UCL clubs have never backed out when it comes to emptying their large purses on expensive yet world-class forwards. Every transfer window, clubs have different forwards on their wish list upon whom they are willing to spend millions. In this article, we look at the 5 most expensive forwards in UCL history.
#5 Ousmane Dembele
After letting their future superstar Neymar leave in 2017, Barcelona had to look for alternatives for the left-wing for years to come alongside the ever so phenomenal Messi-Suarez duo. Ousmane Dembele was just the player Barcelona was looking for. Young, pacey, skillful, both footed, Dembele had it all. Barca did not stall for long and snatched the services of the Frenchman for 105m (+45m add ons) making him the 5th most expensive forward in UCL history.
Considered to be one of the best two-footed players right now, because of his injury-riddled stint at the club, he massively failed to live up to the expectations of his enormous price tag. Nonetheless, the player’s attributes have helped him get praise from his coach at Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel, and current club captain, Lionel Messi.
#4 Antoine Griezmann
Another cule that makes it to the list, is none other than Antoine Griezmann. After being on the club’s radar for more than 2 seasons, all the transfer speculations came to an end in 2019 as Barca signed him for 120m making him the 4th most expensive forward in UCL history. Antoine played an integral part in the 2018 World Cup when France lifted the trophy, he was also the player of the tournament for them in the 2016 Euro.
Finding the net 15 times for Atlético in the 18/19 season, without a shadow of a doubt he was their talisman. With Messi and Suarez both aging, Barca signed Griezmann as their long-term replacement. Like Dembele, Griezmann too failed to repeat the standards he set at his previous club.
#3 Joao Felix
Next on the list is the teenage sensation, Joao Felix. An extremely talented player who averaged a goal in every second game for Benfica, as he scored 15 times in just 21 starts for them. The 21-year-old is widely considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football at this moment.
A lot of eyebrows were raised when Atlético signed the teenager for a massive 130m, which made, him the third most expensive forward in UCL history, but they knew they had got a gem in Joao, he even won the Nations’ League with Portugal playing alongside national captain, Cristiano Ronaldo who admires Felix a lot. Joao Felix played a key role in Atletico’s title charge earlier this season, showing that he is more than capable of what some think he is.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
A player that is already one of the best in the world at the age of just 22 when it comes to forwards, is Kylian Mbappe. Despite his tender years, he was already breaking records at both the club and national level, which was enough to convince PSG to land the prodigy at Parc des Princes for a shocking 166m thus making him one of the expensive UCL forwards. The gamble, they played, eventually paid off as he kept proving his price tag week in week out.
For a player of his age, his intelligence and finishing combined with his pace, he became unstoppable. His performances in the UCL add to his tremendous reputation, the Ligue 1 giants have enjoyed a prosperous spell with the youngster.
#1 Neymar Jr.
Paris Saint-Germain shocked the world when they paid off Neymar’s release clause for a record 222m. Breaking the previous world record transfer, Neymar became the most expensive player and forward in UCL history as he completed his move to Parc des Princes. Paris needed him to take their project to a new level, to reach for the stars, and thus, didn’t hesitate a bit when it came to spending big.
Neymar is considered to be the best player in the world after Messi and Ronaldo, the Brazilian superstar is without a doubt the most skillful player of this generation. Scoring thrice and assisting four times, he helped PSG reach their first-ever UCL final in 19-20.
