Top 5 Highest-Paid New Signings in Europe: Where Does Real Madrid Ace Kylian Mbappe Rank?

The 2024-25 summer transfer window was as eventful as ever, with many high-profile moves going through. Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in a €75 million ($80.9 million) move, was the most expensive transfer of the summer. Dominic Solanke emerged as the most costly transfer in the Premier League, as Tottenham Hotspur paid a massive €64.3 million ($69.3 million) fee to prize him away from Bournemouth. Manchester United star Leny Yoro rounded off the top three, with Lille accepting a €62 million ($66.8 million) bid for his services.

Interestingly none of the three make the list of the highest-paid new signings in Europe, with free agents and lower-cost transfers dominating the rankings. Read on to explore the order and find out where the most high-profile free transfer of the summer, Kylian Mbappe, ranks.

Let’s begin!

Source: Capology

#5 Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United): €8.4 million ($9.1 million)

In fifth place, we have Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, whose contract will see him pocked €8.4 million ($9.1 million) net by the end of the season. The right-back has joined the Red Devils in a €15 million ($16.2 million) move from Bayern Munich, signing a four-year contract with the club.

Mazraoui has looked decent for Manchester United, claiming an assist in eight Premier League appearances. He was recently diagnosed with a heart problem, but a thorough investigation has ruled out a major issue.

#4 Joao Neves (PSG): €9.1 million ($9.8 million)

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) paid a massive €59.92 million ($64.6 million) fee to sign defensive midfielder Joao Neves from Benfica in August 2024. In addition to paying the hefty transfer fee, the Parisians have also had to give the 20-year-old a mega contract. As per Capology, Neves’ contract, which runs out in June 2029, will see him earn €9.1 million ($9.8 million) per season.

Neves has fit in nicely in Luis Enrique’s system, with the Spaniard successfully managing to unlock his creative potential. Neves has played eight Ligue 1 games this season, providing an impressive six assists. If he keeps this up, he will finish the season as the leading assist provider in the French top flight.

#3 Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund): €9.4 million ($10.1 million)

Serhou Guirassy enjoyed an explosive 2023-24 season with VfB Stuttgart, scoring 28 goals in as many matches and helping the club secure a place in the UEFA Champions League. His heroics caught Borussia Dortmund’s attention and they paid €18 million to sign him from their league rivals. The 28-year-old joined the club in a four-year deal worth €9.4 million ($10.1 million) gross per season. He is the second-highest earner at the club, behind Niklas Sule €10 million ($10.8 million).

Much to the delight of Dortmund fans, Guirassy has carried his scintillating goalscoring form over from Stuttgart. He has played eight games for the club in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.

#2 Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United): €12.1 million ($13.1 million)

Noussair Mazraoui was not the only player Manchester United signed from Bayern Munich. They also paid a handsome €45 million ($48.5 million) to bring his teammate Matthijs de Ligt to Old Trafford. The Dutch defender, who worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, has signed a five-year deal with the Red Devils. According to the data from Capology, he is making €12.1 million ($13.1 million) gross per year, which makes him the sixth-highest-paid player at the club.

Manchester United have been all over the place this season, toiling in 12th place in the Premier League rankings. However, it is primarily down to their poor showing in front of the goal. The Red Devils have been pretty decent at the back, and De Ligt is one of the reasons why. He has led the backline by example, chipping in with fine interceptions and decisive tackles. Since the beginning of the season, De Ligt has played eight Premier League games, scoring once.

#1 Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): €31.3 million ($33.8 million)

Real Madrid fulfilled their years-long ambition over the summer, signing Kylian Mbappe as a free agent after he ran down his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman has signed a lucrative five-year contract with reigning Spanish and European champions, worth a whopping €31.3 million ($33.8 million) gross per year. He will also earn a massive signing bonus, worth €40.42 million ($43.6 million) per year.

Mbappe has not been at his unplayable best since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, as Carlo Ancelotti is still figuring out his best position in the lineup. However, even in sub-optimal conditions, Mbappe has found a way to deliver for Real Madrid, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 13 games in all competitions.