Top 10 most expensive transfers in summer 2023

Premier League clubs have made some of the most expensive transfers in the 2023 window

The summer transfer window is often a thrilling period for football fans worldwide, as clubs across the globe make significant investments in acquiring top talent to bolster their squads. In the summer of 2023, some of the biggest footballing giants are likely to engage in high-profile and expensive player transfers.

Clubs with substantial financial resources may break transfer records to secure coveted stars. These high-stakes transfers have the potential to reshape the football landscape and ignite excitement for the upcoming season, as fans eagerly anticipate the impact of their newly acquired stars on the pitch.

The top 10 most expensive transfers involve world-class players moving between the most prestigious leagues, such as the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and Saudi Pro League:

12. Ruben Neves - £47m (Wolves to Al-Hilal)

The Portugal star was one of the SPL's surprise signings in recent weeks after he was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona before he decided to join Al-Hilal. There is no doubt money has played a significant role in the Middle Eastern country's success in bringing some big-name players to their league. The 26-year-old former Wolves player is currently the ninth-most expensive signing of this transfer window after a deal worth €55 million was done.

11. Manuel Ugarte - £51.2m (Sporting Lisbon to PSG)

The 22-year-old completed his move to Parc des Princes after the French champions beat off competition from Chelsea for his signature. Ugarte's career has developed from that of a skinny teenager handed a few irrelevant minutes to a top European talent.

He is now seen by Paris Saint-Germain as the answer to their defensive-midfield woes. This is a player who has developed at a rapid rate and cleared every hurdle that European football has presented so far. Ugarte is perhaps best described as a ball-winning midfielder.

10. Malcom - £51.4m (Zenit to Al-Hilal)

Former Barcelona forward Malcom became another big-money signing in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal bought him for a massive fee and paid 50% in advance. The 26-year-old has also made two appearances for Brazil.

9. Christopher Nkunku - £52m (RB Leipzig to Chelsea)

The Frenchman's proposed switch to Stamford Bridge was the worst-kept secret in football over the past year, as he reportedly passed a medical and agreed to sign for the Blues back in December. Chelsea had to wait until the end of the 2022-23 season to trigger his release clause.

The France international went on to record 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga club, RB Leipzig, winning two DFB-Pokal titles along the way. Nkunku will look to solve Pochettino's problem of having a prolific goal scorer.

8. Sandro Tonali - £52m plus £8m add-ons (AC Milan to Newcastle United)

Once seen as Italy great Andrea Pirlo’s heir, 23-year-old Tonali helped guide Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years in the 2021-22 season and he was a key figure in their run to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

A versatile midfielder, he played more games than any other Milan player last season. Newcastle United after qualifying for the Champions League have made some good signings, Tonali is one of them, the Italian has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club worth €64M, which makes him the most expensive Italian player of all time.

7. Mason Mount - £55m plus £5m add-ons (Chelsea to Manchester United)

Manchester United confirmed the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth around 65 Million, the Blues and Mount were in talks for months over possibly extending his stay at Stamford Bridge. However, an agreement could not be reached.

As soon as Manchester United came into the picture Mount's interest shifted to the Red Devils, Ten Hag's plan to bring success to the club helped Mount make his decision to switch. He expressed that it is going to be an exciting new challenge for his career.

6. Dominik Szoboszlai - £60m (RB Leipzig to Liverpool)

Szoboszlai has come through the Red Bull academy, first playing for Red Bull Salzburg, and later moving on to RB Leipzig, where he developed into one of the more eye-catching players. The 22-year-old made a total of 91 appearances for the Bundesliga club, scoring 20 goals and providing 22 assists. 

Liverpool will have a new midfield this season as Fabinho and Henderson are set to leave, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai signing we can expect the duo to herald a new midfield revolution at Anfield, with the pre-season going on, there have been glimpses of the new midfield that we are going to see in this upcoming season for Jurgen Klopp's side.

5. Kai Havertz - £65m (Chelsea to Arsenal)

Kai Havertz’s cross-capital switch from Chelsea to Arsenal makes Havertz a part of the transformation that Arteta is looking to make in the 2023-24 season. He will play alongside two young midfielders- Declan Rice and Odegaard.

Arsenal agreed to a €70M deal with Chelsea, which makes him the second most expensive German transfer, Havertz sits at the top of the most expensive German list as his move from Leverkusen to Chelsea is one of the most expensive transfers in German football history.

4. Harry Kane - £100m (Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich finally got their man after spending a lot of amount on him. They were unable to sign Harry Kane as Spurs were demanding more money for their striker. However, Bayern were determined to sign him and Kane went to Germany.

The Englishman created a goal within the first five minutes into hi Bundesliga debut. He then scored his first goal for the club.

3. Jude Bellingham - £88m plus £25.6m add-ons (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid)

The England international joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City back in 2020 and went on to record 24 goals and 25 assists in 132 appearances for the Bundesliga giants. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world right now.

The 20-year-old was linked with Manchester City and Liverpool, but he opted to continue his development under two of the best midfielders of all time, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Bellingham's move to Santiago Bernabeu was first announced by Borussia Dortmund, with the German club also confirming the huge €103 million transfer fee.

2. Declan Rice - £100m plus £5m add-ons (West Ham United to Arsenal)

The 24-year-old midfielder already has some vast experience, having made 245 senior appearances for the Hammers as well as winning 43 caps for the Three Lions. Rice started his career at Chelsea before joining the West Ham Academy in 2014. He spent nine years at the London club, and his moment came when he captained the West Ham side that won the UEFA Europa Conference league and was named the Player of the Season by UEFA.

Rice recently completed his Arsenal signing after having a tough time with the particular transfer. He is a high-quality, young international player who will add great strength to Arteta's squad, fitting well into their strategy of competing with young, talented players at the centre of the club.

1. Moises Caicedo - £100m plus £15m add-ons (Brighton to Chelsea)

Moises Caicedo became the most expensive signing of the summer after completing his move from Brighton to Chelsea. The Blues were desperate to add the young midfielder to their team and signed him for a British record fee.

Caicedo had a debut to forget for the Blues. He gave away a penalty in his first match against West Ham United.