The summer transfer window is now fully underway, with teams aiming to strengthen their rosters for the 2024/25 season.
While some teams are working with relatively modest budgets, clubs such as Manchester United and Bayern Munich have still pulled off significant transfers.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most costly transfers made in the summer 2024 window.
Note: This list includes only the initial transfer fees and does not account for any potential additional payments.
10. Joshua Zirkzee – £36.54m
Zirkzee was instrumental in Bologna’s Champions League qualification for the 2023/24 season and won the Serie A Young Player of the Season award. Despite reaching personal agreements with AC Milan, Manchester United intervened and secured him with a slightly increased fee that will be paid over three years.
9. Ian Maatsen – £37.5m
Aston Villa, gearing up for Champions League action, acquired Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £37.5million. Maatsen, who had a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, has been a key addition to Villa Park.
8. Archie Gray – £40m
Archie Gray, who had an outstanding breakout season with Leeds United, had a £40million release clause activated following Leeds’ failure to secure Premier League promotion.
7. Max Kilman – £40m
West Ham United acquired Max Kilman from Wolves for £40million, up from an initial £25million bid. This transfer is notable for its massive profit for Wolves, who initially signed Kilman for just £40,000.
6. Joao Palhinha – £42.3m
Joao Palhinha’s move to Bayern Munich from Fulham, initially disrupted last summer, was completed after an impressive 2023/24 season. Fulham accepted Bayern’s third offer of £42.3million plus £4.2million in add-ons.
5. Douglas Luiz – £42.35m
Aston Villa, needing to adhere to financial regulations, sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35million, with an additional £1.26million in possible add-ons.
4. Michael Olise – £45m
Michael Olise’s excellent performances for Crystal Palace drew interest from major clubs. Bayern Munich won the race for his signature with an initial £45million plus £5million in add-ons.
3. Amadou Onana – £50m
Aston Villa replaced Douglas Luiz with Amadou Onana, who was bought from Everton for £50million. This deal marks the highest transfer fee ever paid by Villa.
2. Moussa Diaby – £50.4m
Moussa Diaby was sold to Al-Ittihad for £50.4million, a significant increase from the £43million Aston Villa paid last summer. This transfer also includes a substantial weekly wage.
1. Leny Yoro – £52.1m
After unsuccessful attempts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, Manchester United focused on Leny Yoro, who was nearing the end of his contract with Lille. United’s offer of £52.1million plus £6.7million in potential bonuses secured Yoro, making him one of the most expensive teenagers ever.
