Rating the Premier League’s Most Expensive Signings 2023/24
Eye-watering amounts were spent by Premier League clubs in the transfer window leading up to the 2023–24 season. Europe’s standout league has led the way with £2.1bn worth of signings, an indication of the spending power clubs now possess.
The English top flight had set a world record for spending on new signings during the 2022 summer transfer window, and this year, that record was surpassed.
Premier League 23/24: Most Expensive Signings
1. Dominik Szoboszlai RB Leipzig to Liverpool £60.00m
Relatively unknown at the time, Szoboszlai’s move from German club RB Leipzig went under the radar in terms of big money moves last summer. Having made 91 appearances over 2 seasons in Germany, it was no surprise the Hungarian hit the ground running and immediately became a fan favourite in Anfield, with similar traits to club legend Steven Gerrard in his all action, box-to-box performances.
Coming into a Liverpool midfield that was undergoing a rebuild following the departure of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, and Fabinho among others, wasn’t going to be easy, but the young midfielder really stood up when needed most. Scoring 5 times and assisting 4 in his 25 appearances to date. He has recently picked up a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of action for the last few weeks. Liverpool will be keen to get their talisman back on the field as soon as possible.
With so much scrutiny surrounding the midfield signings at Liverpool in the summer, the success of Szoboszlai’s first 9 months for the reds cannot be underestimated. Another of Klopp’s signings that can be deemed a massive success.
2. Declan Rice West Ham United to Arsenal £105.00m
Coming from London neighbours West Ham, the pressure of the price tag along with the “English hype” meant Declan Rice’s move was always going to be scrutinized. With Arsenal finishing in 2nd place last season, the signing of one of the best central defensive midfielders around was seen as the possible catalyst to lift the gunners to the Premier League title. At the age of 25, the signing of Rice could transform Arsenal’s midfield for the next 7/8 years.
An ever-present in Arsenals starting 11 this season, Rice’s move has been a success so far. Chipping in with 4 goals throughout the 26 matches played in the league this season including a last minute winner against Luton. Rice’s position in front of the back four has provided stability that they have been crying out for since Patrick Viera’s departure in 2005. The form of the English midfielder will be crucial as the season approaches it’s conclusion with the gunners primed for a tilt at the title.
3. Moussa Diaby Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa £47.50m
A consistently dangerous and eye-catching player during his 4 seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, the signing of Moussa Diaby was a serious statement of intent last summer from Aston Villa. Diaby has already become a real hit with Villa fans having contributed 4 goals and 6 assists so far in his first full season in the Premier League, his work rate and pace from the wing has become an important asset of Villa’s play this season, propelling them to 4th place in the league.
The lightning-quick winger has been battling all season with fellow wideman Leon Bailey for a starting spot. The Frenchman has seemed to get the better out of the pair starting 18 league matches so far. Villains have been starved of a pacey attacker since the days of Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Apart from the heavy price tag, Diaby has adjusted to life in the Premier League very well and is only going to get better the longer he stays at Villa Park with the club hoping to emulate their 4th place finish in the 95/96 season.
4. Rasmus Hojlund Atalanta to Manchester United €75.00m
The days Manchester United fans could rely on goals from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are a distant memory. Up until now, the club has yet to replace these goals but that pressure fell on the shoulders of big money signing Rasmus Hojlund. The 21 year old was bought primarily with future seasons in mind but with the lack of forward options at the moment, the young Norwegian was thrown into the starting line-up from the off.
Understandably, it took time for Hojlund to adjust to the frantic pace of the Premier League, making 14 league appearances before getting off the mark but scoring 5 goals in 6 matches in the Champions League group stage was enough to confirm to those involved with the club that they had an excellent prospect on their hands.
Since the New Year, his form in front of goal has been impressive. Hitting the net 6 times in his last 5 league matches before unfortunately picking up a muscle strain that will keep him out of the team for a few weeks. His excellent link-up play along with his off the ball work rate have also been a factor in the popularity of the striker among United fans. It’s no doubt been a positive start to life at Old Trafford for Hojlund and with youth on his side, the future is bright for United’s centre forward.
5. Kai Havertz Chelsea to Arsenal £65.00m
There was no shortage of question marks when Arsenal confirmed the signing of Havertz from London rivals Chelsea. The German struggled to find his best form for the blues after coming with high expectations after 4 very impressive seasons in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Following his move to England, his best position was always up for debate. There was doubts surrounding his clinical nature in front of goal, pace on the wing and workrate for midfield. A balance Mikel Arteta is seeming to be getting right at Arsenal at the moment.
Primarily switching roles between an attacking midfielder and a number 9, Havertz has contributed 7 goals and 2 assists in 36 appearances to date for the gunners. Far from prolific numbers but the influence he is having throughout open play is an improvement on the last few seasons in England.
With Arsenal primed for a 3 team title race over the next few months, the contributions of Havertz will be crucial. If he can hit the form that seen him nail down a place in the German national team who knows how the season might end.
6. Josko Gvardiol RB Leipzig to Man City £77.00m
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Gvardiol’s move to Manchester came as a surprise to very few. His standout performances for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup outlined the fact it was only a matter of time before he got his big move to a European heavyweight.
His first season for City hasn’t been as straightforward as most would’ve thought. In a Man City team that rarely lose and have the majority of possession in most games, the transition from German club football to the Premier League hasn’t been as smooth as first imagined.
Picking up slight knocks at different times during the season has hindered his form in gathering momentum, also battling for a starting spot with the likes of Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji has proved difficult at times and gaining the trust of Pep Guardiola is never an easy task. With the expectation of last season’s treble in their minds, City face a hectic end to the season and Gvardiol’s fitness and form will be a defining factor in how his first season in England will be viewed.
7. Moises Caicedo Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea £115.00m
One of the most sought-after midfielders last season, Caicedo was the subject of a deadline day battle between Chelsea and Liverpool both desperate to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder. His impressive performances for Brighton last season not only drove his price tag up, they also heightened the level of expectation surrounding the midfielder.
Playing in a Chelsea team that is made up of mostly players that have been signed within the last 12-18 months, it was always going to be difficult to adapt to a brand new team. Overall though, Caicedo along with many others have underperformed for the majority of the season to date. Sitting in 11th place in the league can only be seen as a disappointment considering over £400 million was spent on the current squad in the summer transfer window.
8. Mason Mount Chelsea to Man Utd £55.00m
Making 195 appearances for Chelsea’s first team, Mason Mount was tipped as one of the brightest up-and-coming prospects in Europe throughout his time at Stamford Bridge. His Loan spell at Derby County under Frank Lampard during the 2018/2019 season proved to be a period where the Englishman began to realise his potential, firing the rams to the play-off final only to be defeated by Aston Villa.
After his loan spell, Mount returned to Chelsea where he became a top performer throughout the next 3 seasons, scoring 33 goals and assisting 37. It came as a surprise to many that Mount then made a big money move to Premier League rivals Manchester United. Since signing for United, Mount has been plagued with injuries and has only got to appear for the club a total of 12 times and is still waiting on his first goal for the red devils.
Having also established himself in England’s squad over the last few years, he has since fallen down the pecking order of Gareth Southgate’s options and his recent injury troubles will keep him from being included in this summer’s Euro 2024 squad. It’s safe to say the last 9 months have not gone to plan.
9. Sandro Tonali AC Milan to Newcastle £55.00m
A signing Newcastle hoped would transform their season. First year back in the Champions League, new owners with loads of money, things were looking good at St. James Park. Tonali was an exciting signing as he was regarded as one of the best young defensive midfielders in the game after 3 impressive seasons in Serie A with AC Milan.
His impact so far has been cut short though as after making 12 appearances for Newcastle he was hit with a 10 month ban for gambling breaches. Although during a short period of time, his potential was clear to see and looks a real talent when he eventually gets the chance to play again for the toon army. An expensive price to pay for a player that will be suspended until August 2024.
10. Romeo Lavia Southampton to Chelsea £60.00m
Before the battle to sign Moises Caicedo, both Liverpool and Chelsea it seemed wanted to sign Lavia from Southampton. The 20 year old played 26 times in the Premier League for the saints and was seen as a perfect replacement for N’Golo Kante who moved to Saudi Arabia.
The defensive midfielder’s time since his move has been a disastrous one so far though, making only a single appearance for the blues due to injury and fitness issues. For such a steep transfer fee, Lavia can be added to the list of poor signings Chelsea made in summer 2023.
Truly an unforgettable 2023 summer transfer window with Premier League clubs spending obscene amounts of cash on players across the world. As we can see from the list, some signings have transformed the fortunes of their clubs while for others, settling in hasn’t been as smooth as hoped.
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