Kyogo 21st, Hulk 6th - the biggest transfers ever involving a player moving from Asia to Europe

Top 30 revealed 

One of the most fascinating things about the transfer market in the modern game is that European clubs now search far and wide for the best talents from around the world. While the giants of Spain, England and Italy may have once simply hoovered up the best players in their respective leagues in years gone by, they now scout every region and continent for the stars of tomorrow. And in recent years that has often meant more and more players arriving from Asia.

Whether it be the constant source of exciting young players from the likes of South Korea or Japan, or indeed returning stars from the Middle East, after stints in Qatar or Saudi Arabia, more and more money is flowing from Europe’s top leagues and into the coffers of Asian clubs. But which deals involving players moving from Asia to Europe have earned the biggest transfer fees? Let’s take a look. 

At number 30 on the list is Burak Yilmaz, whose €4 million move from Chinese side Beijing Guoan to Trabzonspor marked a return to European football for the prolific Turkish striker. Though his time in Asia was relatively short, the transfer fee underlines how highly he was still valued. Just above him at number 27 is Toby Alderweireld, who made the switch from Al-Duhail in Qatar to Royal Antwerp for the same fee, marking what will likely be the final transfer of his career back to his hometown club. Sitting 23rd is Ji-Sung Park, whose €5m move from Kyoto Sanga to PSV proved to be the launching pad for one of the most iconic Asian players in Europe in the modern era. His performances in the Eredivisie caught the eye of Manchester United, where he would go on to win multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League medal. A few spots higher, at 21st, is Kyogo Furuhashi, who joined Celtic from Vissel Kobe for €5.4m in 2021. Though far from the biggest fee on the list, his impact in Glasgow was immense, quickly becoming a central figure in the club’s domestic dominance and return to the European stage.

In 18th place, Marko Arnautovic’s €6m move from Shanghai Port to Bologna represented a regular occurence a the time of players opting for big moves to China, only to return soon afterwards when things didn't work out. Finally, topping the first segment of the list at number 16 is Michael Laudrup, whose €7.5m move from Vissel Kobe to Ajax in 1997 stands out not only for the fee, but for the stature of the player. Though near the end of his career, Laudrup’s transfer remains one of the most prominent examples of a world-class talent transitioning back to Europe from Asia. A move that reflects both the financial muscle of some Asian clubs and the enduring appeal of Europe’s biggest stages.

At number 12 is Odion Ighalo, whose €12m switch from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United in 2020 surprised many. Technically just a loan move, the Nigerian centre forward bagged five goals and an assists in just 760 minutes of game time across all competitions. Tied with Ighalo is Manuel Lanzini, who made a €12m move from Al-Jazira in the UAE to West Ham. His transfer initially raised eyebrows but turned out to be a shrewd acquisition for the Hammers. Lanzini quickly established himself as one of the club’s most technically gifted midfielders, offering flair and composure in the Premier League and becoming a key figure during several of West Ham’s stabilising seasons and made a total of 226 appearances for the London club. 

Moving into the upper tier of the list, Hulk’s €19m transfer from Tokyo Verdy to Porto stands out as one of the most successful examples of a player using Asia as a stepping stone. The powerful Brazilian forward lit up the Portuguese league, earning a reputation for his physicality and long-range shooting and quickly became one of the most coveted forwards in European football. At the top of the list is Paulinho, whose €40m transfer from Guangzhou Evergrande to Barcelona in 2017 remains the most expensive Asia-to-Europe move ever. While initially met with scepticism, Paulinho exceeded expectations at the Camp Nou, contributing goals and work rate before returning to China the following year. Certainly a bizarre move, but one that remains the most expensive of all time for a player that moves from Asia to Europe.