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Liverpool’s most expensive transfers in history

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Archer | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 12:00 PM ET

A look at the record-breaking deals that reshaped the squad at Anfield.

Liverpool have put significant money into building their first team in recent years. Under various managers, they’ve regularly approved high-priced deals, with several of their priciest signings joining during Arne Slot’s time in charge.

Not every deal has worked out, though. Carroll is a clear example of one that didn’t pay off. Brought in by Kenny Dalglish to help fill the gap left by Fernando Torres, he managed just 11 goals in 58 appearances for the club.

Biggest transfer fees in Liverpool’s history

Rafa Benitez and Brendan Rodgers both made signings that are still among the most expensive in Liverpool’s history. But even though FSG have been willing to spend under several managers, few deals from previous ownership still rank near the top.

With that in mind, Rousing The Kop has gone through all of Liverpool’s most expensive signings and taken a closer look at the top five deals they’ve ever done.

5) Virgil van Dijk (from Southampton) – £75m

There were a lot of people doubting the decision in 2018 when Liverpool paid what was then a record £75m for a centre-back.

Now, looking back from 2025, it’s clear that Virgil van Dijk has silenced every critic he ever had.

The now Liverpool captain has become a key figure at Anfield, playing a crucial role in the Reds’ two Premier League titles and UEFA Champions League win.

4) Hugo Ekitike (from Eintracht Frankfurt) – £79m

Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

Hugo Ekitike became a Liverpool player in the 2025 summer transfer window, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m after a strong spell in the Bundesliga.

While some of the other new arrivals have taken time to find their feet, Ekitike has settled in quickly and made a positive early impression at Anfield.

There’s definitely more to come from him as he continues to adapt to life at Liverpool.

3) Darwin Nunez (from Benfica) – £85m

In June 2022, SL Benfica managed to get Liverpool to agree to a deal for Darwin Nunez that could eventually become their record transfer. The striker made the move from Lisbon to Merseyside for an initial €75m (£64m), which could rise to €100m (£85m) with add-ons.

Nunez had already caught the eye across Europe during the 2021/22 season, scoring 34 goals in 41 matches, including six in 10 Champions League appearances. He even netted twice against FC Barcelona, once against Bayern Munich, and twice against Liverpool as Benfica reached the quarter-finals.

But in a Liverpool shirt, he often found it hard to deliver consistently. Despite becoming a bit of a fan favourite thanks to his work rate up front, Nunez was sold in the summer of 2025 for £46.2m to Al Hilal.

2) Florian Wirtz’s £116m move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

There was a lot of excitement around Anfield when Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record fee of £116m.

The attacking midfielder had already built a strong reputation across Europe, playing a key role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win during the 2023/24 season.

But since arriving on Merseyside, Wirtz hasn’t quite hit top form yet. Given time to adjust, though, the German international has the potential to become an important part of Liverpool’s future plans.

1) Alexander Isak (from Newcastle United) – £125m

Alexander Isak arrived at Liverpool in the final days of the summer window for a record-breaking £125m, making him the most expensive signing not only in club history but also in the Premier League.

The Swedish forward was outstanding during his time at St James’ Park, scoring 54 goals in 86 league appearances and playing a key role in their Carabao Cup success.

Isak’s impact at Anfield hasn’t matched his Newcastle form yet, but given time, he has the talent to become a major figure under Arne Slot.

Ranking Liverpool’s 15 most expensive transfer deals in club history

Rousing The Kop has put together a list of the 15 priciest signings in Liverpool’s history, based solely on the initial transfer fees paid and not including add-ons.

15) Ibrahima Konate (from RB Leipzig) – July 2021 – £36m

14) Milos Kerkez (from Bournemouth) – June 2025 – £40m

13) Fabinho (from Monaco) – July 2018 – £43.7m

12) Mohamed Salah (from AS Roma) – July 2017 – £43.9m

11) Cody Gakpo (from PSV Eindhoven) – January 2023 – £44m

10) Diogo Jota (from Wolves) – September 2020 – £45m

9) Luis Diaz (from Porto) – January 2022 – £50m

8) Naby Keita (from RB Leipzig) – July 2018 – £52.75m

7) Dominik Szboszlai (from RB Leipzig) – July – £60.1m

6) Alisson Becker (AS Roma)- July- £65M

5) Virgil van Dijk (from Southampton) – January 2019 – £75m

4) Hugo Ekitike (from Eintracht Frankfurt) – July 2025 – £79m