The Five Most Lucrative Deals Of The Season Ranked

The 2024/25 season is almost up and once again, we have seen huge amounts spent. Over €6 billion has been spent across the top five leagues alone, without including the €600 million+ fees paid by Saudi Arabian clubs and the €500 million by Brazilian. Whilst no records were broken this year, there were still some bumper fees. This list ranks the top five most expensive players this season, based on the success and impact they have had at their new club.

5. Jhon Duran - €77 million (Aston Villa to Al Nassr)

The most lucrative player this season kicks this list off. After almost moving to West Ham last summer, Duran’s value skyrocketed when he began to perform regularly for Aston Villa in the first half of this campaign. His 12 goals in all competitions, despite often being benched for Ollie Watkins, were enough to earn him a €77 million move, but his destination was not Europe. Although multiple fellow Champions League clubs came calling, the Colombian picked Saudi Arabia and the chance to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Duran has scored nine goals in 15 appearances during his first few months at Al Nassr, a strong return. However there will always be a lingering feeling that he could’ve pushed himself further in a more competitive league. Nothing can be taken away from the 21-year-old’s goal per 110 minutes ratio, and the potential his future holds.

Now that he’s opened his account in the #ACLElite, how far can Jhon Duran take Al Nassr?#NSRvEST pic.twitter.com/88hzNxsxLd
— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) March 10, 2025

4. Dominic Solanke - €64.3 million (Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspur)

Solanke was the Premier League’s most expensive summer signing, and with that came pressure. Putting his earlier years behind him, the striker finally stepped up to the mark upon Bournemouth’s return to the Premier League, proving why he was previously employed by Liverpool and Chelsea. Tottenham Hotspur finally brought in a big-money striker after Harry Kane’s departure, and the Englishman’s goal return has not been a flop, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

That being said, Solanke has missed 14 games due to injuries, and it wouldn’t be unfair for Spurs fans to have expected more. Underperforming his xG in the Premier League and Europe by 2.9 goals, hopefully North London will see improved performances from the 27-year-old as he enters his peak years.

Cool, calm and collected 😎

Dominic Solanke passes the ball into the net from the spot to give Tottenham a 3-0 lead against Bodø/Glimt 💥

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/nV7sAa06cs
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 1, 2025

3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - €70 million (Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain)

After Napoli finished 10th and failed to qualify for Europe, the departure of Kvaratskhelia felt like fate. One of the stars of the Azzurri’s Scudetto-winning season, the Georgian stuck around for the first segment of the campaign. After totting up eight goal contributions in 19 Napoli games, the winger finally agreed a deal with PSG, who saw him as one of the stars of their young and thriving project.

Whilst not putting up the same numbers as others on this list, ‘Kvaradona’ has become a mainstay in Paris. Part of Luis Enrique’s key front three, he has scored key goals in the Champions League, including a second-half strike against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. Going from no Europe to a Champions League final is some jump, but Kvaratskhelia has taken on that challenge and now looks like a vital cog in a machine spurring towards a first-ever UCL trophy.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's game by numbers vs. Arsenal:

21 duels contested
9 duels won
8 tackles attempted
6 tackles won
3 dribbles
2 clearances
2 blocks
1 shot
1 post hit

Got to respect his work rate. 🔋 pic.twitter.com/bFvcifPeXm
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 7, 2025

2. Omar Marmoush - €75 million (Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City)

If this list were based purely on impact, Marmoush would top it. The Egyptian has had a flying start to life in England, but as a winter transfer, has had less time to slow down. Manchester City hit the nail on the head by signing the forward in the midst of his hot form. Marmoush scored 20 goals and assisted 14 before mid-January and swiftly rose to become one of the biggest names in the footballing world.

Aged 26, Marmoush already has eight years of experience in Germany under his belt. After a quick start to life in the Premier League, he has gone on to pick up 10 goal contributions for City domestically and has started almost every game since joining. With his help, Manchester City have seen out the season in style, currently on an unbeaten streak of seven games.

Since his Premier League debut, only Mo Salah has scored more goals than Omar Marmoush ⭐

Impact. pic.twitter.com/QvEgaqnXjn
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 12, 2025

1. Julian Alvarez - €75 million (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid)

Alvarez always looked like a star ready to take on the spotlight at Manchester City, yet Haaland’s goals often drew the attention away from him. Thirty six goals in his two seasons in England was enough to convince Diego Simeone that he was the man for a new Atletico Madrid project, with the money spent on him proof of that. The forward has not disappointed either, starting every single game possible, Alvarez has scored 27 goals this season, finally becoming the main man.

Atleti seem destined for third place in La Liga, a disappointing finish for the team that spent almost three times more than any other club in their league. Alvarez will be thrilled with his season on a personal level though, a strong injury record, two Champions League braces and consistent minutes means that Alvarez’s price tag should continue to be justified going forward.