Highest profit made by football clubs: For football clubs around the world, the fee generated by player sales contribute to a significant portion of their revenue. Clubs that are able to get players for the cheap and develop them into world class players to sell them for ridiculous amounts end up being successful on and off the field. Let us take a look at the 7 most profitable flips football clubs have made. The transfer fee values always vary from source to source.
7. Gareth Bale – € 76.7 million profit made by Tottenham Hotspur
In May 2007, Tottenham Hotspur made a significant move by signing a young Welsh left-back, Gareth Bale, from Southampton for a reported transfer fee of around £7 million.
Over the course of six memorable years at Tottenham Hotspur (2007-2013), Gareth Bale underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from a promising left-back to a world-class winger. As he adjusted to the challenges of top-tier football, Bale’s incredible speed, precise crossing, and goal-scoring ability captivated fans and football experts worldwide.
Throughout his tenure at Tottenham, Bale delivered an array of standout performances and unforgettable moments. Notably, his iconic hat-trick against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League during the 2010-2011 season remains etched in the hearts of Spurs supporters. With each match, Bale’s confidence and impact grew, solidifying his role as a key player in the squad.
His final season with Tottenham, the 2012-2013 campaign, proved nothing short of sensational. Bale’s electrifying form earned him the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards. With an impressive tally of 21 Premier League goals, Bale was now unequivocally regarded as one of the best players on the planet.
Such breathtaking performances inevitably drew the attention of Europe’s top clubs. In September 2013, Real Madrid secured his services in a then-world-record transfer deal reported to be around £85 million
6. Eden Hazard – € 80 million profit made by Chelsea
In 2012, Chelsea Football Club made a £32 million transfer agreement with Lille for the highly-talented Belgian winger, Eden Hazard. Hazard’s skill and flair on the field quickly made him a key player on the Chelsea team. Over a period of seven seasons, he appeared in 352 matches, scoring 110 goals and providing 92 assists across all competitions.
Hazard played a critical role in securing some of Chelsea’s most significant wins during his time on the team, boasting two Premier League titles, two UEFA Europa League titles, and one FA Cup amongst his accomplishments. His individual performances were also highly celebrated, earning him several notable accolades, such as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year.
Hazard was loved by Chelsea supporters for his significant contributions, difficult goals, long, mesmerizing runs, and well-placed assists. His commendable leadership qualities and tactical insights proved vital to the team on multiple occasions. In June 2019, Hazard moved to Real Madrid for £88 million, a club-record transfer fee. With few reports suggesting a € 150 million fee.
5. Enzo Fernández – € 84.75 million profit made by Benfica
On 23 June 2022, River Plate and Primeira Liga team Benfica reached a transfer agreement for Enzo Fernández. The deal was worth €10 million for 75% of his economic rights, with an additional €8 million in potential add-ons. However, according to transfermarkt the fee is €44.25 million.
Enzo Fernández was recognized for his outstanding contributions in the Primeira Liga. He received the coveted title of Midfielder of the Month for September, October, and November, thanks to his consistent form and instrumental role in Benfica’s five consecutive wins and three clean sheets.
The midfielder’s remarkable performances in the World Cup caught the attention of other European clubs, with Chelsea expressing interest in signing him during the January 2023 transfer window. However, Benfica stood firm and insisted that any potential deal could only be finalized if Chelsea triggered his €121 million release clause.
Negotiations between Chelsea and Benfica culminated in a final agreement on 31 January 2023. Chelsea acquired Enzo Fernández for a staggering package worth €121 million, making it a British-record transfer deal. The transfer fee was structured with an initial payment of £30 million, to be followed by five further installments. With the transfer finalized, Enzo Fernández put pen to paper on an eight-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea, extending until 2031.
4. Antoine Griezmann – €90 million profit made by Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid made a significant signing in July 2014 when they acquired the services of French forward Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad. The transfer fee of around €30 million demonstrated Atletico’s ambition in securing the talents of one of Europe’s top attackers.
Griezmann’s time at Atletico Madrid was truly remarkable. His extraordinary ability to score goals, versatility, and tireless work rate made him an ideal fit for Diego Simeone’s tactical system. Across five seasons, Griezmann made 257 appearances for Atletico, scoring an impressive 133 goals and providing 50 assists across all competitions.
His impact on the team was immense, as he consistently topped Atletico’s goal-scoring charts and played a crucial role in their successes. Griezmann formed strong partnerships with key players like Diego Costa and Koke, solidifying Atletico’s attacking force.
During his tenure, Griezmann played a vital role in Atletico’s triumph in the 2014 Spanish Super Cup and their UEFA Europa League victory in 2018. Additionally, his contributions helped the club secure top-four finishes in La Liga and make significant progress in the UEFA Champions League.
In July 2019, Griezmann made a highly-publicized move to FC Barcelona, with the transfer fee reportedly around €120 million. His departure marked the end of an era at Atletico Madrid
3. Ousmane Dembélé – €95 million profit made by Borussia Dortmund
In May 2016, Borussia Dortmund secured the signing of Ousmane Dembélé from Stade Rennais for a reported fee of €15 million. The young French forward at the time was already making waves in the footballing world with his exceptional skills and potential.
Dembélé’s time at Borussia Dortmund was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. During his lone season at Dortmund, Dembélé made 49 appearances, scored 10 goals, and provided 22 assists. Showcasing his immense talent and versatility on the field.
His electrifying performances earned him admiration from fans and drew the attention of top clubs across Europe. Dortmund’s attacking prowess, with Dembélé as a key contributor, saw them finish third in the Bundesliga. And reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Dembélé’s sensational displays at Dortmund caught the eye of FC Barcelona, and in August 2017, he made a high-profile move to Camp Nou for an initial fee of €105 million, potentially rising to €147 million with add-ons.
2. Philippe Coutinho – €124 million profit made by Liverpool
In January 2013, Philippe Coutinho transferred from Inter Milan to Liverpool for €9.00 million. During his five-year spell at Liverpool, he made 201 appearances, scored 54 goals, and provided 45 assists. It was with an average passing accuracy of 81%. His partnership with Luis Suarez yielded 480 key passes. Contributing to Liverpool’s top-four finish and a memorable UEFA Champions League semi-final run.
In January 2018, FC Barcelona acquired Coutinho for €135.00 million, making him one of the costliest transfers in football history. However, at Barcelona, Coutinho struggled to replicate his Liverpool form consistently, facing stiff competition and limited playing time.
Liverpool’s acquisition of Coutinho proved a bargain, as his performances greatly influenced the team’s success. However, at Barcelona, his impact did not match expectations, despite occasional brilliance.
1. Neymar Jr. – € 135.8 million made by Barcelona
In June 2013, Neymar Jr. was signed by FC Barcelona from Santos in June 2013. At a fee of €57 million, which according to sources have risen to €86.2 million. His arrival at Camp Nou was highly anticipated. Given his reputation as one of the most promising football talents in the world. Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Neymar formed “MSN,” a lethal attacking trio.
During his four-year spell at Barcelona, Neymar was a key contributor to the team’s success. Showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills and goal-scoring prowess. In 186 appearances for the club, he scored 105 goals and provided 80 assists. His attacking contributions played a significant role in Barcelona’s achievements, including two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, one UEFA Champions League title and one FIFA Club World Cup triumph.
The attacking partnership between Messi, Suarez and Neymar was particularly critical in Barcelona’s treble-winning season in 2014-2015. This tremendous success at Barcelona made Neymar a highly sought-after player. Culminating in a shocking move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2017. It was for a world-record transfer fee of €222 million.
As a reminder, this list only includes players for whom the club paid a fee for. Therefore, free signings and academy graduates are not considered. Furthermore, sell on clauses are also not taken into consideration.
