Last update 2 November, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
What are the most profitable transfers in the history of world football? In the exciting world of football, The transfers have left stories of success and profitability, where clubs have achieved million-dollar profits thanks to strategic signings.
Some players were acquired for a low amount and then sold for a much higher price., leaving both a sporting and economic mark on their teams. Here we review the most profitable transfers in the history of football, analyzing your figures, impact and how they managed to multiply its value.
The most profitable transfers in history
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – From Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United and from United to Real Madrid
- Purchase by Manchester United (2003): 17 millions of euros
- Sale to Real Madrid (2009): 94 millions of euros
- Benefit: 77 millions of euros
Cristiano Ronaldo He went from being a young promise to a world star in just a few years at Manchester United. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 It was a record and a profitable investment for United. In Madrid, Ronaldo increased his media and commercial value, breaking advertising revenue records again.
2. Neymar Jr. – From Santos to Barcelona and from Barcelona to PSG
- Buy in Barcelona (2013): 88 millions of euros
- Sale to PSG (2017): 222 millions of euros
- Benefit: 134 millions of euros
Neymar joined Barcelona, who opted for the young Brazilian to enhance his attack. After years of success with Messi, PSG acquired him by paying his clause, which generated one of the greatest benefits for Barcelona in a transfer.
3. Philippe Coutinho – From Inter Milan to Liverpool and from Liverpool to Barcelona
- Purchase for Liverpool (2013): 13 millions of euros
- Sale to Barcelona (2018): 160 millions of euros
- Benefit: 147 millions of euros
Liverpool acquired Coutinho economically, but his skill and success on the field raised his price considerably. His transfer to Barcelona was an economic milestone, although the Brazilian did not meet expectations at the Catalan club. Even so, the benefit for Liverpool was historic.
4. Gareth Bale – From Southampton to Tottenham and from Tottenham to Real Madrid
- Purchase by Tottenham (2007): 14.7 millions of euros
- Sale to Real Madrid (2013): 101 millions of euros
- Benefit: 86.3 millions of euros
Bale He arrived at Tottenham as a promise and became one of the most lethal wingers in European football.. His transfer to Real Madrid broke records at the time and allowed Tottenham to obtain a very profitable return.
5. Eden Hazard – From Lille to Chelsea and from Chelsea to Real Madrid
- Shop for Chelsea (2012): 35 millions of euros
- Sale to Real Madrid (2019): 115 millions of euros
- Benefit: 80 millions of euros
Hazard was a key piece at Chelsea, where he achieved individual titles and recognitions. His sale to Real Madrid left a substantial profit for the English club, who knew how to enhance his talent and sell it at the right time.
6. Virgil van Dijk – De Celtic a Southampton y de Southampton a Liverpool
- Purchase by Southampton (2015): 15 millions of euros
- Sale to Liverpool (2018): 84 millions of euros
- Benefit: 69 millions of euros
Southampton demonstrated their ability to spot talent by purchasing Van Dyke at a low price. His sale to Liverpool, where he became the best defender in the world, It was a success in terms of performance and return on investment.
7. Luis Suárez – From Ajax to Liverpool and from Liverpool to Barcelona
- Purchase for Liverpool (2011): 26.5 millions of euros
- Sale to Barcelona (2014): 82.3 millions of euros
- Benefit: 55.8 millions of euros
Liverpool once again made a successful transaction with Suárez, that marked an era in the team. His signing for Barcelona represented an excellent gain for the 'Reds' and allowed Luis Suárez to shine alongside Messi and Neymar.
8. Antoine Griezmann – From Real Sociedad to Atlético de Madrid and from Atlético to Barcelona
- Purchase by Atlético de Madrid (2014): 30 millions of euros
- Sale to Barcelona (2019): 120 millions of euros
- Benefit: 90 millions of euros
Griezmann went from being a star at Real Sociedad to an icon at Atlético. His transfer to Barcelona generated great profitability for Atlético, and although his performance at Barça was irregular, Atlético obtained an excellent return.
9. James Rodríguez – From Porto to AS Monaco and from Monaco to Real Madrid
- Purchase by AS Monaco (2013): 45 millions of euros
- Sale to Real Madrid (2014): 80 millions of euros
- Benefit: 35 millions of euros
After shining in the World Cup 2014, James was sold by Monaco to Real Madrid, leaving the French club with a good profit. Although his impact on Madrid was variable, The transfer was a profitable move.
10. Paul Pogba – Juventus and Manchester United
- Acquisition of Pogba by Juventus (2012): Libre
- Sale to Manchester United (2016): 105 millions of euros
- Benefit: 105 millions of euros
Juventus signed Pogba for free from Manchester United and sold him again to the 'Red Devils' at an impressive profit. Pogba stood out in Serie A and his return to United was one of the biggest transfers.
Other Profitable and Relevant Transfers
- Thierry Henry – From Juventus to Arsenal and Barça: bought at a low price, He sold it to Barcelona with a high profit.
- Romelu Lukaku – De Everton a Manchester United y al Inter: multiple transfers, each with considerable benefits.
- Kylian Mbappé – From AS Monaco to PSG: his transfer was one of the highest, and it is still making profits.
- Erling Haaland – From Molde to RB Salzburg and then to Borussia Dortmund: multiplied its value in each team.
- Raheem Sterling – De Liverpool a Manchester City: His performance with City justified the investment and generated great income.