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Cost per goal or assist
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There’s only a few weeks left of the transfer window with clubs frantically trying to finalise their squads with the new season for top five league clubs fast approaching. The total spending for clubs each summer has reached eye-watering figures across the last decade with billions invested on new players. Owners are under increasing pressure from supporters to show their ambition by splashing the cash on new arrivals but it’s imperative to identify the right player. Clubs spend the most money on attacking players as they are viewed as the difference makers at the crucial moments.
The top five most expensive players in history are all attack-minded players with the highest transfer fee for a defender occupying 27th position - Harry Maguire’s €87 million move to Manchester United. There’s so much pressure on big money signings to perform, especially attackers with goals and assist numbers under the spotlight. Using Transfermarkt data, we’ve analysed which attackers have cost the most per goal contribution in the history of the top five leagues - we’ve not included players with under 50 games, for fairness.
Which attackers cost the most per goal contribution in history?
The top ten list of most expensive players per goal contribution makes for grim reading for several Premier League clubs with eight entries in the top ten. Manchester United and Chelsea both have three signings in the list with Antony occupying the unwanted top spot. The Brazilian is widely viewed as one of the worst value for money signings in Premier League history and the statistics reinforce that view. United splurged €95m to reunite the winger with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford but he’s only provided 17 goal contributions at a cost of €5.6m per goal or assist.
As the graphic above illustrates, Randal Kolo Muani takes second spot after his disastrous €95m move to PSG with it costing the French giants €5.3m for every goal or assist. Jadon Sancho ranks third at €4.7m per goal contribution at Man United based on his €85m transfer fee and it’s telling that both Antony and Sancho are struggling to find suitors this summer - Rasmus Højlund also makes the top ten. The three Chelsea players to feature are Pedro Neto, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku. While the latter duo have failed to impress at Stamford Bridge, Neto has shown glimpses of quality and is expected to be heavily involved this season. The most expensive player on the list is Jack Grealish with the €117.5m signing cost Manchester City €2.9m for every goal contribution (40).
