Top Premier League Transfers That Shocked The Football World
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The Premier League has witnessed some of the most expensive football transfers in history, with clubs constantly breaking records to sign world-class talent. Here is a list of top-rated shocking transfers in Premier League history, highlighting the fees involved and the impact of these players.
1. Enzo Fernández – Benfica to Chelsea (€121m / £106.8m, 2023)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 01: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge on December 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea broke the British transfer record to secure the services of the Argentine midfielder, who was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. His move showcased Chelsea’s commitment to rebuilding under new ownership.
2. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa to Manchester City (€117.5m / £100m, 2021)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Manchester City unveil new signing Jack Grealish to fans at Etihad Stadium on August 9, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester City splashed out £100m on the English playmaker, making him the most expensive British footballer at the time. Grealish has since played a key role in City’s domestic and European dominance.
3. Romelu Lukaku – Inter Milan to Chelsea (€113m / £97.5m, 2021)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea celebrates scoring the third goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea at Elland Road on May 11, 2022 in Leeds, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Chelsea re-signed the Belgian striker for a huge fee, expecting him to be their long-term solution up front. However, his second stint at Stamford Bridge was short-lived due to inconsistency and tactical mismatch.
4. Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United (€105m / £89m, 2016)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on January 19, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Manchester United made a statement by re-signing Pogba for a then-world record fee. While he had moments of brilliance, inconsistency and injuries marred his second spell at Old Trafford.
5. Antony – Ajax to Manchester United (€95m / £82m, 2022)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Antony of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Bruno Fernandes after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at City Ground on April 16, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United spent heavily on the Brazilian winger, hoping to inject creativity into their attack. His performances have been under scrutiny, with expectations still high.
6. Harry Maguire – Leicester City to Manchester United (€87m / £80m, 2019)
Manchester United’s English defender #05 Harry Maguire celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
United made Maguire the most expensive defender in history, expecting him to solidify their defense. Despite criticism, he remains a key figure in the squad.
7. Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United (€85m / £73m, 2021)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Jadon Sancho of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 3-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on February 19, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sancho’s return to England came with immense expectations, but his adaptation to the Premier League has been challenging, with inconsistent performances.
8. Virgil van Dijk – Southampton to Liverpool (€84.5m / £75m, 2018)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 01: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on March 01, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Liverpool made a record-breaking defensive signing with Van Dijk, who played a crucial role in their Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
9. Kai Havertz – Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea (€80m / £72m, 2020)
PORTO, PORTUGAL – MAY 29: Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Coelho – Pool/Getty Images)
The German attacker struggled for consistency at Chelsea but scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final.
10. Nicolas Pépé – Lille to Arsenal (€79m / £72m, 2019)
BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 16: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the pre season friendly between Arsenal and Everton at M&T Bank Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s record signing struggled to justify his hefty price tag, ultimately leading to his departure on loan.
These high-profile transfers highlight the Premier League’s financial power and clubs’ willingness to spend big to secure top talent. While some signings have justified their fees, others have struggled to live up to expectations, showing that big-money transfers always carry a degree of risk.