The Record Signing from Every Bundesliga Club – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

The Bundesliga has long been recognized for its mix of powerhouse clubs and rising underdogs, offering exciting football and shrewd talent development. But in recent years, German clubs have increasingly turned to big-money transfers to compete on both domestic and European stages.

From seasoned internationals to breakout stars, each club’s most expensive signing reveals something about their ambition, strategy, and identity. Whether it's Bayern Munich splashing out on a proven superstar or a newly promoted side taking a calculated risk, these transfers represent more than just numbers—they reflect intent.

Below, we break down every Bundesliga club’s record transfer, starting from the smallest investments to the league’s biggest blockbuster. All fees are converted to British Pounds for consistency and clarity.

18. 1. FC Heidenheim – Tim Kleindienst – £3M

Heidenheim made history in 2021/22 when they brought back striker Tim Kleindienst from Gent. The club spent approximately £3 million, their biggest-ever outlay. Kleindienst became a central figure in their push toward top-flight football, known for his physicality and aerial dominance.

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17. FC St. Pauli – Joel Chima Fujita – £3M

Following their long-awaited promotion, St. Pauli invested around £3 million to sign Japanese midfielder Joel Chima Fujita. The 22-year-old arrived with a growing reputation from Japan's top league, bringing composure, energy, and tactical versatility to the newly promoted side.

16. SC Freiburg – Baptiste Santamaría – £8.5M

Freiburg broke their transfer record in 2020/21 with the signing of French midfielder Santamaría for £8.5 million. Known for his defensive awareness and work rate, Santamaría quickly slotted into their disciplined setup, adding steel to the midfield.

15. Mainz 05 – Brajan Gruda – £8.5M

In 2025/26, Mainz matched their record fee when they secured Brajan Gruda for £8.5 million. A rising star from their own ranks, this move signified both commitment to youth and confidence in his future value. He’s expected to be a key attacking threat.

14. Union Berlin – Robin Gosens – £11M

Union made headlines in 2023/24 when they signed Robin Gosens from Inter Milan for £11 million. The left wing-back brought Champions League experience and attacking thrust. His arrival was a statement of intent for Union’s European ambitions.

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13. Werder Bremen – Davy Klaassen – £11.5M

Werder’s record signing dates back to 2018/19, when they paid £11.5 million to land Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen from Everton. Known for his vision and late runs into the box, Klaassen was seen as a key piece in revitalizing Bremen’s midfield.

12. Hamburger SV– Filip Kostić – £12M

Hamburg’s record transfer came when they signed Serbian winger Filip Kostić for £12 million. His blend of pace and delivery from wide areas made him one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent left-sided players in the years that followed.

11. FC Augsburg – Ricardo Pepi – £14M

Augsburg stunned many in 2021/22 by paying £14 million for American teenager Ricardo Pepi. Although he struggled for consistency, the move showed Augsburg’s desire to invest in emerging talent from North America.

10. Hertha BSC – Jhon Córdoba – £14.5M

In 2017/18, Hertha brought in Colombian striker Córdoba for £14.5 million, expecting him to lead the line with power and pace. While his stint was short-lived, he left a notable mark with his aggressive style and goal threat.

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9. TSG Hoffenheim – Adam Hložek – £15.5M

Hoffenheim’s record signing came in the form of Czech forward Adam Hložek for £15.5 million. Versatile and technically gifted, Hložek added youth and dynamism to a squad known for fast, attacking football and player development.

8. Borussia Mönchengladbach – Alassane Pléa – £19.5M

Back in 2018/19, Gladbach spent £19.5 million to sign French forward Alassane Pléa from Nice. With sharp movement and a nose for goal, Pléa became a reliable frontman and contributed significantly in domestic and European matches.

7. Eintracht Frankfurt – Elye Wahi – £22M

Frankfurt broke the bank in 2024/25 for Elye Wahi, paying £22 million for the French striker. Known for his explosiveness and goal instinct, Wahi added star quality to Frankfurt’s evolving attacking line.

6. VfB Stuttgart – Deniz Undav – £22.8M

Stuttgart made a powerful statement by signing Deniz Undav for £22.8 million. The German forward, returning from spells abroad, brought goals and experience to a club with growing ambitions in domestic and European competition.

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5. Borussia Dortmund – Ousmane Dembélé – £30M

In 2016/17, Dortmund spent £30 million on 18-year-old Ousmane Dembélé—an extraordinary talent from Rennes. Though his stint was short, he delivered dazzling performances and later earned Dortmund a huge profit upon his move to Barcelona.

4. Bayer Leverkusen – Jarell Quansah – £30M

Leverkusen raised eyebrows when they secured English center-back Jarell Quansah for £30 million in 2025/26. The young defender arrived with Premier League pedigree and composure beyond his years—ideal for Leverkusen’s title-chasing ambitions.

3. VfL Wolfsburg – Julian Draxler – £36.5M

Wolfsburg’s record deal goes back to 2015/16, when they paid £36.5 million for World Cup winner Julian Draxler. Although he moved on quickly, Draxler brought class and flair to Wolfsburg’s midfield during a pivotal time.

2. RB Leipzig – Xavi Simons – £42.5M

In 2024/25, Leipzig secured Xavi Simons for £42.5 million—a creative dynamo who impressed on loan. His return marks Leipzig’s belief in his potential to lead their attack and continue their tradition of developing elite young talent.

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1. Bayern Munich – Harry Kane – £81.5M

Topping the list is Harry Kane’s blockbuster move to Bayern in 2023/24 for £81.5 million. The English captain brought world-class finishing and leadership, becoming a centerpiece in Bayern’s quest for European dominance.