FC Barcelona, renowned for its substantial investments in the transfer market, has seen a mix of successes and challenges with its high-profile signings. Here’s a look at the top 10 most expensive players to have donned the Blaugrana shirt, with Dani Olmo recently making the list.
Top 10 Most Expensive Signings in FC Barcelona History
Philippe Coutinho
Signed for a record €160 million from Liverpool in January 2018, Coutinho was expected to fill the void left by Neymar’s departure. Despite his promising arrival, Coutinho struggled to replicate his Liverpool form and was loaned to Bayern Munich, where he scored twice in the notorious 2-8 defeat to Bayern in the 2019/20 Champions League quarter-finals. He left Barcelona in January 2022 and has since struggled to regain his previous form.
Ousmane Dembélé
The French forward was acquired from Borussia Dortmund in August 2017 for €135 million. Dembélé’s time at Barcelona was marred by frequent injuries and off-field issues, causing him to miss over 100 games. His transfer ultimately did not meet expectations, making it a significant disappointment for the club.
Antoine Griezmann
Barcelona paid €120 million to Atlético Madrid for Griezmann in July 2019. Despite a five-season contract, Griezmann’s performance was criticized for underachievement, leading to his loan return to Atlético in September 2021. He resumed his top form with his former club and was officially transferred back in 2022.
Neymar
Acquired from Santos for €88 million in 2013, Neymar was instrumental in Barcelona’s success, including winning the treble in 2015 alongside Messi and Suárez. His move to PSG in 2017 for €222 million remains one of the most lucrative sales in football history, benefiting Barcelona significantly.
Frenkie De Jong
Barcelona secured the Dutch midfielder from Ajax for approximately €86 million in the summer of 2019. Despite a promising start, De Jong has faced injury setbacks that have hindered his consistency. He remains a key player, though there is speculation about his future if an attractive offer is made.
Luis Suárez
Suárez joined Barcelona from Liverpool for €81.72 million in 2014. His partnership with Messi and Neymar was highly successful, yielding numerous titles including the treble in 2015. Suárez scored 198 goals and provided 113 assists in 283 appearances before transferring to Atlético Madrid in 2020.
Zlatan Ibrahimović
Acquired from Inter Milan for €69.5 million in 2009, Ibrahimović’s tenure at Barcelona was short-lived, lasting just over a season. Despite being the club’s most expensive signing at the time, his departure to AC Milan in August 2010 was driven by a challenging final season with the club.
Miralem Pjanic
Signed from Juventus for €60 million in June 2020, Pjanic’s arrival was delayed due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. He struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI and was loaned to Beşiktaş in 2021. By 2022, Barcelona and Pjanic agreed to terminate his contract, leading him to Sharjah F.C. in the UAE.
Dani Olmo
Olmo recently joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €50 million, potentially rising to €60 million with bonuses. The Euro 2024 champion signed a six-year contract through 2030 and is anticipated to make his debut in the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 12.
Raphinha
The Brazilian forward was signed from Leeds United for €58 million in 2022. Raphinha has contributed 20 goals and 25 assists in 87 matches but faces uncertainty regarding his future at the club under new management.
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