Premier League clubs have already spent more than £2bn this summer - but the biggest deals of the transfer window stretch across the globe. Transfer records, World Cup standouts and unexpected departures, here are the 20 most expensive deals worldwide this summer... so far. Based on fees reported by the BBC and correct as of on 21 August 2026.
Potential add-ons mentioned separately where applicable. Bayern signed Morocco attacker Saibari on a deal running until 2031 after a standout season with PSV. The 25-year-old was named Eredivisie player of the year after scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 27 league appearances, before netting three times for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
Brighton invested heavily for 19-year-old Croatia defender Vuskovic after an impressive loan spell at Hamburg, where he scored six Bundesliga goals and was named in the team of the season. The deal came after Spurs had paid Brighton £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke. Italy international Palestra, who was Serie A's defender of the year last season, became manager Xabi Alonso's first signing at Chelsea.
The arrival of the attacking right-back, 21, could offer an early indication of how Alonso plans to structure his new side. Manchester United paid £48m for Brazil midfielder Santos, who was the first permanent signing under head coach Michael Carrick. The 22-year-old started only 13 Premier League games last season but is viewed as a long-term addition to United's midfield.
Santos ready to replace 'legend' Casemiro Villa made Manzambi their most expensive signing, with the initial fee potentially rising further through add-ons. The 20-year-old was the Europa League's young player of the season after Freiburg's run to the final - where they were beaten by Villa - before contributing three goals and two assists for Switzerland at the World Cup. Left-back Cucurella publicly criticised Chelsea's hierarchy towards the end of last season and has moved back to his native Spain.
The 28-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona, was part of the Spain squad who won the World Cup this summer. Van Hecke is reunited with his former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi after Tottenham paid £52m for the Netherlands defender. He started 36 Premier League games last season and led top-flight centre-backs for pressured ball carries.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
