Over the past 15 years, the Premier League’s established ‘Top Four’ has expanded into a ‘Top Six,’ due to the rise of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City as some of the top sides in the English top-flight.
Despite reaching the Champions League final in 2019 and establishing themselves as a team to be reckoned with domestically, Spurs have remained without a trophy since 2008.
In recent times, the north Londoners have taken to spending big in the transfer market as they seek to break their trophy drought and Soccernet.football has taken a look at the ten most expensive acquisitions in Tottenham’s history.
10. Micky van de Ven – €40m (2023)
Tottenham’s search for a solid defensive presence led them to Van de Ven, a promising Dutch center-back. Signed from VfL Wolfsburg, Van de Ven brought a combination of strength and composure to Spurs’ backline. His signing at €40 million highlighted Tottenham’s commitment to strengthening their defense with young talent.
9. Pedro Porro – €40m (2023)
In January 2023, Tottenham secured the services of the Spanish right-back from Sporting CP. Porro cost Spurs €40 million and his versatility in both defensive and offensive situations has made him a valuable addition to the squad, particularly under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou who was appointed as head coach last summer.
8. Archie Gray – €41.25m (2024)
Tottenham have only just signed the 18-year-old from Leeds United for €41.25 million. The highly-rated midfielder was one of the most sought-after young talents in English football. His arrival at Spurs reflects the club’s strategy of balancing a mix of experienced players with up and coming stars for long-term success.
7. Davinson Sánchez – €42m (2017)
Tottenham made a bold move in the summer of 2017 when they splashed €42 million to sign the Colombian center-back from Ajax. Sánchez was brought in to reinforce Spurs’ defense with his physicality and aerial ability. Although his time at the club was a mix of ups and downs, his transfer fee still ranks him among the club’s most expensive acquisitions. Sanchez now plies his trade in the Turkish Super Lig for Galatasaray.
6. James Maddison – €46.3m (2023)
In the summer of 2023, Spurs strengthened their midfield with the signing of Maddison from Leicester City for €46.3 million. Maddison’s creativity and flair have made him a standout player in the Premier League, and his arrival was seen as a significant boost to Tottenham’s attacking options. The England international will be looking to pick up from where he left off in the coming season after enjoying a very decent campaign for the Lilly Whites.
5. Cristian Romero – €52m (2022)
Tottenham broke their defensive transfer record to sign Romero from Atalanta in 2022 for €52 million. The Argentine’s aggressive style, combined with his excellent reading of the game, quickly made him a fan favorite at the club. His impact in defense has been substantial, solidifying Spurs’ backline.
4. Brennan Johnson – €55m (2023)
Tottenham continued their spending spree by acquiring the Welsh winger from Nottingham Forest for €55 million. Johnson’s pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal made him a hot commodity, and Spurs secured his services to add more firepower to their attack. His potential to develop into a top-class winger must’ve been a major factor in the huge fee paid for him.
3. Richarlison – €58m (2022)
The summer of 2022 saw Tottenham make a big splash in the transfer market by signing Richarlison from Everton for €58 million. The Brazilian forward was brought in to add depth and competition to Spurs’ forward line. His ability to play across the front three positions has proven to be very important for the Lilly Whites.
2. Tanguy Ndombele – €62m (2019)
Ndombele’s arrival from Lyon in 2019 for €62 million set a new transfer record for Tottenham at the time. The French midfielder was highly regarded for his dribbling and passing abilities, expected to be a key figure in Spurs’ midfield. However, he failed to provide value for money before leaving in the summer of 2020, following the termination of his contract.
1. Dominik Solanke – €64.3m (2024)
Tottenham’s most expensive signing is their latest summer addition, acquired for a staggering €64.3 million from Bournemouth. The 26-year-old enjoyed a wonderful personal campaign last season and he will now be looking to replicate his scintillating form for the north Londoners come the start of the new season.