In the world of football transfers, where astronomical figures have become the norm, a select group of players could yet rewrite the record books. As it stands, Neymar’s transfer to PSG in 2017 is the most expensive of all time, after the Ligue 1 giants activated his staggering €222M release clause.
But which current player’s potential transfer fee could blow this figure out the water? Let’s take a look at five footballers who could set a new transfer record should they secure a move.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Let’s begin with the obvious. Already a World Cup winner with France and a talisman for Paris Saint-Germain, it would take a monumental fee to sign Kylian Mbappé. As his contract with PSG inches towards its conclusion, the prospect of a blockbuster move to another European giant looms large. The combination of Mbappé’s age, skill set, and marketability positions him as a prime candidate to surpass existing transfer records.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits have catapulted him into the upper echelons of European football. The Norwegian striker’s lethal finishing, physical prowess, and youth make him one of the hottest commodities in the transfer market. Now, it’s highly unlikely he would leave Man City any time soon, especially after completing a treble in his first season. But if he were to seek pastures new, one could only imagine how much he’d cost.
3. William Saliba (Arsenal)
At the heartbeat of Arsenal’s defence, William Saliba’s stock continues to rise with each performance. The demand for top-quality defenders in the transfer market, coupled with Saliba’s leadership qualities and young age, positions him as a player who could command a staggering transfer fee, especially after recently penning a new contract. Of course, The Gunners will want to hold onto their prized asset, but the lure for top European honours could prove too difficult for the Frenchman to resist.
4. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri, who scooped the ‘Best Young Player’ award at Euro 2020, has impressed for both club and country. The Spanish sensation has demonstrated maturity beyond his years and is now a key player for La Liga powerhouses Barca. However, contrary to popular belief, Pedri didn’t begin his footballing education at Barca’s famed La Masia academy. He signed for them in 2019 from Las Palmas for a humble €5M fee. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this sum multiply exponentially should he depart Blaugrana.
5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham, the prodigious talent who rose to fame at Birmingham City, has already evolved into quite the player. A versatile midfielder with exceptional technical ability and goal scoring prowess, it’s easy to forget Bellingham is still only 20 years old. Having only recently signed for Real Madrid, it’s doubtful whether he’ll leave the Spanish capital in the foreseeable future. But Bellingham’s potential transfer could see him become the most costliest English player in history.
