The modern goalkeeper is now expected to be as skilled with their feet as they are with their hands. Here, we explore the 10 most expensive goalkeepers of all time and how they performed after their big-money transfers. Only the initial transfer fees were considered, excluding any potential add-ons.
The Most Expensive Goalkeepers
1 Kepa Arrizabalaga - 71.6m
The price gap between Alisson Becker and Kepa Arrizabalaga is significant. Kepa, who joined Chelsea in 2018 for £71.6m, is the most expensive goalkeeper in football history. However, if you asked most fans, they'd likely say Alisson is the better player. Kepa has struggled to consistently secure a starting spot at Chelsea and was loaned to Real Madrid last year as a temporary replacement for Courtois. This summer, he's been linked with a move back to Madrid or possibly to the Saudi Pro League. Wherever he goes, it's unlikely the transfer fee will match the £71.6m Chelsea once paid.
2 Alisson Becker – 56m
After Loris Karius’ unfortunate performance in the 2018 Champions League final, Liverpool signed Alisson Becker for £56 million. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been a game-changer, leading the Reds to victory in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Alisson has also received numerous individual honors, including the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award, the Yashin Trophy, and two Golden Gloves. "If I knew Alisson was this good, I would have paid double," former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confessed.
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3 Andre Onana - 43.8m
Andre Onana joined Manchester United with high expectations, and while he hasn’t fully reached his potential yet, there are many factors beyond his control. In his first season, Onana showcased his talent multiple times, notably helping the Red Devils win the 2024 FA Cup against Manchester City. The recent addition of renowned goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar is expected to help Onana elevate his game in the upcoming season.
4 Ederson – 34.7m
Buffon's 16-year reign as the world's most expensive goalkeeper ended in 2017 when Manchester City signed Ederson for £34.7 million from Benfica. Ederson quickly replaced Claudio Bravo in Pep Guardiola's starting XI and became renowned as one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers globally. Since then, the Brazilian international has won six Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, and two FA Cups. He also played a pivotal role in Manchester City's 2022/23 Champions League victory, delivering a stellar performance against Inter Milan in the final.
5 Gianluigi Buffon - 32.6m
What makes this transfer so extraordinary is its timing. Gianluigi Buffon's move from Parma to Juventus for £32.6m in 2001 was mind-blowing, especially since we associate inflated transfer markets with the last five years. This fee made Buffon the most expensive goalkeeper in history at the time, a record he held for 16 years. Juventus's investment, funded by selling Zinedine Zidane, paid off massively. Buffon played over 600 matches for Juve, winning nine Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues, and four Coppa Italias.
6 Thibaut Courtois – 31.4m
Thibaut Courtois joined Real Madrid for £31.4 million in 2018 after not extending his Chelsea contract. His first season was challenging, but he is now regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers. Courtois has been pivotal in Madrid’s success, contributing to three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup. Notably, he made a record number of saves in the 2021/22 Champions League final against Liverpool.
7 Jasper Cillessen - 31.4m
Valencia's £31.4m signing of Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen in 2019 was a high-stakes gamble that didn't pay off. Acquired from Barcelona after only five La Liga appearances, Cillessen's tenure at Valencia was plagued by injuries. He managed just 51 league appearances before losing his spot and being transferred to NEC Nijmegen for a mere €1 million. This move resulted in significant financial loss for Valencia and left fans questioning the decision.
Conclusion
Money is the most important thing in football now. The proof of this is the phenomenon of transfers and their cost for the best players in any position in football. Now you know about the most valuable and expensive goalkeepers in football in 2024.