Top 10 most expensive Spanish transfers in history

Spanish players are becoming more and more important in the transfer market. A few years ago, the main movements used to be players of other nationalities, but for some time now, Spanish players have started to move high transfer fees.

The 100 million euros mark has yet to be broken, but there are already a good number of players who have cost more than 50 million euros, something unthinkable not so long ago.

Chelsea feature prominently in the top 10 most expensive Spanish transfers in history with up to 4 transfers, while only Manchester City repeat in the rest. BeSoccer Pro reveals which have been these great Spanish transfers, among which Marc Cucurella has been included after his arrival at Chelsea from Brighton.

10. Juan Mata (Manchester United) 44.73 million euros

The Real Madrid academy player excelled at Valencia and Chelsea signed him in 2011 for 26.7 million euros. After becoming European champion with the Blues, Manchester United upped their bid for him and bought him in 2013 for 44.73 million euros.

9. Gaizka Mendieta (Lazio) 48 million euros

The star of one of the most important transfers at the beginning of the century, the Valencia star went to Lazio in the summer of 2001 for 48 million euros. It didn't work out and a year later he was returning on loan to Barcelona, after which he ended up at Middlesbrough, where he did have a great spell.

8. Ferran Torres (Barcelona) 55 million euros

Signed by Barcelona in the winter transfer window of the 2021-22 season for 55 million euros, he suddenly entered the top 10 of the most expensive Spanish signings in history. Previously, he had joined the English side from Valencia for 33.5 million euros.

7. Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 58.5 million euros

The protagonist of one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history, he left Liverpool, where he was an established star, to join Chelsea for 58.5 million euros. He had previously joined the Reds for a further 38 million euros and went on to play for Milan, Atlético Madrid again and Sagan Tosu.

6. Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid) 60 million euros

Bringing back the Spanish-Brazilian cost Atletico Madrid 60 million euros in the winter transfer window of the 2017-18 season. Before that, the 'Colchonero' side had sent him to Chelsea for just over half that, 38 million euros, in 2014. After leaving Atlético for free, he played for Atletico Mineiro.

5. Rodri (Manchester City) 62.7 million euros

Another player who excelled at Atletico Madrid before leaving for English football. The defensive midfielder was signed by the 'Colchonero' side from Villarreal for 20 million euros and only needed one season to win Pep Guardiola's heart. Manchester City bought him for 62.7 million euros in the summer of 2019.

4. Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City) 65 million Euros

The Athletic Club-trained player was signed by Manchester City in the winter transfer window of the 2017-18 season and they paid 65 million euros for his transfer, an amount that is still in the top five of the highest amounts ever invested for a Spaniard, in his case a Spanish-French player.

3. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) 65.33 million euros

Chelsea have paid 65.33 million euros (plus 8.3 million euros in variables) to sign the young Brighton player, who spent time at Eibar and Getafe, who paid 11.8 million euros for his transfer, before joining Brighton for 18 million euros.

2. Alvaro Morata (Chelsea) 66 million euros

The Spaniard who has moved the most money in transfers and also one of those who has made his clubs pay the most in history. He played for Juventus, Real Madrid, Atletico and Chelsea and stands out above the rest with the transfer of 66 million from the 'Merengues' to the Blues, the second highest figure paid for a Spaniard in history.

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea) 80 million euros

Chelsea paid €80m in the summer of 2018 to buy the Athletic Club-trained goalkeeper, a huge sum that remains the highest ever paid for a player of Spanish nationality.