Wirtz Transfer Threatens Record: Most Expensive Deals Involving Premier League Clubs

As the 2024/25 Premier League season concludes, football fans are already focused on potential new player signings for their favourite clubs.

The transfer window is buzzing with activity. Several deals have already been finalized, including defender Dean Huijsen`s notable £50m move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid. Chelsea has also been busy, acquiring Dario Essugo from Sporting for £18.8m and Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m.

High-profile players are also departing on free transfers after their contracts expired. This includes Premier League icons Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are seeking new challenges elsewhere.

Significant moves are anticipated within the Premier League. Arsenal is reportedly targeting a striker and could pursue Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig or Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting with substantial offers. Manchester United has signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves for over £50m, and expect major signings from Manchester City and Chelsea as well.

However, the most significant potential transfer this summer involving a Premier League club could be Champions Liverpool`s pursuit of German phenom Florian Wirtz. A move to Anfield could reportedly cost over £100m, a truly remarkable fee.

If this transfer materializes, Wirtz would join an exclusive group of players who have moved to or from an English Premier League club for a fee exceeding £100 million. Let`s examine other transfers in Premier League history that have reached this nine-figure mark.

Eden Hazard, Chelsea to Real Madrid, €120.8m, 2019

Hazard was a standout performer for Chelsea, contributing to two league titles, an FA Cup, and two Europa Leagues during his seven years at the club. As one of the league`s most technically gifted players, it was no surprise when Real Madrid, known for major signings, acquired the Belgian for what remains a record fee involving an English club. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his ability to replicate his Chelsea success in Spain.

Enzo Fernandez, Benfica to Chelsea, £106.8m, 2023

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez holds the record for the most expensive player ever signed by an English club. His impressive performances were instrumental in Argentina`s World Cup-winning campaign in Qatar.

Phillipe Coutinho, Liverpool to Barcelona, £105m, 2018

Another highly talented import to the Premier League, Coutinho enjoyed several excellent seasons at Liverpool before making a high-profile switch to Barcelona. However, his time in Spain quickly unravelled, and he later returned to the Premier League for a less impactful period at Aston Villa.

Jack Grealish, Aston Villa to Manchester City, £100m, 2021

The first English player on this list, and the first to move between two English clubs, Grealish was a vital part of the Manchester City team that achieved the historic treble in 2022/23. However, his form has noticeably declined since that peak season.

Declan Rice, West Ham to Arsenal, £100m, 2023

Also English, Declan Rice`s contributions in Arsenal`s midfield since his £100m transfer from London rivals West Ham are widely considered to have justified the significant fee paid by the Gunners. Now, the focus is on his club securing major silverware.

Moises Caicedo, Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea, £100m, 2023

Another player in Chelsea`s midfield, Caicedo`s move from Brighton generated considerable discussion, particularly given the lower fee Brighton originally paid for the Ecuadorian international.

How do these transfers compare to global records?

The Premier League is undoubtedly one of the world`s wealthiest football leagues based on the combined financial strength of its clubs (excluding leagues like Saudi Arabia). However, even with this wealth, Premier League clubs are still far from matching the highest fees ever spent globally for a player.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain are responsible for the two largest transfer deals in football history, setting benchmarks significantly higher than any other club. In 2017, PSG paid an astronomical £200m to secure Brazilian superstar Neymar from Barcelona. Just one year later, the club made another massive signing, bringing in French prodigy Kylian Mbappe from domestic rivals Monaco for a reported £163m.

Atletico Madrid has been involved in the third and fourth most expensive transfers of all time when measured in Sterling. In 2019, the Spanish capital club spent a massive £112.9m on Benfica`s Joao Felix. This move was made to replace their departing star Antoine Griezmann, who was signed by Barcelona in the same transfer window for £107m. Measured in Sterling, Chelsea`s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez ranks fifth on the all-time list and remains the most expensive signing in Premier League history. The potential deal for Wirtz could potentially surpass this record.