The Most Expensive Teenage Transfers of All Time
This summer’s transfer window promises plenty of twists and turns, starting with Kylian Mbappé’s (market value: €180 million) free transfer to Real Madrid. While some big-name players at the peak of their careers will likely be on the move, many clubs are increasingly opting to invest in potential. By recruiting younger stars, teams aim to lower the average age of their squads and make longer-term investments.
High-Profile Transfers and Rising Young Stars
Brazilian 18-year-old Endrick is set to join Real Madrid from Palmeiras for a fee of €47.5 million once the transfer window officially opens. Several other talented teenagers are also hot commodities. Lille’s 18-year-old center-half Leny Yoro has been heavily linked with top European clubs, while Benfica’s 19-year-old midfield maestro João Neves is attracting interest from major sides. Additionally, 17-year-old Brazilian Estevão might become the latest young talent to leave South America for Europe.
However, as we look back through the record books, who are the most expensive teenage transfers of all time? Transfermarkt has compiled a list of the top 25, featuring many youngsters who turned into world stars and some who haven’t fulfilled their potential.
Top Teenage Transfers: Successes and Misses
Topping the list of Most Expensive Teenagers is none other than Kylian Mbappé, who moved from Monaco to PSG for €180 million in 2018 at the age of 19. This transfer remains the second-highest of all time, just behind Neymar’s €222 million move to PSG in 2017. Mbappé lived up to his astronomical fee, becoming PSG’s highest-ever goal scorer. However, it’s bittersweet for the Parisians as they let him go on a free transfer six years later.
In second place is João Felix, who transferred from Benfica to Atlético Madrid for €127.2 million in 2019 at age 19. Unfortunately, his time at Atlético has not gone as planned, with loans to Chelsea and Barcelona in recent seasons failing to ignite his career.
Most Expensively Assembled Squad In Europe! English Clubs Leads The Line
The third most expensive teenage transfer was Matthijs de Ligt’s move from Ajax to Juventus for €85.5 million in 2019, after he had captained Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals the previous season. Chelsea’s purchase of Roméo Lavia from Southampton for €62.1 million last summer ranks fourth; despite his high fee, he played only 32 Premier League minutes last season. Manchester United’s €60 million signing of Anthony Martial from Monaco in 2015 rounds out the top five. Martial showed early promise, particularly with a fantastic solo goal against Liverpool, but his career at United has since waned.
Real Madrid’s Youth Investment and Beyond
Sixth, seventh, and eighth Most Expensive Teenagers on the list are all transfers to Real Madrid, highlighting the club’s strategic shift towards acquiring young talent in recent seasons. Endrick’s impending move from Palmeiras for €47.5 million is sixth, and if history is any guide, it could be another savvy investment. Seventh and eighth most expensive teenage moves were the transfers of Rodrygo from Santos for €45 million in 2019 and Vinicius Junior from Flamengo for €45 million in 2018. Both have significantly increased their market value, now worth €100 million and €150 million, respectively.
Barcelona’s €40 million transfer of Vitor Roque from Atlético Paranaense in January ranks ninth, while Wolves’ €40 million acquisition of 18-year-old striker Fabio Silva from Porto in 2020 completes the top ten. Despite high hopes, Silva’s transfer hasn’t panned out as expected.
The trend towards investing in youthful potential is clear, and as clubs continue to balance immediate success with long-term planning, these high-profile teenage transfers will undoubtedly shape the future of European football.
