Today it is no longer a surprise to hear about mind-blowing figures in the transfer market, sums like 50 million for a single player are a routine. Especially in the last decade, defenders and goalkeepers are also paid millions. However, it is mostly the attackers who are the absolute protagonists of the purchases, with figures like Neymar and Mbappé who have cost PSG a good 400 million euros.
This is possible because the football market is a real financial battlefield. Through it, the world’s biggest clubs can show their willingness to invest to achieve sporting and commercial success. In fact, many other sectors depend on the continuous evolution of the football market: advertising and sponsorships, media and broadcasting, online betting and physical and merchandising for fans.
Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe
With a fee of €222 million in 2017, PSG activated the release clause in the Brazilian player’s contract, making him the most expensive player of all time. Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona made him the most talked about. Not only did it raise the profile of the Parisian club, but it also set new economic standards in the transfer market.
The following year, in 2018, PSG faced another big purchase in Kylian Mbappé. The French phenomenon from Monaco signed an initial loan agreement with an obligation to buy for a total of 180 million euros. His transfer benefited the team above all, consolidating it as one of the most ambitious clubs in Europe.
Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé
Between 2017 and 2019, the Barcelona club also dedicated itself to some particularly expensive but essential purchases. Starting from the highest sum, we find Philippe Coutinho for a transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona for a total figure of 160 million euros, bonuses included. The Brazilian midfielder was seen as the ideal replacement for Neymar, but his experience at Camp Nou did not live up to expectations, leading the Catalan club to loan him to Bayern Munich and subsequently to other clubs.
Another significant transfer was that of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona for 120 million euros. The Catalan club has banked on the French striker to strengthen their offensive department, although Griezmann’s adaptation to Barcelona’s system has not been immediate.
Finally, we find the transfer of Ousmane Dembélé from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017 for 105 million euros. This was one of the most discussed transfers. Despite his undeniable talent, the French striker had to struggle on several occasions with injuries that limited his performance.
John Felix
Atlético Madrid surprised everyone when they announced the purchase of the young Portuguese talent João Félix from Benfica for 126 million euros in 2019. This transfer was a significant gamble for the Spanish club, who saw in Félix the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo
In July 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Juventus for €117 million, marking one of the most significant transfers in football history. After nine successful seasons with Real Madrid, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, Ronaldo sought new challenges, finding them in the Italian Serie A.
The impact of his move was immediate and profound. From financial point of viewJuventus’ share price increased, and new sponsors were attracted, strengthening existing partnerships. On the pitch, Ronaldo contributed crucial goals and assists, helping Juventus maintain their dominance in the Italian league.
Eden Hazard
In June 2019, Eden Hazard was bought by Real Madrid from Chelsea for a fee of around €115 million. This transfer was highly anticipated, as Hazard was considered one of the best players in the world after having had a very successful period in the Premier League. However, his adventure in Madrid was marked by many difficulties.
After seven successful seasons with Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup, Hazard was looking for a new challenge. Real Madrid, eager to find a new leader for their attack following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, saw Hazard as the ideal player to fill that void.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a fee of €105 million, becoming the most expensive transfer ever at the time. Despite his ups and downs, Pogba has played a crucial role in the Red Devils’ midfield.
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013 was a revolutionary moment in the transfer market, setting a new world record of €100 million. The transfer had a significant impact both on and off the pitch, making Bale one of the most talked about and influential players of the decade.
Bale’s purchase had an immediate impact on Real Madrid’s finances. Sales of Bale-related shirts and merchandise skyrocketed, demonstrating his global popularity. Sponsorships and partnerships were strengthened by his presence at the club. The record transfer fee also raised Real Madrid’s profile as a club willing to make significant investments to remain competitive at the highest level.