Top 10 most expensive U21 transfers of all time

Rising stars, soaring fees: Exploring the priciest U21 transfers in Football history

In the world of football, the pursuit of talent knows no bounds, and clubs are willing to break the bank to secure the services of promising young players. The market for transfers has witnessed astronomical figures with record-breaking fees attached to the brightest prospects. The significant financial investments made in these young talents reflect not only their potential on the field but also the lucrative rewards that await both the club and the player in the future.

The young stars represent the future of the beautiful game, and their transfers have sent shockwaves through the footballing world for so many years now, they symbolize the immense value placed on youth and the anticipation that surrounds their development. Whether they meet the lofty expectations or succumb to the pressures, their journeys will always be remembered.

As the market continues to evolve, we can only imagine the staggering sums that future U21 stars will command, further solidifying their status as the game's most sought-after treasures. Here are the top 10 most expensive U21 transfers of all time:

10. Victor Osimhen-$81M

Napoli completed the signing of forward Victor Osimhen from Lille, Napoli announced the signing of Victor Osimhen in 2020. The deal to bring Osimhen was a club record fee of $81 million including the bonuses. He has been impressive as he has been included in 60 goals since then for Napoli in the Serie A, he was directly involved in 30 goals this season, helping Napoli win the Scudetto this season.

9. Kai Havertz-$86.5M

Chelsea signed the Germany attacking midfielder Kai Havertz on a five-year contract in 2020, the 21-year-old made a move from Bayer Leverkusen to Stamford Bridge for a fee that will rise. Lampard was very keen on signing him and he helped Chelsea clinch the Champions League title after scoring in the Final against Manchester City in 2021. Arsenal is one club that is certainly after him this summer.

8. Wesley Fofana-$87M

The 21-year-old French defender was signed by Chelsea after agreeing a seven-year deal, before joining Chelsea he made 37 Premier League appearances after he joined Leicester from French side Saint-Etienne in 2020. Fofana was part of Brendan Rodgers' starting XI as Leicester won the FA Cup for the first time in their history by beating Chelsea in the 2021 final. The deal with Blues will keep him at Stamford Bridge until at least 2028.

7. Jadon Sancho-$91.9M

After his participation at Euro 2020, the England international became Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's second signing of the summer following the addition of goalkeeper Tom Heaton. He signed a five-year deal at Manchester United, with an option of a further year. The 21-year-old joined the Premier League club after four years in the Bundesliga with Dortmund, where he won the German Cup in his final season and scored 50 goals across 137 appearances.

6. Matthijs de Ligt-$92.4M

Juventus completed the signing of Netherlands centre-back Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax in 2019. The then 19-year-old, who had previously been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona, signed a five-year contract with the Serie A champions. He became the most expensive defender in Serie A history, he was replaced by Torino defender Gleison Bremer in 2022 after he joined the German champions Bayern Munich.

5. Neymar-$95M

Neymar was 21-years-old when he arrived in Barcelona in June 2013 as football's most exciting young talent. The Brazilian spent four years at the Camp Nou in which he won two league titles, three Copa del Rey's and a UEFA Champions League. He became a part of the legendary trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez also known as MSN, they were integral part of the Barcelona squad who went on to rule world football for years.

4. Jude Bellingham-$111.3M

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, the England midfielder has agreed a six-year contract at the Bernabeu. During his time with Dortmund, Bellingham scored 24 goals and provided 25 assists, and was recently named the Bundesliga’s player of the season. They missed out on the title in agonizing fashion on the final day of the campaign, with Bellingham having to watch from the sidelines due to a knee injury. The England international is expected to run Madrid's midfield for years to come.

3. Joao Felix-$137.5M

Atlético Madrid signed 19-year-old striker João Felix from Benfica in 2019, making him the fourth most expensive player of all time. He also became Atletico Madrid's most expensive player surpassing the prize of Thomas Lemar. He went on to enjoy a breakout season in 2018-19, netting 15 goals and providing nine assists in 26 appearances as Benfica reclaimed the Primeira Liga title. Felix has enormous potential, though, and if he makes good on his talent, he could be an amazing talent for years to come.

2. Ousmane Dembele-$146M

Ousmane Dembele was 20-years-old when he was approached by the Spanish side, Barcelona, he was brought from Dortmund after he agreed to sign a five-year deal contract. His signing was the second biggest transfer ever in 2017, Neymar's transfer to Paris St-Germain was the highest ever. Dembele has suffered a lot of injuries during his time in Barcelona, but Barcelona are adamant to sell him because of his capabilities and his speed.

1. Kylian Mbappe - $194.5M

In 2017, Mbappe was announced by Paris St-Germain after the 18-year-old striker joined from Monaco. His performances in Monaco impressed the French club, he was lethal in attacking alongside Bernardo Silva who was a part of the Monaco squad. The 24-year-old attacker has been named the captain of the Paris side now, he has since then won the World Cup once and is one of most influential players in the world right now.