The Premier League continues to be the most lucrative football competition globally, with massive financial backing from sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and wealthy club owners. This influx of money has led to some record-breaking transfer fees, with top-tier clubs willing to invest astronomical amounts to secure the best talent. The summer and winter transfer windows over the past few years have seen several record signings, with some transfers standing out for their eye-watering figures. Here, we take a look at the 10 most expensive Premier League transfers of all time.

10. Jadon Sancho – €85m (From Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, 2021)

After a prolonged transfer saga, Manchester United finally signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for €85 million. This move had been heavily discussed since the previous year, and Man United’s persistence paid off when they secured the England international. Sancho was expected to be the final piece of the attacking puzzle at Old Trafford. However, despite a promising start, Sancho struggled with form and fitness and was loaned back to Dortmund in 2024 after a public fallout with manager Erik ten Hag.

9. Harry Maguire – €87m (From Leicester City to Manchester United, 2019)

In 2019, Manchester United made Harry Maguire the world’s most expensive defender at the time, paying €87 million to Leicester City. Maguire’s arrival was a statement of intent, and he quickly became the club’s captain. However, after an initial period of promise, his performances became inconsistent, and he was eventually stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023. Despite interest from other clubs, Maguire remains at United, but his future at the club looks uncertain.

8. Josko Gvardiol – €90m (From RB Leipzig to Manchester City, 2023)

Josko Gvardiol’s €90 million move to Manchester City in 2023 made him the most expensive defender in Premier League history at the time. The Croatian defender was highly sought after following a standout season with RB Leipzig and an impressive World Cup. His ability to play both as a left-back and a center-back made him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. Gvardiol had an excellent first season with City, showcasing his versatility and composure in defense.

7. Antony – €95m (From Ajax to Manchester United, 2022)

On Transfer Deadline Day in the summer of 2022, Manchester United completed the €95 million signing of Antony from Ajax. Despite initially struggling to reach the levels expected of him, the Brazilian winger was seen as a priority signing for manager Erik ten Hag. However, his performances fell short of expectations, and Antony was often criticized for not living up to the hefty price tag. His inconsistent form at United has overshadowed the potential he showed in the Eredivisie.

6. Paul Pogba – €105m (From Juventus to Manchester United, 2016)

Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-world record €105 million was one of the most high-profile transfers of the decade. After leaving United for Juventus four years earlier, Pogba was brought back to Old Trafford to strengthen the midfield. While he delivered moments of brilliance, such as his standout performances against Manchester City, Pogba’s inconsistency and off-field distractions meant he never fully lived up to the expectations that came with his price tag. He left United for Juventus again in 2022, after his time at Old Trafford was marked by frustration.

5. Romelu Lukaku – €113m (From Inter Milan to Chelsea, 2021)

Romelu Lukaku made a sensational return to Chelsea in 2021 for €113 million after a successful stint at Inter Milan, where he had helped the club win Serie A. Lukaku scored on his debut but soon fell out of favor with manager Thomas Tuchel, especially after his controversial interview expressing his desire to return to Inter. Lukaku was loaned back to Inter for the 2022-23 season and has since had a turbulent career, with a transfer to Roma in 2023-24 and a permanent move to Napoli in 2024 for €30 million, far below his original transfer fee.

4. Moises Caicedo – €116m (From Brighton to Chelsea, 2023)

In one of the most intense transfer sagas of the summer of 2023, Chelsea secured the services of Moises Caicedo for €116 million after a dramatic bidding war with Liverpool. The Ecuadorian midfielder had a standout season at Brighton and was seen as the perfect addition to Chelsea’s midfield rebuild. Despite high expectations, Caicedo has struggled to find consistency at Stamford Bridge, and the hefty fee paid for him has put pressure on his performances moving forward.

3. Declan Rice – €116.6m (From West Ham to Arsenal, 2023)

Declan Rice’s €116.6 million move from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023 smashed the Gunners’ transfer record and made the England international the third-most expensive Premier League signing ever. Rice’s leadership, passing ability, and defensive prowess made him a key target for both Manchester City and Arsenal. He chose the latter after a stellar career at West Ham, which included captaining the club to Europa Conference League glory. Rice has settled in well at Arsenal, contributing to their title push in the 2023-24 season.

2. Jack Grealish – €117.5m (From Aston Villa to Manchester City, 2021)

In the summer of 2021, Manchester City broke the British transfer record when they signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for €117.5 million. Grealish’s move came after a season in which he was one of the Premier League’s most exciting players, showcasing his creativity and ability to drive the team forward. Although his first season was somewhat underwhelming, Grealish played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic treble in 2023, including their Champions League triumph. Despite struggling in his third season, Grealish’s impact at City has been undeniable.

1. Enzo Fernandez – €121m (From Benfica to Chelsea, 2023)

Enzo Fernandez holds the record as the most expensive Premier League signing of all time. Chelsea paid a staggering €121 million to bring the World Cup-winning midfielder from Benfica in January 2023. Fernandez had only joined Benfica six months earlier, but his performances in Qatar, where he was named the best young player of the tournament, sparked intense interest. Chelsea, under new owner Todd Boehly, were willing to meet the release clause to secure Fernandez. However, the 22-year-old has yet to justify the immense fee, and his struggles at Chelsea have sparked debate about the sustainability of such high transfer fees.

Conclusion

The Premier League has witnessed some incredible transfer deals, with clubs willing to break records to secure top talent. While some of these signings have proven to be successful, others have struggled to live up to the enormous price tags attached to them. Regardless, these transfers highlight the ongoing arms race in the Premier League, where money flows freely, and clubs are continuously striving to improve their squads to compete at the highest level. As the league continues to attract elite players, it will be fascinating to see if any of these record transfers can live up to their billing.