Most Expensive Football Transfers of 2017

The year 2017 marked a turning point in the world of football transfers, with fees reaching astronomical heights. Clubs splashed unprecedented sums of money to secure the services of top talents, shattering previous transfer records and reshaping the financial landscape of the sport. Let’s delve into the most expensive football transfers of 2017, exploring the players who commanded these staggering fees and the impact they made on their respective clubs.

Neymar’s Record-Breaking Move to PSG

The biggest transfer saga of 2017 undoubtedly revolved around Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. His move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain sent shockwaves through the footballing world. PSG triggered his €222 million release clause, making him the most expensive player in history. This unprecedented transfer fee smashed the previous record held by Paul Pogba and signaled a new era of financial muscle in European football. Neymar’s arrival in Paris was met with immense fanfare, as PSG fans hoped he would lead them to Champions League glory.

Kylian Mbappé’s Sensational Switch to PSG

In another blockbuster transfer of 2017, French prodigy Kylian Mbappé joined forces with Neymar at PSG. Initially arriving on loan from Monaco, the deal was made permanent the following year for a reported fee of €180 million. Mbappé’s blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing made him one of the most sought-after talents in world football. His arrival further bolstered PSG’s attacking firepower, creating a formidable trio alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani.

Ousmane Dembélé Joins Barcelona

Following Neymar’s departure, Barcelona sought to fill the void left by the Brazilian winger. Their search led them to Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembélé, a highly-rated French attacker known for his electric pace and dribbling ability. Barcelona paid an initial fee of €105 million for his services, which could rise to €147 million with add-ons. Dembélé’s arrival was seen as a coup for Barcelona, as they looked to rebuild their attack and challenge for major honors once again.

Other Notable Transfers of 2017

While Neymar, Mbappé, and Dembélé dominated the headlines, several other high-profile transfers also took place in 2017:

• Romelu Lukaku: Manchester United secured the services of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton for a fee of €75 million.

• Álvaro Morata: Spanish striker Álvaro Morata joined Chelsea from Real Madrid for a fee of €66 million.

• Benjamin Mendy: Manchester City broke the bank for French left-back Benjamin Mendy, paying Monaco €57.5 million.

• Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool made a significant investment in Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, acquiring him from Southampton for €84.65 million in the January 2018 transfer window. While technically completed in 2018, the deal was widely anticipated and agreed upon in 2017.

The Impact of These Transfers

The 2017 summer transfer window had a profound impact on the landscape of European football. It marked a turning point in transfer fees, with clubs willing to pay astronomical sums to acquire top talent. This spending spree raised questions about financial fair play regulations and the growing financial disparity between clubs.

These transfers also shifted the balance of power in European football, with PSG emerging as a major force. Neymar and Mbappé’s arrival propelled them to domestic dominance in France and established them as serious contenders for the Champions League.

As the 2017 transfer window demonstrated, the pursuit of footballing glory comes at a hefty price. It will be fascinating to witness how future transfer windows unfold and whether these record-breaking fees become the new norm in the world of football.