bargain Signings in Premier League History - Ranked

47 – Gerson to Zenit (£21.25M)

Gerson
Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com

Brazilian midfielder Gerson made a return to Europe with a £21.25 million transfer to Zenit. His versatility in midfield will be a valuable asset for the Russian club.

46 – Theo Hernández to Al-Hilal (£21.25M)

Theo Hernández
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Left-back Theo Hernández became the latest big name to join the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal secured him for £21.25 million, adding pace and width to their flank.

45 – Dávid Hancko to Atlético Madrid (£22.10M)

David Hancko
kivnl / Shutterstock.com

Slovakian defender Dávid Hancko moved to Atlético Madrid for £22.10 million. He brings technical skill and defensive versatility to Simeone’s side.

44 – Richard Ríos to Benfica (£22.95M)

richard rios
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Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos signed for Portuguese giants Benfica for £22.95 million. Known for his stamina and presence, he’ll anchor the midfield.

Read also: The 20 Greatest Wingers in Premier League History - Ranked

43 – Jørgen Strand Larsen to Wolves (£22.95M)

jørgen strand larsen
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Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen joined Wolves in a £22.95 million move. His strength and link-up play could be pivotal in the Premier League.

42 – Nico González to Juventus (£23.90M)

Nico Gonzalez
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Nico González made the jump to Serie A with a £23.90 million transfer to Juventus. The right winger is expected to inject pace and creativity into the side.

41 – Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth (£24.57M)

Djordje Petrovic
Photo: Wikicommons.com

Bournemouth brought in Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for £24.57 million. His shot-stopping ability has been drawing attention across Europe.

40 – Thierno Barry to Everton (£25.50M)

Thierno Barry
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

French-Guinean striker Thierno Barry signed for Everton in a £25.50 million deal. The Toffees hope he’ll bring power and goals to their frontline.

Read also: The 20 Most Valuable U21 Transfers of Summer 2025 - Ranked

39 – João Félix to Al-Nassr (£25.50M)

João Félix
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Portuguese attacker João Félix took his talents to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Nassr for £25.50 million. He arrives with expectations to lead creatively.

38 – Igor Paixão to Marseille (£25.50M)

Igor Paixao
kivnl / Shutterstock.com

Marseille secured Brazilian winger Igor Paixão in a £25.50 million transfer. His direct style and technical ability fit well in Ligue 1.

37 – Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund (£25.93M)

Jobe_Bellingham
By Struway2 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117837192

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jobe Bellingham moved to Dortmund for £25.93 million. The German club continues their tradition of developing English talent.

36 – Sam Beukema to Napoli (£26.35M)

Sam Beukema
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Napoli added Dutch centre-back Sam Beukema for £26.35 million. He brings composure and strength to their defense.

Read also: The 100 Best Football Teams in the World (2025) – Ranked

35 – James Trafford to Manchester City (£26.52M)

James Trafford
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Manchester City re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford for £26.52 million. He’s tipped to be a key figure in their future plans.

34 – Habib Diarra to Sunderland (£26.78M)

Habib Diarra
Photo: Wikicommons.com

In a surprise move, Sunderland spent £26.78 million on Habib Diarra. The energetic midfielder offers creativity and defensive work rate.

33 – Francisco Conceição to Juventus (£27.20M)

Francisco Conceição
Antonio Balasco / Shutterstock.com

Francisco Conceição joined Juventus from Porto in a £27.20 million deal. His agility and sharp turns will add dynamism to the flanks.

32 – Estêvão to Chelsea (£28.90M)

Estevao
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Brazilian wonderkid Estêvão became Chelsea’s latest teen signing at £28.90 million. The winger is already being touted as a future star.

Read also: The 10 Most Gifted Manchester United Players of All Time

31 – Charalampos Kostoulas to Brighton (£29.75M)

Charalampos Kostoulas
Giannis Papanikos / Shutterstock.com

Brighton invested £29.75 million in Greek forward Kostoulas. The club continues to scout emerging talent from outside the top five leagues.

30 – Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen (£29.75M)

Jarell Quansah
Photo: Liverpool.com

English centre-back Jarell Quansah made a bold move to Germany, joining Bayer Leverkusen for £29.75 million. The Bundesliga side sees him as a strong long-term addition to their defensive core.

29 – Malik Tillman to Bayer Leverkusen (£29.75M)

Malik Tillman
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Bayer Leverkusen added creativity to their midfield with the signing of Malik Tillman. The US international cost £29.75 million and is expected to thrive in the German system.

28 – Mathys Tel to Tottenham (£29.75M)

Mathys Tel
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

Tottenham invested £29.75 million in French forward Mathys Tel. The dynamic attacker offers speed and versatility in the final third.

27 – Liam Delap to Chelsea (£30.18M)

Liam Delap
By James Cracknell - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157271890

English striker Liam Delap joined Chelsea for £30.18 million. The club continues its trend of snapping up young domestic talent with long-term upside.

26 – Rayan Cherki to Manchester City (£31.03M)

Rayan Cherki
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

French-Algerian playmaker Rayan Cherki was brought to Manchester City for £31.03 million. His flair and vision offer Pep Guardiola another creative outlet.

25 – Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City (£31.28M)

Rayan Ait-Nouri
By Æthelred - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146737385

Manchester City strengthened their left-back options by signing Rayan Aït-Nouri for £31.28 million. His attacking nature makes him a strong fit for City’s possession-based game.

24 – Jean-Clair Todibo to West Ham (£34.00M)

jean-Clair Todibo
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

West Ham secured Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice in a £34 million deal. The French defender adds quality and composure to their backline.

23 – Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool (£34.00M)

Jeremie Frimpong
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong for £34 million to inject pace and attacking thrust at right-back. His Bundesliga form earned him this Premier League switch.

22 – Dan Ndoye to Nottingham Forest (£35.70M)

Dan Ndoye
ErreRoberto / Shutterstock.com

Swiss winger Dan Ndoye joined Nottingham Forest in a major £35.70 million move. His power and direct running could help Forest push higher up the table.

21 – Álex Baena to Atlético Madrid (£35.70M)

Alex Baena
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Spain international Álex Baena moved to Atlético Madrid for £35.70 million. His technical ability and final-third quality fit perfectly in Simeone’s evolving setup.

20 – Jorrel Hato to Chelsea (£37.55M)

Jorrel Hato
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

Dutch defender Jorrel Hato joined Chelsea in a £37.55 million transfer. Known for his tactical intelligence and versatility, he bolsters the Blues’ defensive rotation.

19 – Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid (£38.25M)

Franco Mastantuono
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Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono moved to Real Madrid for £38.25 million. He’s viewed as a long-term project with immense promise.

18 – Milos Kerkez to Liverpool (£39.87M)

Milos Kerkez
Vasiljevic Dimitrije / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool continued their defensive reshaping by acquiring Milos Kerkez for £39.87 million. The left-back has impressed with his aggression and attacking overlaps.

17 – Álvaro Carreras to Real Madrid (£42.50M)

Alvaro,Carreras
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Real Madrid secured Álvaro Carreras in a £42.50 million move. The Spanish full-back adds depth and energy to the team’s wide defensive options.

16 – Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City (£46.75M)

Tijjani Reijnders
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Manchester City added midfield power and distribution by signing Tijjani Reijnders for £46.75 million. His engine and intelligence should thrive under Guardiola.

15 – Noni Madueke to Arsenal (£47.60M)

Noni Madueke
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

English winger Noni Madueke left Chelsea to join rivals Arsenal in a £47.60 million switch. His pace and dribbling make him a dangerous addition on the right wing.

14 – Jamie Gittens to Chelsea (£47.60M)

Jamie Gittens
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea’s wide investment continued with Jamie Gittens, signed for £47.60 million. The young English winger brings flair and unpredictability in one-on-one situations.

13 – Anthony Elanga to Newcastle (£52.20M)

Anthony Elanga
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Newcastle splashed out £52.20 million on Anthony Elanga to sharpen their attacking threat. The Swedish speedster offers verticality and Premier League experience.

12 – Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid (£53.10M)

dean huijsen
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Real Madrid brought in Spanish-Dutch centre-back Dean Huijsen for £53.10 million. The towering defender is seen as a cornerstone for the club’s future backline.

11 – João Pedro to Chelsea (£54.15M)

João Pedro
Photo: premierleague.com

João Pedro joined Chelsea in a £54.15 million move from Brighton. The Brazilian forward provides flexibility up front with excellent movement and link-up play.

10 – Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham (£54.25M)

Mohammed Kudus
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus moved to Tottenham for £54.25 million. His technique, drive, and flair will be a vital creative force in midfield and attack.

9 – Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal (£55.93M)

Viktor Gyökeres
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres joined Arsenal for £55.93 million. His physical presence and finishing offer something different to the Gunners’ frontline.

8 – Mateo Retegui to Al-Qadsiah (£58.00M)

Mateo Retegui
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Argentine-Italian forward Mateo Retegui made a shock move to Saudi side Al-Qadsiah for £58 million. His eye for goal and aerial prowess made him a big-money target.

7 – Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal (£59.50M)

Martin Zubimendi
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Arsenal strengthened their midfield further with Martín Zubimendi for £59.50 million. The Spaniard brings tactical discipline and passing security to Arteta’s side.

6 – Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich (£59.50M)

Luis Diaz
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Colombian winger Luis Díaz switched to Bayern Munich in a £59.50 million deal. His flair and explosive pace should suit the Bundesliga giants perfectly.

5 – Matheus Cunha to Manchester United (£63.07M)

Matheus Cunha
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Manchester United paid £63.07 million to land Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha. He brings creativity and pressing intensity to their forward line.

4 – Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United (£63.75M)

Bryan Mbeumo
By ESTAC Troyes - YouTube: Coupe|Mbeumo : " L' aborder comme un match de championnat – View/save archived versions on archive.org and archive.today", CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157491976

Mbeumo arrived at United for £63.75 million following a standout season at Brentford. The Cameroonian offers elite movement and goal threat from the right.

3 – Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray (£63.75M)

Victor Osihmen
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

In a surprising move, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen transferred to Galatasaray for £63.75 million. The Turkish giants made a huge statement with this marquee signing.

2 – Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool (£68.00M)

Hugo Ekitike
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

French forward Hugo Ekitiké joined Liverpool for £68 million. The young attacker is viewed as a long-term replacement for the club’s outgoing front men.

1 – Florian Wirtz to Liverpool (£106.25M)

Florian Wirtz
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

The most expensive transfer of the 2025/26 season saw German star Florian Wirtz move to Liverpool for a staggering £106.25 million. A true generational talent, he is expected to be the heartbeat of Klopp’s evolving attack.