GOAL runs through the most costly deals since the turn of the millennium and judges whether they have been successes or failures
Transfer fees have entered another stratosphere in the 21st century, with inflation pushing sums from high in the tens of millions to nine figures for the first time in the history of the sport.
Football's commercialisation and TV rights deals mean that leading clubs have huge financial muscle to flex, and it's projected that fees could reach between £350 million and £650m ($443m-$708m) by the year 2050.
There have been plenty of transfers that have pushed valuations to these new heights, but which have been the most expensive of the 21st century so far? Below, GOAL runs through the top 25 and gauges whether they have been a hit or miss:
Getty Images25Harry Maguire (Man Utd – £72m)
Manchester United grossly overspent on Harry Maguire back in 2019, and the centre-back has never been able to live up to his price tag in what has been a tumultuous period in the club's history.
The England international has had periods of form and popped up in some key moments, but he is widely considered to be something of a liability due to a number of high-profile errors and unimpressive displays.
Result? Miss.
AdvertisementGetty Images24Jadon Sancho (Man Utd – £73m)
Another Manchester United move that went awry. The Red Devils seemed to have pulled off a real coup when they saw off competition to land Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for what seemed like a reasonable fee at the time.
However, poor form and a monumental falling-out with then-manager Erik ten Hag saw Sancho's time at Old Trafford go badly wrong, culminating in him being loaned back to Dortmund before a summer switch to Chelsea in a loan-to-buy deal.
Result? Miss.
Getty Images23Romelu Lukaku (Man Utd – £75m)
The start of this list will make grim reading for Manchester United fans. United broke the bank to sign Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton for a then-record fee, but he flattered to deceive in two seasons at Old Trafford, scoring 42 times in 96 appearances.
Despite a fast start, Lukaku fell out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and after a deterioration in the relationship it was deemed best for all parties that he moved on as he joined Inter.
Result? Miss.
Getty Images22Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus – £75.5m)
Juventus have a habit of shelling out when they deem it necessary, and they did just that to snare the prolific Gonzalo Huguain from rivals Napoli in 2016 as they triggered his release clause.
The Argentine repaid that investment by plundering 40 Serie A goals in two seasons as he helped to fire the Bianconeri to two Scudetti, though he was unable to end their Champions League hoodoo.
Result? Hit.
