Over the years, football has witnessed several record-breaking transfers, with top players switching clubs after dazzling performances on the pitch for their previous sides.
While the big-money clubs have consistently flexed their financial power with impressive signings, smaller clubs have also made efforts to compete in the ever-inflating transfer market.
Brazilian star Neymar Junior’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 still stands as the most expensive transfer in history, but a few other high-profile deals have come close in recent years.
In this article, SportPremi takes a look at the top five most expensive transfers in football history.
5. Philippe Coutinho (€135 million, Liverpool to Barcelona):
Brazilian winger Philippe Coutinho is ranked fifth on this list following his €135 million move from Liverpool to Barcelona in January 2018.
Despite a transfer request by the player and three separate bids from the Spanish club, the English side failed to sanction a transfer for the Brazil star.
Coutinho got his wish in January, after a deal was agreed following an improved offer from Barcelona.
He struggled to impress in Spain and had two loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, before leaving for the latter permanently in 2022.
4. Alexander Isak (€145 million, Newcastle United to Liverpool):
Sweden striker Alexander Isak became the most expensive transfer in British football history and the fourth most expensive in history, following his €145 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
The 26-year-old pushed for an exit last summer and refused to train with his teammates until the deal was later agreed on summer transfer deadline day.
He has failed to justify his hefty price tag so far, scoring just a single goal in eight appearances for the Reds.
3. Ousmane Dembele (€148 million, Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona):
French winger Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona as a promising youngster back in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund.
Dembele enjoyed an impressive spell in Spain winning three league titles among other laurels, although his time at the club was blighted by injuries.
He went on to join Paris Saint Germain in 2023, where he has reached his peak and recently won the 2025 Ballon d’Or award after a remarkable 2024-25 campaign.
2. Kylian Mbappe (€180 million, AS Monaco to Paris Saint Germain):
French superstar Kylian Mbappe’s €180 million transfer from AS Monaco to rivals PSG is the second most expensive transfer in football history.
The 26-year-old initially joined the Paris club on loan, before he sealed a permanent move in 2018.
Mbappe went on to become one of the greatest players in the league history, winning six league titles and many other individual laurels.
The France captain left PSG on a free transfer in 2024, sealing a dream move to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.
1. Neymar Junior (€222 million, Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain):
French side PSG triggered the €222 million release clause for Brazilian superstar Neymar to bring him to the club from Barcelona in 2017.
The world record deal smashed the £89 million fee Manchester United had paid for Paul Pogba a year earlier, making him the most expensive transfer in football history.
Neymar went on to achieve greatness at the club, leading them to success in multiple competitions, before departing in 2023.
