Analysis: The 100M+ Signings in the Premier League – Success or Failure?

Liverpool Bomb in the Market: Wirtz Joins the Team for a Million-Dollar Figure

Liverpool has secured the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer, which has generated great anticipation, is valued at an initial figure of 100 million pounds sterling, with the possibility of adding 16 million more in bonuses. Although the transfer record in British football is held by Enzo Fernández’s signing for Chelsea, Wirtz becomes the fifth player to join the Premier League for a sum exceeding 100 million pounds. Although Wirtz’s fee is far from the £198 million that Paris Saint-Germain paid for Neymar in 2017, any deal reaching nine figures puts enormous pressure on players, and, generally, those involved struggle to meet the expectations created by these astronomical figures.

Next, we analyze the performance of some of the most expensive signings, considering both their success and their future prospects.

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4. Enzo Fernández

Enzo Fernández’s signing for £106.8 million, from Benfica, has had a variable performance at Chelsea, despite his short stay. He arrived after his outstanding performance in the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, which inflated his price. Initially, he was assigned a restrictive role in midfield, but over time, his position in the team has evolved. Under the direction of Enzo Maresca in the 2024-25 season, Fernández has proven to be a key player for the team, standing out for his ability to score goals. Although the instability in the technical direction and the high investments in signings have affected the team, Fernández has shown flashes of his potential, although he has not yet fully justified his price.

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3. Jack Grealish

The £100 million investment in Jack Grealish, coming from Aston Villa, generated high expectations that, to a large extent, were not met. After four seasons at Manchester City, his performance has been inconsistent, with a low goal average and limited participation on the field. Although he was fundamental in the 2022-23 season, where the team achieved a treble, his overall impact did not justify the high investment.

2. Declan Rice

Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesThe arrival of Declan Rice at Arsenal for £100 million, plus £5 million in bonuses, has had a significant impact. After adapting to different roles in midfield, Rice has flourished in the defensive midfielder position, standing out for his aggressiveness and power. In addition, he has become an expert in free kicks and corner kicks, proving to be a key player for the team. His physical capacity and his ability to score goals make him a fundamental player for the future of the team.

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1. Moisés Caicedo

The signing of Moisés Caicedo by Chelsea for 100 million pounds, plus 15 million in bonuses, has been a resounding success. The Ecuadorian midfielder, after a complicated start, has established himself as a fundamental piece of the team, demonstrating great consistency in his performance. Caicedo stands out for his ability to make interceptions and his skill in passing the ball, being a key player in the team’s tactical scheme. His performance has been so outstanding that he is considered the second most important player at Chelsea, only surpassed by Cole Palmer. The club hopes to continue enjoying his talent for many years. The choice between Caicedo and Rice for the top spot was close, but Caicedo’s longevity and impact on the team gave him the edge.