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La Liga, the top professional football league in Spain, has long been a hotbed for talent and a battleground for fierce competition. Two of La Liga's most prominent clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, have consistently attracted the world's best players.
These Spanish powerhouses boast rich histories and global fanbases, making them desirable destinations for both established stars and rising talents. Their ability to make significant and often expensive signings stems from their financial resources, competitive ambitions and the allure of playing for such iconic clubs.
Barcelona and Real Madrid's pursuit of excellence, coupled with their vast resources, enables them to secure high-profile transfers that shape the landscape of both La Liga and world football. Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the most expensive arrivals in La Liga history.
#7 Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Marid (2009) | - €94 million
In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo made a career-defining move from Manchester United to La Liga giants Real Madrid. The transfer was a landmark in football history, as it became the most expensive transfer at the time, with a fee of around €94 million.
Ronaldo's decision to join Real Madrid was driven by his desire to challenge himself in a new environment and play for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.
His time at Real Madrid proved to be immensely successful, as he went on to achieve numerous individual and team accolades, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
#6 Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspur to Real Marid (2013) | - €101 million
In the most remarkable transfer saga of 2013, Gareth Bale made a monumental leap from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid. This high-profile move captivated the footballing world, shattering records with a staggering transfer fee reported to be €101 million.
Bale's decision to don the white jersey of Real Madrid showcased his ambition to test himself on the grandest stage and embrace the rich history of the club.
His arrival ignited excitement and anticipation, as fans and pundits eagerly awaited the impact of his explosive pace, mesmerizing skills and formidable presence on the field.
Gareth Bale's transfer to Real Madrid marked a significant chapter in his career, fueling his rise to prominence and helping him forge a lasting legacy in the annals of football history.
#5 Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Marid (2019) | - €115 million
In 2019, Eden Hazard copped a high-profile move from Chelsea to Real Madrid. The transfer marked a significant moment in the Belgian playmaker's career as he sought to fulfill his dream of representing one of the most illustrious clubs in world football.
The move came with great expectations, as Hazard's exceptional technical ability, vision and creativity promised to add a new dimension to Real Madrid's attacking prowess. However, Hazard's move to Real Madrid has failed to work out.
Due to niggling injury issues and lack of form, the 32-year-old has been a shadow of his former self at the club and has now become a peripheral figure in the dressing room.
#4 Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid to Barcelona (2019) | - €120 million
In a highly anticipated transfer move in 2019, Antoine Griezmann made a significant switch from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona.
The French forward's arrival at Barcelona was met with excitement and anticipation, as he brought with him a reputation for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, technical skills and versatility on the pitch.
Griezmann's move to Barcelona also represented a step forward in his career, as he joined one of the most storied and successful clubs in the world. However, the Frenchman failed to hit the heights of his Atletico Madrid days at Barca.
Although he did produce several moments of brilliance, Griezmann was not a great fit for Barcelona in the long run. He returned to Atletico Madrid on loan at the beginning of the 2021-22 season and has now been permanently re-signed by the Rojiblancos.
#3 Joao Felix | Benfica to Atletico Madrid (2020) | - €127.2 million
In the summer of 2020, João Félix, then a young Portuguese prodigy, became the center of attention as he made the leap from Benfica to Atletico Madrid. The transfer, an alluring cocktail of excitement and expectation, was reflective of Atletico's hopes in a player whose reputation preceded him.
Félix, with his scintillating skills and an air of unfathomable potential, arrived in the Spanish capital like a gust of fresh air, leaving fans and pundits alike eager to witness his magic on the pitch. He has mesmerized us in recent years with his sheer talent but it hasn't always worked out for him on the pitch.
It looks like Felix could be set to leave Atletico Madrid this summer on a permanent basis. He is currently with Premier League giants Chelsea on a loan deal.
#2 Philippe Coutinho | Liverpool to Barcelona (2018) | - €135 million
Philippe Coutinho's move to Barcelona in 2018 was touted as a major coup for the Catalan giants, but in hindsight, it can be seen as a colossal disappointment. The Brazilian playmaker arrived with great fanfare and carried the weight of a hefty transfer fee on his shoulders.
However, his time at Barcelona was marred by inconsistency, injuries and an inability to live up to the lofty expectations set upon him. Coutinho struggled to cement his place in the team and failed to replicate the dazzling form he had displayed at Liverpool.
His performances often lacked the spark and creativity that had made him a sought-after talent, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what went wrong.
Ultimately, Coutinho's move to Barcelona proved to be an underwhelming and regrettable chapter in his career and he is currently at Premier League club Aston Villa.
#1 Ousmane Dembele | Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona (2017) | - €140 million
Ousmane Dembele's move to Barcelona in 2017 came as a response to Neymar's departure to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The French winger's arrival was meant to fill the void left by Neymar's departure and provide a new spark to Barcelona's attacking force.
However, Dembele struggled to adapt to the demands of his new team and suffered from multiple injury setbacks, hindering his progress. Despite flashes of brilliance and raw talent, his inconsistency and lack of consistent impact on the pitch led to frustrations among fans and scrutiny from the media.
But under Xavi Hernandez's tutelage, Dembele has burgeoned into one of their best players over the last couple of seasons. His ambidexterity, technical qualities and composure inside the final third have made him one of the most creative players on the planet.
