The 20 most expensive transfers of the summer (so far)

CommentsPremier League clubs have already spent more than £2bn this summer - but the biggest deals of the transfer window stretch across the globe.

Transfer records, World Cup standouts and unexpected departures, here are the 20 most expensive deals worldwide this summer... so far.

Based on fees reported by the BBC and correct as of 13:00 BST on 21 August 2026. Potential add-ons mentioned separately where applicable.

Bayern signed Morocco attacker Saibari on a deal running until 2031 after a standout season with PSV.

The 25-year-old was named Eredivisie player of the year after scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 27 league appearances, before netting three times for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.

Brighton invested heavily for 19-year-old Croatia defender Vuskovic after an impressive loan spell at Hamburg, where he scored six Bundesliga goals and was named in the team of the season. The deal came after Spurs had paid Brighton £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke.

Italy international Palestra, who was Serie A's defender of the year last season, became manager Xabi Alonso's first signing at Chelsea.

The arrival of the attacking right-back, 21, could offer an early indication of how Alonso plans to structure his new side.

Manchester United paid £48m for Brazil midfielder Santos, who was the first permanent signing under head coach Michael Carrick.

The 22-year-old started only 13 Premier League games last season but is viewed as a long-term addition to United's midfield.

Santos ready to replace 'legend' Casemiro

The 20-year-old was the Europa League's young player of the season after Freiburg's run to the final - where they were beaten by Villa - before contributing three goals and two assists for Switzerland at the World Cup.

Left-back Cucurella publicly criticised Chelsea's hierarchy towards the end of last season and has moved back to his native Spain.

The 28-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona, was part of the Spain squad who won the World Cup this summer.

Van Hecke is reunited with his former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi after Tottenham paid £52m for the Netherlands defender.

He started 36 Premier League games last season and led top-flight centre-backs for pressured ball carries.

Chelsea eventually agreed a £52m deal for Lacroix after negotiations with Palace stretched beyond the World Cup.

The centre-back arrives having helped Palace win the Conference League, and made three appearances for France at this summer's tournament.

Dutch midfielder Reijnders leaves Manchester City after one season in England, joining Brendan Rodgers at Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

City recouped £52m for the 28-year-old who registered six goals and seven assists in 47 appearances last term.

Summerville opted for a move to Saudi Arabia despite reported interest from Manchester United and Roma.

The Netherlands winger scored seven goals and supplied five assists for relegated West Ham last season, before adding two goals and two assists for his nation at the World Cup.

Liverpool agreed Jacquet's move in January, with the France Under-21 defender recovering from a shoulder injury in time for the new season.

The 21-year-old joins a Reds defence which is being reshaped under new boss Andoni Iraola.

Ramos, 25, became Ruben Amorim's first signing as Milan manager and the Italian club's record purchase.

The Portugal striker leaves PSG having scored 45 goals in 131 appearances across three seasons in France.

Rodri leaves City as one of the defining players of their recent era, having been central to their control in midfield and build-up play.

The Ballon d'Or winner and Spain captain, 30, was also one of the Premier League's most reliable ball-progressors and passers, making his exit a huge tactical loss as well as a major sale.

Gordon signed for Barcelona after a 17-goal season for Newcastle, including 10 in 12 Champions League appearances.

The England winger, 25, also registered a goal and three assists at the World Cup before completing his move to Spain.

Guimaraes, 28, said he wanted a new challenge after leaving Newcastle for Premier League champions Arsenal on a four-year deal.

The Brazil midfielder scored nine Premier League goals last season before finishing the World Cup with four assists in five matches.

Tottenham broke their transfer record to sign Fernandes after just one season at West Ham.

The 21-year-old Portugal midfielder made 36 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists, while also winning 54 tackles.

Spurs soon broke that record again to bring 26-year-old Tonali to north London for an initial £92.5m, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to £100m.

The Italy midfielder said a conversation with compatriot De Zerbi played a major part in convincing him to join.

Real Madrid won the race for Diomande after interest from Liverpool and Paris St-Germain, in a deal which could be worth £120m including add-ons.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger arrives after being named Bundesliga young player of the season, having recorded 12 goals and eight assists, and impressing at the World Cup.

Manchester City broke their transfer record to sign Anderson shortly after the England midfielder returned from the World Cup.

The 23-year-old played in all 38 Premier League games for Forest last season and described City as "winners - the sort of team I want to be a part of".

He was briefly the most expensive British footballer ever, before being surpassed by...

England attacking midfielder Rogers joined Chelsea from Villa for £117m - and pipped Anderson as the most expensive British player in history.

The 23-year-old joins Alonso's side on a six-year deal, having recorded 10 goals and six assists in 37 league appearances last season.