Enzo Fernandez - 169 million USD
Enzo Fernandez became the most expensive player in the summer of 2026 when he transferred from Chelsea to Man City for a fee of 169 million USD. The 25-year-old Argentine midfielder reunited with coach Enzo Maresca at Etihad Stadium.
This deal made Fernandez the first player in history to be sold twice for 100 million pounds ($135 million) or more. Chelsea spent a record amount of money to bring him back from Benfica and now collect a huge fee when parting with this midfielder. He also surpassed Alexander Isak to become the fourth most expensive deal in history, only behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Philippe Coutinho.
Man City sees Fernandez as an important part of the plan to rebuild the midfield. Rodri's departure makes the team need midfielders who can control the ball, pass forward and resist pressing. Fernandez is expected to take on a deeper role in organizing the play.
Morgan Rogers - 160 million USD
Chelsea continued to be aggressive when spending $160 million to buy Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The 23-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder or move to the flanks, and is expected to combine with Cole Palmer in attack. The $160 million fee helps Rogers become the second most expensive player of the summer of 2026 and the sixth in history.
Rogers stands out thanks to his ability to pull the ball, dribble and create mutations in tight spaces. Last season, he scored 10 goals and assisted six times in the Premier League.
Elliott Anderson - 156 million USD
Man City continues to appear in third place with Elliott Anderson, who was bought from Nottingham Forest for 156 million USD.
The 23-year-old midfielder thrived after leaving Newcastle to move to Forest. Anderson is highly appreciated for his ability to compete, escape pressing and bring the ball forward.
Man City sees him as one of the options to replace Rodri. With Fernandez and Anderson joining, Maresca's team spent up to 325 million USD on the two midfielders in the summer. But this list still has one more midfielder joining Man City.
Bradley Barcola - 145 million USD
Liverpool spent 145 million USD to recruit Bradley Barcola from PSG. The 23-year-old French player was brought in to increase his speed and ability to create mutations on the left wing. The price could increase to 167 million USD depending on the French player's performance at Anfield.
Barcola once had to compete for a position at PSG with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Moving to Liverpool opens up the opportunity to become the main option in attack.
The ability to dribble, accelerate and play one-on-one are Barcola's outstanding strengths. Liverpool also expects him to improve his ability to apply pressure right from the front line.
Yan Diomande - 145 million USD
Real Madrid spent 145 million USD to bring Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig to Bernabeu. At 19, the winger is the second youngest in the top 10.
Diomande is famous for his dribbling ability and rapid development over the past few years. Coach Jose Mourinho is expected to use him along with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler in Real's attack.
The $145 million fee for a 19-year-old player shows that Real is willing to invest heavily in the next generation. If successful, Diomande could become an important asset for the Royal team for many years to come.
Sandro Tonali - 125 million USD
Tottenham spent 108 million euros to bring Sandro Tonali from Newcastle to London. The Italian midfielder, 26 years old, is Spurs' most expensive deal in the summer of 2026.
Tonali is expected to become a mainstay in Tottenham's midfield after a season where the team has had many problems. His ability to pass long, recover the ball and regulate the pace helps him fit into Spurs' rebuilding plan.
Newcastle accepted to sell an important midfielder, while Tottenham bet big on Tonali's experience to improve their position in the Premier League.
Mateus Fernandes - 115 million USD
Tottenham continues to invest heavily in the midfield by spending $115 million on Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The Portuguese midfielder is only 21 years old but has impressed in a difficult season for West Ham. He stands out thanks to his strength, ability to pull the ball and participate in disputes in the midfield.
Fernandes is expected to combine with Tonali, forming a midfield duo with a balance between defense and ball development.
The $115 million fee also shows that Tottenham is not only looking for a short-term solution but also wants to build a midfield for many seasons.
Ayyoub Bouaddi - 110 million USD
Man City had the third deal in the top 10 when buying Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for 110 million USD.
Bouaddi is only 18 years old and the youngest on the list. The Moroccan midfielder attracted attention with his ability to pass the ball, read the game and play maturely despite being very young. Man City sees Bouaddi as an investment for the future. After bringing in Fernandez and Anderson, the team continued to add a midfielder with long-term development potential.
In total, the three deals of Fernandez, Anderson and Bouaddi cost Man City 434 million USD, more than a third of the total value of the top 10. The Maresca army also completely renewed the midfield thanks to this trio.
Savio - 102 million USD
Savio transferred from Man City to Tottenham for 102 million USD. The 22-year-old Brazilian player is expected to add speed and innovation to the Spurs attack.
Savio had difficulty finding a stable position at Man City, but Tottenham still appreciates his ability to dribble and create opportunities. However, Savio's ability to contribute to goals is still a question mark, as he has only scored two goals in 53 Premier League matches.
Bruno Guimaraes - 101 million USD
Bruno Guimaraes closed the top 10 when he moved from Newcastle to Arsenal for $101 million. At 28 years old, the oldest Brazilian midfielder on the list. Arsenal accepted to spend a large sum of money on a player at the peak of his career, in order to increase the strength and depth of the midfield.
Guimaraes has the ability to pass the ball, compete and escape pressing well. He is expected to combine with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to form the strongest midfield in the Premier League.
The top 10 shows that Premier League clubs continue to dominate the transfer market. Man City has three players, including Fernandez, Anderson and Bouaddi, for a total fee of 434 million USD. Tottenham is right behind with Tonali, Fernandes and Savio, spending $341 million. Diomande is the only deal not related to English clubs.
