Should FC Bayern Munich actually get a striker for 100 million euros this summer, he would become the most expensive player in the club’s history: How have the previous record purchases been? A look at the top 20.
20th place: KINGSLEY COMAN
2017/18, €21m from Juventus: The winger has struggled with injuries time and time again. But when he’s fit, he delivers. Became a hero in the 2020 CL final with his winning goal. Rating: 1.5.
PLACE 18: THIAGO
2013/14, 25 million from FC Barcelona: “Thiago or nothing” – with these legendary words Pep Guardiola demanded his commitment. When not injured, he was a key part of FCB’s successful team for seven years. Rating: 1.5.
PLACE 18: ARJEN ROBBEN
2009/10, 25 million from Real Madrid: He shaped the most successful era in recent club history, formed a feared wing pincer with Ribéry and scored the winning goal in the 2013 CL final. Note 1.
17th place: MEDHI BENATIA
2014/15, €28m from AS Roma: The Moroccan’s reputation as the best defender in Serie A preceded his signing. He could never confirm that. Was often injured, went to Juve in 2016. grade: 5
13th place: FRANCK RIBÉRY
2007/08, 30 million euros from Olympique Marseille: rose to become a club idol and crowd favourite, formed a congenial duo with Robben. The 306 scorer points in 425 games speak for themselves. Note 1.
13th place: DOUGLAS COSTA
2015/16, €30m from Shakhtar Donetsk: Made a rocket start with 11 points in his first seven league games. But the momentum fizzled out over time and injuries increased. Went to Juve in 2017, also unsuccessful on his short-term return. grade: 4
13th place: MANUEL NEUER
2011/12, 30 million euros from Schalke 04: The transfer was not well received by the fans (“Koan Neuer”), meanwhile there is no trace of it. He has repeatedly proven his world class. After a long injury break, he should return to goal at the start of the season. Note 1.
13th place: MARIO GOMEZ
2009/10, 30 million euros from VfB Stuttgart: The transfer fee made him the most expensive player in the Bundesliga. Scored a strong 113 times in 174 games, lost his regular place in 2012/13 due to injury, went to Florence. Rating: 1.5.
12th place: SADIO MANÉ
2022/23, 32 million euros from Liverpool FC: Came as a royal transfer and was actually supposed to replace Robert Lewandowski, who had emigrated. After a decent start, Mané injured himself in the fall and never got back to his form. The low point was the physical attack on his teammate Leroy Sané. grade: 5
9th place: RENATO SANCHES
2016/17, 35 million euros from Benfica Lisbon: The Portuguese was considered a great talent when he was signed, but simply did not gain a foothold in Munich. His career last picked up speed in France. Grade: 5.5.
9th place: BENJAMIN PAVARD
2019/20, 35 million euros from VfB Stuttgart: Acclimated quickly and played his best year in the treble season. After fluctuating seasons, top performers have recently returned, but are now about to say goodbye. Grade: 2.
9th place: MATS HUMMELS
2016/17, 35 million euros from Borussia Dortmund: Was trained in Bayern youth, but then made his breakthrough at BVB. Most of the time in the three years at FCB, he preferred to return to BVB in 2019. Grade: 2.5.
8th place: MARIO GÖTZE
2013/14, €37m from Borussia Dortmund: Moved to Bayern because of Guardiola. Became a hero for the DFB team at the 2014 World Cup, but not really happy with FCB. His return to Dortmund also flopped. Grade: 4.5.
7th place: ARTURO VIDAL
2015/16, 37.5 million euros from Juventus Turin: The warrior played three strong years at FC Bayern and was actually only missing from the starting XI when he was suspended or injured. Grade: 2.
6th place: JAVI MARTÍNEZ
2012/13, 40 million euros from Athletic Club: The then BL record transfer won 23 titles in nine years and impressed as a defensive all-rounder. Rummenigge later described the deal as groundbreaking. Rating: 1.5.
5th place: CORENTIN TOLISSO
2017/18, 41.5 million euros from Olympique Lyon) The former record purchase said goodbye after five years on a free transfer. Due to many injuries, he remained an unfulfilled promise. grade: 4
4th place: DAYOT UPAMECANO
2021/22, 42.5 million euros from RB Leipzig: Should become the new chief of defense after the departure of David Alaba. Failed to prove it’s worth for the money in a patchy debut season. After a strong first half of the season, he recently fell back into old patterns. grade: 4
3rd place: LEROY SANÉ
2020/21, 45 million euros from Manchester City: Should actually come in 2019, but a cruciate ligament rupture prevented the deal and pushed the fee later. Experienced ups and downs at Bayern, still looking for consistency. Grade: 3.5.
2nd place: MATTHIJS DE LIGT
2022/23 for 67 million euros from Juventus Turin: The Dutchman immediately developed into the loud and present defender he was intended to be. Now it is time to prove what has been achieved so far. Grade: 2.
1st place: LUCAS HERNÁNDEZ
2019/20, 80 million euros from Atletico Madrid: The most expensive purchase in league history did not initially seem to be paying off due to injuries. In the meantime a constant in the defense. After another season marred by injuries, he is now facing a €50m move to Paris Saint-Germain. Grade: 3.5.
