Sportsmoney

Top 10 most expensive transfers of all time ranked as Moises Caicedo enters list

Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo has ended a summer of speculation by sealing his switch to Chelsea from Brighton for a new British record transfer fee of £115m

At just 21, the Ecuadorian midfielder has already entered the record books following his £115m move from Brighton to Chelsea. Opting to head to Stamford Bridge after turning down Liverpool, it means the man who only a year ago was playing on loan at Belgian side Beerschot now holds the British transfer record.

And the fee involved also catapults him into the list of the top 10 most expensive footballers of all time, bumping Paul Pogba down to No.11. Now the question remains as to whether Chelsea’s new star will live up to the billing having been instrumental in Brighton qualifying for Europe last season.

Mirror Football has reflected on the 10 most expensive transfers of all time prior to Caicedo’s move. And we rank those who were worth the money, along with those who definitely weren’t….

Moises Caicedo explains £115m Chelsea transfer after snubbing Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp

1: Neymar £198m (Barcelona to PSG, 2017)
Six years on from the transfer that shook for the world, Neymar leaves for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia without a Ballon D’or to his name or a Champions League title with the Parisians.

There was 118 club goals, numerous moments of brilliance, five Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France wins – but the man charged with elevating PSG to the European glory they craved ultimately fell short of his task. It’s a brutal standard to hold him to, but then £198m is brutal money.

2: Kylian Mbappe £163m (Monaco to PSG, 2018)
A total of 212 goals in 260 games is a staggering ratio regardless of the domestic dominance of the team you’re in.

Mbappe’s star has undoubtedly shone brighter since he made his own move to Paris, but like Neymar, you sense that if there is no Champions League winners medal in their grasp by the time he inevitably heads to Real Madrid, the jigsaw will remain incomplete. On the field, Mbappe has been worth the money, but the current power struggles and transfer sagas off it could yet see him walk away a villain.

3: Philippe Coutinho £138m (Liverpool to Barcelona, 2018)
Philippe Coutinho winning three league titles and a Champions League after leaving Liverpool suggests a man who lit up the Nou Camp alongside Lionel Messi and co.

In truth, he spent one-and-a-half underwhelming years in Spain before tasting European glory on loan at Bayern Munich, returned to Barca but failed to hold down a first team place, and was eventually shipped off to Aston Villa for £17million. The Brazilian who wowed so regularly in red may argue the medals were worth the move – but that would mask the reality of a precocious talent who saw his career stall.

4: Ousmane Dembele £127m (Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, 2017)
If a loss of form plagued Coutinho at Barcelona, then it was injury woes that did for Ousmane Dembele.

The amount of add-ons that came with the initial fee for the Frenchman underlined how the Spanish giants saw him as a star of the future, but during his six years in LaLiga, only once did he hit the 30-game mark in a league season.

He’s now joined PSG on a £43m deal, and like Coutinho, has represented a huge net loss for the Spanish giants. At 26, Dembele still has time to prove his place among the elite, as he often did in flashes in Spain, but steering clear of the treatment table will be critical.

5: Jude Bellingham £115m (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, 2023)
In this era of a madly inflated market, an initial £88.5m fee potentially rising to £115m represents a good price for a player with the limitless potential of Bellingham.

The early signs are good, with the England star impressing – and scoring – on his LaLiga debut at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. To say there is a long way to go for him at the Bernabau would be a ludicrous understatement, but this is one extortionate deal that may just end up being worth every penny for Real.

6: Joao Felix £106m (Benfica to Atletico Madrid, 2019)
The 2023/24 campaign could be a defining one in the career of potentially mercurial Joao Felix.

He was 19 when he joined Atletico in a deal that made him the second most expensive teenager in history, behind Mbappe. Injury issues hampered his first two seasons before his apparent breakthrough, winning the club’s player of the year award in 2021/22. But a subsequent fallout with Diego Simeone saw him sent to Chelsea on loan last January.

The Blues have opted not to pursue a permanent move, with Felix now fighting to get back in favour under Simeone. In order to justify the fee, he needs to.

7: Enzo Fernandez £104m (Benfica to Chelsea, 2023)
One performance doesn’t make a player, especially one that cost £104 million.

But the display of Enzo Fernandez against Liverpool on Sunday was enough to excite fans that Mauricio Pochettino has the playmaker he needs to bring success back to Stamford Bridge. And the 2022 World Cup winner will soon be complimented in the middle by having Caicedo alongside him, a partnership which oozes promise.

Fernandez has shown enough to suggest he can be a long-term Premier League star. And just as well, he’s tied down to Chelsea for eight-and-a-half-years after all.

8: Antoine Griezmann £103m (Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, 2019)
There are two schools of thought over Antoine Griezmann’s spell at Barcelona.

Some viewed him as a flop whose fee unnecessarily contributed to Barca’s current financial woes before he was sent packing back to Atletico. Others argued that often deployed out of position, his displays merited far more credit that the merciless Spanish media were prepared to give him.

Griezmann is now back at Atletico for a relatively paltry £17m fee. Regardless of mitigating factors, it was stint that represented another financial disaster for Barca. There’s a theme developing here.

9: Jack Grealish £100m (Aston Villa to Manchester City, 2021)
If we were rating this move 12 months ago, the analysis would have fallen short of complimentary.

Fast forward a year, and the player who underwhelmed in his first season at the Etihad has since played a pivotal role in their 2022/23 treble. Work rate, creativity, threat – the 27-year-old now looks the player that Guardiola envisaged him being when he sanctioned the eye-watering fee to get him from Aston Villa.

The challenge for Grealish now, is to maintain standards. Should he do so, the extortionate fee will soon be forgotten.

10: Romelu Lukaku £97m (Inter Milan to Chelsea, 2021)
He scored just eight Premier League goals in his first season, was sent back to Inter Milan on loan as Chelsea played a season without a recognised striker, and then the Blues rejected the chance to have him back.

Sportsmoney

How Club Strategies Are Redefining Global Football

In today’s football landscape, success isn’t just defined by trophies—it’s also about strategic planning, smart investments, and long-term sustainability. Clubs around the world are evolving their models to stay competitive both on the pitch and in the global sports market.

Premier League’s Strategic Shift

English football remains a global powerhouse. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham are not only competing for titles but also building global brands. Massive investments in star players, state-of-the-art facilities, and fan engagement campaigns reflect a deep commitment to both performance and commercial growth.

But with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations getting stricter, these clubs are now rethinking their approach. The focus is shifting from simply spending big to recruiting smart, investing in youth academies, and using data analytics to gain a competitive edge.

Underdogs with Strong Identity

Smaller clubs across Europe are proving that success can come from authenticity and consistency. Athletic Bilbao, for example, only fields players from the Basque region yet consistently competes in La Liga and Europe. Similarly, Bodo/Glimt and Djurgarden emphasize local development, tactical discipline, and loyal fan support.

These clubs show that staying true to a clear identity and long-term vision can challenge even the biggest names in football.

Private Equity and the Power Game

The role of private equity is also growing fast. Investment firms like Bruin Capital and TJC have merged several football agencies into a new entity—As1—worth $310 million and representing over 300 players.

This signals a new era where football isn’t just driven by passion but also by high-level financial strategy. Agencies, clubs, and investors are now part of a bigger ecosystem that shapes player careers, sponsorships, and even fan experiences.

What the Future Holds

The game is changing—and clubs that adapt will lead. Future success will rely on:
Developing homegrown talent
Balancing books with ambition
Building a strong community around the club
Leveraging technology and data
In this era, winning isn’t just about scoring more—it’s about thinking smarter.

Sportsmoney

REVEALED! 10 Highest Paid Footballers In 2024: Mbappe Drops Down, Messi Missing

Footballers have seen their wages skyrocket over the last few decades and a lot of clubs are willing to offer eye-watering contracts to big-name players.

While the Premier League and La Liga used to be the biggest spenders in terms of player wages, the Saudi Pro League have flexed their financial muscles in the last two years.

Note: All figures mentioned are before tax and don’t include any sponsorship and endorsement deals.

10. Kevin De Bruyne – £400,000-per-week
De Bruyne has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Manchester City and is earning £400,000-per-week, making him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.

But his contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season and the 33-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, which would move him further up this list.

“At my age you have to be open to everything,” De Bruyne said. “You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.

“If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money. Before that I had to play football for 15 years. I may not even reach that amount yet.”

9. Ivan Toney – £407,708-per-week
One of seven Saudi Pro League players on the list, Toney left Brentford in the summer and completed a £40million move to Al-Ahli.

The 28-year-old striker got a substantial pay rise, going from just £20,000-per-week in England to £407,708-per-week in Saudi Arabia.

His contract makes him the highest-paid English player in the world, ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.

He can also earn an additional £101,168-per-week in bonuses, taking his potential salary to £508,875-per-week.

8. Kylian Mbappe – £499,446-per-week
Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and immediately became the highest-paid player at the Bernabeu.

But he actually took a pay cut to secure his dream move, going from £1.15million-per-week in France to £499,446-per-week in Spain.

The France international does have a number of performance-related bonuses in his contract and can earn an additional £646,003-per-week.

His base salary will see him earn £25.9million-per-year and if he triggers all of his bonuses it’ll reach £59.6million-per-year.

7. Robert Lewandowski – £532,689-per-week
The highest-paid player in Europe’s top five leagues, Lewandowski joined Barcelona in 2022 and his contract was signed in a way which would see his salary increase year-on-year.

After earning £332,911-per-week in 2022/23 and £432,800-per-week in 2023/24, the striker is now being paid £532,689-per-week but he was willing to take a pay cut.

“He’s a player committed to the club and I can assure you of that,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta said.

“When he heard that we had to make some efforts to reach the Fair Play to register players, he told us he could lower his contract in order to help the club.”

“I really appreciate it, but I told him it wasn’t necessary. He’s very committed to the club and he’s also demanding with the team, with himself and with his teammates. We’ve gotten a good performance out of him and I’m sure that this will be Lewandowski’s best year.”

Robert Lewandowski has made a decision on his Barcelona future

6. Kalidou Koulibaly – £554,585-per-week
After spending the 2022/23 season at Chelsea, Koulibaly left Stamford Bridge and signed a three-year contract at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

The centre-back is pocketing a reported £554,585-a-week in Saudi Arabia, making him the highest-paid defender in the world.

“I can’t deny it,” he said when asked about the money. “I will be able to help my whole family to live well, from my parents to my cousins, and support the activities of my Capitaine du Coeur association in Senegal.

“We started building a clinic in my parents’ village. I have many projects to help young people. I don’t like being on the bench doing nothing. I prefer to go where I am really wanted.”

5. Sadio Mane – £639,291-per-week
One of two Al-Nassr players on this list, Mane joined the Saudi Pro League side in the summer of 2023 after leaving Bayern Munich.

He signed a three-year contract and nearly doubled his salary, going from £351,610-per-week in Germany to £639,291-per-week in Saudi Arabia.

But the Senegal international hasn’t forgotten his roots and has reportedly put an estimated £1million into funding new schools and hospitals in Bambali.

4. Riyad Mahrez – £834,275-per-week
Mahrez won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup with Manchester City in the 2022/23 season before completing a £30million move to Al-Ahli.

“I was offered four years in Saudi Arabia, in a Muslim country where I can definitely protect (and provide for) my family,” he said. “There was also a new challenge, and a new project. So, I decided to leave, it wasn’t a big deal.”

The Algeria international is now earning £834,275-per-week and £43.38million-per-year, making him Africa’s highest-paid footballer.

3= Karim Benzema – £1.59m-per-week
After enjoying 14 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, Benzema decided to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

He was already on a lucrative £383,574-per-week contract in Madrid but the Saudi Pro League side took it to a whole new level.

The 36-year-old striker now earns £1.59million-per-week in the Middle East and is the joint-second highest-paid footballer in the world.

3= Neymar – £1.59m-per-week
Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 and joined Al Hilal in a deal worth an initial £77.6million and another £8.4million in add-ons, making him the most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history.

Alongside the transfer fee, Al Hilal also shelled out a significant pay packet as they are giving him a reported £1.59million-per-week.

The Brazil international was paid a total of £82.6million during his first year at the club but made just five appearances in 2023/24 after sustaining an ACL injury.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season and has recently been linked with both Santos and Inter Miami.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3.19m-per-week
After joining Al Nassr on a free transfer in January 2023, Ronaldo regained his status as the highest-paid footballer in the world.

He put pen to paper a two-and-a-half-year contract worth in the region of £3.19million-per-week. That works out to an astonishing £12.76million-per-month and £165.8million-per-year.

“I came to win, to improve the league,” Ronaldo said when asked about his decision. “I want to leave a legacy. That’s what I want.

“They say I’m finished, that I’m only here for the money… but I still feel the passion. They don’t believe it, but I’m here to win.”

The 39-year-old striker has now scored over 75 goals for the club and helped them win the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.

Sportsmoney

Jurgen Klopp’s Massive Net Worth, Million-Pound Spanish Mansion And Relationship With Wife

Jurgen Klopp has made a surprising return to football just months after his tearful goodbye from Liverpool. The German concluded his nine-year tenure at Anfield at the close of last season, passing the baton to Arne Slot.

His exit was met with heartfelt tributes from Reds supporters worldwide, who expressed their gratitude for his remarkable accomplishments in Merseyside, notably triumphs in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Despite declaring that he would be taking a well-deserved break after leaving Liverpool, it took only four months for the 57-year- old to embark on his first new venture post-Anfield.

Express Sport provides an in-depth exploration of Klopp’s latest position in football, as well as his life within and beyond the sport where he has left an unforgettable imprint.

The German was unveiled as Red Bull’s new ‘Global Head of Soccer’ on Wednesday, signalling his comeback to football following his departure from Liverpool last summer. Although this new role deviates from his typical managerial responsibilities, he will undoubtedly have quite the job on his hands when he begins his new role on January 1st, reports the Mirror.

Klopp will supervise Red Bull’s network of clubs including Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Bragantino. While he won’t be engaged in the daily operations of individual clubs, his role will involve providing support to sporting directors to utilise his extensive footballing network to assist in scouting the sport’s top talent. He will also contribute to the training and development of coaches.

Immense net worth
Klopp boasts an impressive financial standing. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at a staggering £41.8million ($50million), placing him among the elite of the world’s highest-earning football managers.

Reports from Sport published that Klopp’s annual earnings at Anfield hit the £18.5m mark. Beyond his substantial managerial salary, Klopp has secured several high-value endorsement deals with brands such as Opel, Erdinger, VR-Bank, Snickers, Deutsche Vermogensberatung, and previously Puma.

Currently, he represents Adidas as an ambassador, frequently showcasing their gear on his Instagram profile.