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The Top Ten Most Expensive Goalkeeper Transfers Of All Time

The Top Ten Most Expensive Goalkeeper Transfers Of All Time
AS

Alfie Sayers

5 Jul 2023

Goalkeepers don't typically move for big bucks, but these shot-stoppers set a top ten record. 

How has this list been ordered?

  • The price of the goalkeeper in the currency of the buying club at the time of the transfer dictates the order of the list. 
  • Exchange rates to show the value of the transfer in Pound Sterling have been historicised to the exchange rate in the August of the year of the transfer. 
  • For context, the transfer fee of the 11th most expensive goalkeeper bought by a British club of all time is not worth more than Aaron Ramsdale in GBP. 
  • In the case of an English buying club, Edouard Mendy, £22 million, Rennes to Chelsea in 2020 is the 11th most expensive goalkeeper transfer in GBP at the time of the transfer, according to Sky Sports. 
  • For context, the transfer fee of the 11th most expensive goalkeeper bought by a European club of all time is not worth more than Francesco Toldo in EUR. 
  • In the case of a European buying club, Alex Meret (Udinese to Napoli, 2019) and Neto (Valencia to Barcelona, 2019), the fees in EUR sit at c€26 million at  the time of the transfer according to Transfermarkt. 
  • Fees in Euros have been taken from Transfermarkt.com. Fees in Pound Sterling have been taken from: The BBC, Sky Sports, ESPN, The Athletic, and official club websites.  

10) Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United to Arsenal - £24 million- 2021/22) 

The most recent addition to this list is Aaron Ramsdale, joining Arsenal as recently as 2021. A transfer which many ridiculed, due to Ramsdale's unfortunate association with relegation at previous clubs in his young career to date, the Arsenal number one has undoubtedly turned the narrative and established himself as one of England's best. Indeed, had Arsenal knew what they were getting, it's not impossible they would have paid twice that fee.

Ramsdale vs Man City.jpg

Ramsdale has become a key figure for Mikel Arteta and the turnaround he has presided over at the Emirates in the last 18 months. In just two years the narrative around Ramsdale has completely changed, with many vying for him to even replace Pickford at international level. Money well spent. 

Pound Sterling Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: £28,250,810.17

9) Jordan Pickford (Sunderland to Everton - £25 million - 2017/18)

The aforementioned Jordan Pickford is up next. Possibly the best two goalkeepers England have produced in the last 10 years both find themselves on this list. For Pickford, his rise to the top was pretty fast. After several loans across non-league and the EFL, and a short but impressive stint as Sunderland’s number one, it was time for his big move. Everton splashed out on the then-23 year old following Sunderland's relegation to the Championship. After six years, 250+ appearances and three Everton Player of the Season awards under his belt, you have to say he was worth every penny. 

This remains a record fee for a British goalkeeper.

Pound Sterling Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: £31,759,689.18

8) Francesco Toldo (Fiorentina to Inter Milan - €26.5 million (£16.96 million) - 2001/02) 

This is a transfer that makes you feel old. Francesco Toldo moved to Inter Milan 22 years ago. Back in 2001, the Italian international was just one year removed from helping Italy reach the Euro 2000 final. He enjoyed a prosperous stint at Inter Milan, becoming a five time winner of Serie A in just nine years at the club. His last professional game would end with a Champions League medal in 2010 under the management of Jose Mourinho. At the time of signing for Inter, this was the second highest fee ever received for a goalkeeper. 

Euro Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: €33,182,654.54

7) Manuel Neuer (Schalke to Bayern Munich - €30 million (£26.4 million) - 2011/12) 

There is no accolade left untouched by the hands of arguably Germany’s greatest ever goalkeeper. Since his move to Bayern Munich in 2011 he has amassed a staggering 11 Bundesliga titles, only bettered on the all time list by compatriot Thomas Müller (12 titles). All the while, Neuer has been credited with reinventing the position of the goalkeeper and brought it permanently into the modern age, perfecting the art of the sweeper 'keeper. Though he wasn't literally the first sweeper 'keeper, he has rightfully gained the plaudits for changing how the goalkeeper has been perceived and utilised tactically.

Manuel Neuer.jpg

Placing his stamp on the game and the position for long past his retirement, we think €30 million (about 37 million euros today) is quite frankly a bargain, which can’t be said very often at the top of the global game. The big German has proclaimed his intent to play into his 40s, so Bayern may yet get more return on investment. 

Euro Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: €37,565,269.30

6) Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona to Valencia - €35 million (£31.4 million) - 2019/20) 

Transfers for large sums of money are of course a gamble, this is no different with goalkeepers. Unfortunately for Jasper Cillessen and Valencia, this is one that firmly sits in the ‘it just didn’t work out’ camp. There is no question, there has always been a talented goalkeeper in there, but he was not frequently able to show it enough at Valencia, largely due to injury issues. 

In three seasons, he would play just 51 league games, costing about €686,000 per game. It's a number not much less than the fee NAC Breda would go on to pay in 2022 for his services. One to forget for Valencia fans. 

Euro Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: €39,836,125.70

5) Ederson (Benfica to Manchester City - £35million - 2017/18) 

Whilst his shot stopping has at times been questioned, there is no doubt that overall Ederson's positives far outweigh the negatives. Upon Pep Guardiola’s arrival, his foremost action was to change goalkeeper. Long-serving number one Joe Hart was brushed aside and shipped out on loan under the new management. 

In came Ederson, an athletic, ball playing goalkeeper, who fitted the mould of a Pep goalkeeper. After impressing at Benfica for two years, it would take a £40 million fee to pry him away from the Portuguese club. He has been ever present in goal over an incredibly successful spell for Manchester City, making almost 300 appearances and recently becoming a European champion. Maybe, just maybe, Pep knew what he was doing all those years ago. 

Pound Sterling Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: £50,815,502.69

4) Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea to Real Madrid - €38.8 million (£35 million) - 2018/19) 

Courtois is a goalkeeper who has generated fluctuating opinions over the years, but has solidified his place amongst the world's best in recent years. Between 2009 and 2014 he was widely considered the best young goalkeeper in the world, alongside David De Gea. However, his time at Chelsea was up and down, despite winning two Premier League titles across two years as number one. 

Thibaut Courtois 3.jpg

Despite this, few in blue were sad to see him depart for €35 million in 2018 to Real Madrid. His somewhat forced move to Real Madrid has worked out tremendously, a return to Spain’s capital has seen him win two La Liga’s and a Champions League in 2022. Including a final which will forever be remembered for his goalkeeping heroics to deny Liverpool. Again, this is one transfer that has proved value for money. 

Euro Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: €43,826,147.51

3) Gianluigi Buffon (Parma to Juventus - €52.88 million (£33.3 million) - 2001/02) 

Many goalkeepers regard Gianlugi Buffon as the GOAT of goalkeeping. His career has been as decorated and as longevous as they come. Even by 2001, he was already considered one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, aged only 23. The fee had to match the grandeur of the player, and a whopping €52.88 million was extracted from Juventus' bank account to be exact, smashing the previous record transfer fee for a goalkeeper of €19 million held by fellow Italian Angelo Peruzzi. 

It was also the fourth biggest fee ever paid for a professional football player, regardless of position, at the time. An outstanding 19 years at Juventus fully justified the fee. 

Euro Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: €81,594,406.89

2) Alisson (Roma to Liverpool - £67 million - 2018/19) 

Alongside Virgil Van Dijk, the transfer of Alisson completely transformed a middling Liverpool side into European Champions in just 12 months. His confident presence provided the platform for Liverpool's most successful period of the 21st century. 

A long awaited Premier League title would come the following season, (2019/20) a season in which Alisson fully established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers. During his time at Liverpool, his personal accolades include: The FIFA Best Goalkeeper (2019), Yashin Trophy (2019), Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season (2019) and a two time Premier League Golden Glove winner (2019 & 2022). He has been worth every bit of the £67 million paid to Roma.  

Pound Sterling Inflation Adjusted Fee 2023: £83,057,749.30

1) Kepa (Bilbao to Chelsea - £72.5 million - 2018/19) 

The full story of Kepa remains unfinished, however a character arc for the ages needs to be realised to make this move, on balance, seem like sensible business from Chelsea. Even before he played a minute for Chelsea, many in the media questioned the astounding fee paid for what seemed like a promising but inexperienced goalkeeper. This remains the 26th largest transfer fee paid in footballing history, sharing financial territory with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Suarez. 

Kepa Arrizabalaga.jpg

The hierarchy at Chelsea will be hoping for a career resurgence from the Spaniard under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino, and the recent sale of Eduard Mendy should instil some extra faith and confidence into Kepa ahead of a make or break season for his Chelsea career. We hope he can show why he is the most expensive goalkeeper of all time this upcoming season. 

Pound Sterling Inflation Adjusted Transfer Fee 2023: £89,875,922.75

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The Week In Goalkeeping 40: a 13-game goalkeeper ban, and golden glove season arrives

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Harry Salkeld
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The goalkeeper butterfly effect: How Nicky Weaver Made Modern Manchester City Possible

Callum Turner analyses how one penalty save put Manchester City on a trajectory to stardom.Header image: Manchester City Football, at its best, is a microcosm of life. And like life, it’s full of moments - massive ones, like winning the Champions League or having your first child, and smaller ones, like taking a job you weren’t sure about, or turning up somewhere you almost didn’t go.But what we often forget, as we move through those moments, is how intrinsically linked they all are. Call it a butterfly effect, a golden thread, or some sort of universal inevitability - little things have a habit of becoming big things. Especially in football, where entire trajectories can hinge not on moments that create something new, but on those that simply stop everything from falling apart.Maybe you made a decision that didn’t feel like much at the time. Maybe it just kept things going. 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Callum Turner
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The Week in Goalkeeping 39: Bizarre goalkeeper outburst, Woodman's Anfield milestone, Kinsky wins plaudits, and more

The top goalkeeper news stories from 19th April - 26th April 2026.Real Zaragoza goalkeeper apologises after outburstPerhaps the strangest story of the weekend comes from Spain. Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada is facing serious disciplinary action following an extraordinary sequence of events in a heated Segunda División derby against SD Huesca. The Argentine received a second yellow card for pushing a Huesca player in stoppage time, but rather than leave the pitch, he sprinted towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and punched him in the face. The incident sparked a brawl, with Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza's Dani Tasende also being sent off. Huesca won the match 1–0 thanks to an Óscar Sielva goal, though both sides remain in the relegation zone with five games to play.Declaraciones de Esteban Andrada pic.twitter.com/OYeQujPs2k— Real Zaragoza (@RealZaragoza) April 26, 2026 Andrada, 35, who has four caps for Argentina and is on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican club Monterrey, subsequently issued a public apology, admitting he 'lost focus' and would accept whatever punishment the league sees fit. Zarazgoa Head coach David Navarro simply stated 'There are lines we can't cross.'Freddie Woodman starts first game of the seasonAfter Giorgi Mamardashvili suffered an injury blow in the Merseyside derby and Alisson Becker continues to recover from a muscle injury, Freddie Woodman started his first Premier League game at Anfield, and made his first Premier League start for Liverpool. The former Newcastle United and Preston North End goalkeeper made several key saves in front of the Anfield faithful and helped secure all three important points in Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League football. Come on, Freddie, don’t be shy 😆👏🏽🧤 pic.twitter.com/fzXEAvQ7N9— Goalkeeper.com (@goalkeepercom) April 25, 2026 Following the match, Woodman explained how 'it was an incredible moment for me. I didn't think I would play at Anfield in a Premier League game when I joined this club.'Antonín Kinský keeps clean sheet as Spurs grab winTottenham Hotspur travelled to Molineux on the weekend in pursuit of their first Premier League win of the calendar year. Spurs went into the game on a 15-game winless streak, leaving them lingering in the relegation zone. Antonín Kinský started in goal after featuring in the previous two matches. The Czech goalkeeper made two saves, one of which was a last-minute free kick aimed for the top right corner. His vital contributions helped Spurs win the game 1–0, ending their miserable run without a victory.Antonin Kinsky is your Player of the Match following his 🔝 performance and clean sheet against Wolves 👏📈 @HSBCSport pic.twitter.com/7wQzjpKkTg— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 26, 2026 Arsenal keep clean sheet as Raya edges towards awardArsenal hosted Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium last night in their push for the title. The Gunners managed to hold on for a 1–0 win, giving David Raya his 16th Premier League clean sheet of the season. The Spaniard is now three clean sheets ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma as he looks to claim his third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove. Will Raya retain his title as the best goalkeeper in the league?James Trafford says this season has been a 'big learning experience'Yesterday, James Trafford made his second Wembley appearance of the season as Manchester City beat Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final. Minutes have been hard to come by for the talented English goalkeeper this season following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Manchester City academy graduate said in a recent interview that this season has been a "big learning experience" and that his return to the club "hasn't been the best possible outcome." 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I have had to learn a lot throughout the year and I have just tried to work as hard as I can and try and improve and win the day."Brighton explore new goalkeeper optionWith Bart Verbruggen potentially leaving Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, the club may be looking to sign a new goalkeeper ahead of next season. They, along with several other clubs, have been linked with Noah Atubolu of SC Freiburg. The German has an good Bundesliga record, becoming the only goalkeeper in the competition's history to save five consecutive penalties. However, James Trafford is also reportedly on Brighton's list - and Carl Rushworth, recently winning promotion to the top flight with his loan side Coventry City, is also an option. 

Harry Salkeld
headline editorial

Filip Marschall Interview: the Stevenage goalkeeper reaping Play-Off push rewards after leaving Premier League

Leaving a club that you’ve been with since the age of 14 is a big step for any player, yet Stevenage's Filip Marschall is already reaping the rewards of doing just that.Now 22 years old, Marschall progressed through Aston Villa’s academy, going on to win the FA Youth Cup before making an “unforgettable” first-team appearance in front of a “hostile” crowd at HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League.He also went out on two loans to Gateshead, where he learned about “being accepted into a team” before temporarily joining MK Dons and Crewe Alexandra. The last of those loans was particularly impressive, as he kept League Two’s joint-third highest tally of clean sheets for the season with 16.Those loans are what Marschall feels were the most important part of his development. “I probably wasn't as good as other goalies my age at that time, when I was around 18, but one thing I'm really thankful for was Villa pushed me to go out on loan,” he tells Goalkeeper.com.“By the time I was 19, 20, 21 I'd had so many games under my belt, been in changing rooms with experienced players, knew what three points meant, fought for things, had a promotion,” he continues. “I think there are a lot of goalies that are a similar level technically across the country, but when it comes to playing those matches, the main thing is what's in your head and I definitely think the experiences I've had have helped me in that regard.”While on loan, Marschall also realised early on that “defending the box and being dominant in the box” was a strength of his. In addition to further building on that area of his game, he also had to work on kicking the ball long from his hands “because it wasn't something I was really used to doing at an academy level”, while also making sure he could meet the demands physically and with his concentration.That all stood him in good stead to make a permanent move from Villa Park to Stevenage in the summer. While admitting there were “mixed feelings” due to the amount of time he had been with the Villans, there was a realisation “that if I was to play in League One and higher, it would have to be a permanent move”.“I was ready to find a new home and not have that comfort of a Premier League giant behind me that I always had there", recalls Marschall."It was time to make a step I was ready for. I was ready to find a new home, ready to take that risk.”Top start 💪🏼⚪️🔴 @StevenageFC pic.twitter.com/zSI91hrpqs— Filip Marschall (@filipmarschall) September 3, 2025 Despite Marschall having conversations with other clubs, Alex Revell’s influence ensured he joined The Boro. “Within five minutes, I knew I was going to sign for Stevenage because of the confidence he seemed to have in me, what he was telling me about the club, about the team, what he sees for me personally as well,” the young goalkeeper explains.Revell’s confidence in his team and new goalkeeper has proven to be well-placed. At the time of writing, Stevenage occupy the final Play-Off spot with two games to play, sitting a point ahead of seventh-placed Luton Town, with Marschall recording a joint-league high tally of 18 clean sheets that even the man himself admits is “an incredible amount”.The possibility of beating Lincoln City’s George Wickens to the Golden Glove “springs to mind” now, despite not being something that he thought about earlier in the season. “The most important thing is the team, but if I do my job and hopefully keep clean sheets then obviously the team's results take care of themselves as well,” he says.The Stevenage goalkeeper also gives credit to his teammates and specifically the defence, which includes League One Team of the Season’s Charlie Goode, when referencing the club’s impressive defensive record. “We understand each other, we're on the same page with regards to how we play. If we've got a high line, they know I'll be behind them trying to sweep up. Likewise, if there's crosses going in the box we know where each other are,” he says. “I've got an incredible set of defenders in front of me, and as the season has gone on we've grown more and more as a unit, understood each other more, and we're obviously much better for it as the results have shown.”On a personal level, Marschall could also be enjoying the benefits of turning out for a club he is permanently contracted to. He shares that it can carry more of a “homely feel” than being out on loan, adding “Maybe it helps with the fans as well, because you are their player. I suppose it helps you feel more settled, which then gives you a bit more confidence and makes you feel at home, which then translates to better performances on the pitch and being consistent.”While the goalkeeper suggests his season has been more about achieving a “consistent good level” than highlight moments, he is able to pick out the sort of performances that have endeared him to Stevenage’s supporters. The 22-year-old rather modestly states that he felt he “contributed to” a 1-0 win over Bradford City having made two superb saves to deny headers. He also references home matches against Luton and Exeter City as “big wins for us that I felt I did well in”. There was also a penalty save against Jordan Clark at Kenilworth Road, but Marschall says “it's hard to put that as a real highlight” due to the game resulting in a defeat.Filip. Marschall. pic.twitter.com/FzyH52abdU— Aidan (@acheevers6) April 11, 2026 Even with those mentions, there is little time to dwell on past games due to the EFL’s relentless schedule at this time of year. That was evidenced in the space of a week recently, as Stevenage’s heaviest defeat of the season was followed by a draw against a Lincoln side confirmed as champions, then a clean sheet and victory against Barnsley.“We love the games coming really quickly,” Marschall admits. “There's nothing worse than just waiting and thinking about the previous result. Whether it's good or bad, you just want to play the next game.”Stevenage will be doing just that as they travel to Doncaster Rovers before hosting Wigan Athletic on the final day, with a Play-Off place in their own hands.Marschall enthuses that “it’s been incredible” being involved in his side’s push for the top six. “Not many people would have had us up there at the start of the season, which makes it better, in a way,” he continues. “That's what you play football for, to play these kinds of seasons where you're all fighting for something. Each game is exciting. Each game feels really big. This is what you want to be a part of.”While some could already be thinking about the prospect of promotion, the Stevenage goalkeeper's thoughts are firmly set on qualifying for the Play-Offs, as “that in itself would be an amazing achievement”.Although he adds: “Obviously we want to go all the way. There's a lot of belief in our changing room, in the club, that we can do it. So that's going to be the aim. It would mean everything. It's my first season in League One, to potentially get the play-offs and the chance to go up if that was to happen, I couldn't ask for much more.” As the man himself puts it: “I don't think it could be understated how big an achievement that would be.”

Danny Lewis