Ghana has produced some of Africa’s most iconic footballers, with many commanding significant transfer fees in the global market.
From midfield dynamos to prolific strikers, these players have showcased their talent across Europe’s top leagues, earning record-breaking moves.
As the 2025 summer transfer windows opens, kickoffghana ranks the top five biggest transfer fees for Ghanaian players, based on historical and recent data, adjusted to reflect the most accurate figures available as of June 1,2025.
1. Thomas Partey – €50 million (£45 million)
Atletico Madrid to Arsenal, 2020
Thomas Partey’s move to Arsenal in October 2020 remains the benchmark for Ghanaian transfers. The tenacious midfielder, known for his physicality and tactical intelligence, was a cornerstone of Atletico Madrid’s midfield under Diego Simeone. Arsenal triggered his €50 million release clause on transfer deadline day, making him the most expensive Ghanaian player in history. Partey’s versatility and ability to dominate midfield battles justified the hefty fee, though injuries have occasionally hampered his impact at the Emirates. His transfer shattered the previous record and underscored Ghana’s growing influence in elite European football.
2. Mohammed Kudus – €43 million (£38 million)
Ajax to West Ham United, 2023
Mohammed Kudus emerged as one of Ghana’s brightest talents during his time at Ajax, where his flair, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess caught the eye of Premier League clubs.
In 2023, West Ham United secured his signature for €43 million, a club-record fee for the versatile attacking midfielder, SkySports disclosed https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/12949034/mohammed-kudus-transfer-west-ham-complete-38m-deal-for-ajax-midfielder
Kudus’ ability to play across the frontline and his knack for decisive moments have made him a fan favorite in East London.
His transfer fee reflects his potential to become a global superstar, and at just 24 years old, he’s already proving worth the investment.
3. Michael Essien – £24.4 million (€38 million)
Lyon to Chelsea, 2005
Michael Essien’s transfer to Chelsea in 2005 was a landmark moment for Ghanaian football. The “Bison,” as he was nicknamed for his relentless energy, joined the Blues for £24.4 million, a club-record fee at the time as reported by BBC; http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/4165004.stm
Essien’s all-action style, combining defensive grit with attacking flair, made him a cornerstone of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side.
Over nine years, he won multiple titles, including the Premier League and Champions League, justifying the massive outlay. When adjusted for inflation, his fee equates to over £170 million today, highlighting the scale of this deal.
4. Abdul Rahman Baba – £21.7 million (€26 million)
Augsburg to Chelsea, 2015
Chelsea’s penchant for Ghanaian talent continued with the signing of left-back Abdul Rahman Baba from Augsburg in 2015 for £21.7 million. Baba was seen as a long-term replacement for Filipe Luis, with his pace and defensive solidity earning praise in the Bundesliga.
However, injuries and inconsistent form limited his impact at Stamford Bridge, leading to multiple loan spells. Despite his struggles, the transfer fee remains one of the highest for a Ghanaian player, reflecting his potential at the time of the move.
5. Ernest Nuamah – €25 million (£21 million)
Nordsjaelland to RWDM/Lyon, 2023
Ernest Nuamah rounds out the top five with his €25 million move from Nordsjaelland to RWDM, followed by a swift transfer to Lyon in 2023. The young winger’s explosive pace and goal-scoring instincts made him a standout in Denmark, attracting attention from top European clubs.
His transfer fee, tied with Kamaldeen Sulemana’s move to Southampton, marks him as one of Ghana’s rising stars. Nuamah’s versatility and potential suggest he could climb this list in the future as he develops at Lyon.
