The three most expensive sales in Barcelona history

The three most expensive sales in Barcelona history Barcelona have long been associated with developing top footballers and attracting some of the biggest names in the sport. However, the Catalan giants have also completed several historic transfers in the outgoing market.  Some departures influenced the club’s future, while others left a lasting impact on world football itself. The three most expensive sales in Barcelona history showcase how the club has generated substantial income through player departures over the years.  From the historic Neymar PSG transfer to the controversial exit of Luis Figo and the high-profile sale of Arthur Melo, these deals remain among Barcelona’s biggest sales ever completed. Neymar to PSG – Barcelona’s biggest-ever sale for €222 million Neymar left Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) The Neymar PSG transfer in the summer of 2017 changed football forever.  Paris Saint-Germain activated the Brazilian’s €222 million release clause, making it the most expensive transfer ever completed and establishing the Neymar record transfer as a benchmark that still stands today. The Neymar transfer fee not only shattered existing records but also transformed the transfer market, influencing player valuations across Europe. Barcelona signed Neymar from Santos in 2013 and watched him evolve into one of the world’s best attackers alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.  The famous MSN trio dominated European football for years and played a central role in Barcelona’s success under Luis Enrique. Notably, the 2014-15 season remains one of the most memorable campaigns of Neymar’s career, as the Brazilian scored in the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus, which secured Barcelona a historic treble. By the time the Neymar Barcelona departure became official in August 2017, the Brazilian had accumulated 186 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 105 goals. Even years later, the Neymar Barcelona sale remains the benchmark for Barcelona record sales, while the Neymar PSG move is still regarded as one of the most influential transfers in football history. Arthur Melo to Juventus – €72 million Arthur Melo is Barcelona’s second-biggest sale. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Second place among the most expensive departures Barcelona have sanctioned belongs to Arthur Melo. Barcelona completed Arthur’s transfer to Juventus in 2020 for approax €72 million with €10 million in potential add-ons, making it one of the largest Barcelona player sales ever recorded. Arthur arrived at Camp Nou from Gremio in 2018 and was widely viewed as a midfielder capable of carrying forward Barcelona’s possession-based identity.  However, after only two seasons in the first team, Barcelona decided to part ways with the Brazilian. Arthur left Camp Nou after making 72 appearances for Barcelona, contributing four goals and six assists.  Despite his relatively short spell in Spain, his move to Juventus remains one of the most expensive Barcelona transfers completed from an outgoing perspective. The infamous Luis Figo to Real Madrid – €62 million Luis Figo’s move to Real Madrid is one of the most talked-about transfers in world football. (Picture credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport) In the year 2000, Real Madrid paid €62 million to complete the controversial Luis Figo transfer from Barcelona, making him the most expensive footballer in the world at the time. The transfer also became one of the most controversial deals in football history. Figo joined Barcelona from Sporting CP in 1995 and established himself as one of the club’s standout and dearest performers.  During his five years at Camp Nou, he won two La Liga titles and helped Barcelona remain competitive at the highest level. By the time he joined Real Madrid, Figo had played 249 matches for Barcelona and scored 45 goals. Even today, his move across El Clasico lines remains one of the most debated Barcelona outgoing transfers ever completed.