Who is the priciest German player ever?
Germany, a powerhouse in the annals of international football, boasts an illustrious history filled with legendary talents and remarkable triumphs on the world stage. It’s hardly surprising that the nation continues to produce a plethora of outstanding players. German footballers have long been synonymous with relentless professionalism, tireless work ethics, and an innate ability to function cohesively as part of a team. Yet, amidst this industrious reputation, Germany has given rise to a dazzling array of flair players, the creative luminaries who light up the transfer market and command eye-watering fees.
So, who sits atop the summit as the most expensive German player of all time? Brace yourselves for some staggering deals.
Who is the most expensive German player of all time?
Currently, the title of the most expensive German footballer belongs to Arsenal’s own Kai Havertz. However, it wasn’t his much-publicized 2023 transfer to the Gunners that shattered any records. No, this honour is claimed by his blockbuster move to Chelsea, which took place three years prior, with a staggering fee of £71 million attached.
In a twist of fate, Havertz’s switch from Chelsea to Arsenal now stands as the second most expensive deal involving a German player, with the Gunners shelling out £65 million to bring him across the capital, solidifying his status in the footballing elite.
Who held the all-time record transfer fee for a German player before Havertz?
Before Havertz burst onto the scene as one of Europe’s most electrifying talents, the record for the highest transfer fee paid for a German player was also orchestrated by Chelsea. The Blues dipped deep into their coffers, forking over £45.5 million to secure Timo Werner from RB Leipzig in 2020. This transaction sent shockwaves through the transfer market, marking a pivotal moment for German players in the Premier League.
Before Werner tantalized the English top flight, the crown belonged to another dynamic winger, Leroy Sane, who made his move to Manchester City for a cool £44.6 million.
In the midst of these monumental deals, we also pay homage to Shkodran Mustafi, whose £35.2 million transfer to Arsenal in 2016 was significant, especially for a defender, making waves in the market during that period. However, that fee paled in comparison to the stunning £40 million that Arsenal shelled out to secure Real Madrid’s Mesut Ozil back in 2013, which at the time marked the highest fee paid for a German player in the Premier League. Back then, Ozil was the jewel in the crown as the most expensive import in England’s top flight.
It’s safe to surmise that Arsenal would wholeheartedly agree that the value for money extracted from their investment in Ozil far eclipsed the expenditure on Mustafi.
