Liverpool’s most expensive sales ever

Liverpool have seen many players leave for big money in the past, but which are the most expensive departures in their history?

Transfer activity has been relatively quiet at Anfield over the past few windows before owners FSG splash the cash on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in 2025.

In the past, Liverpool have generated huge funds through the exits of certain players. Here are the 20 most expensive sales in Reds history.

10

Christian Bentéke

Liverpool to Crystal Palace (£32m)

The signing of Christian Benteke in 2015 never really seemed right for Liverpool, at a time when doubts were beginning to build over Brendan Rodgers as manager.

The Belgian had certainly caused the Reds plenty of problems in the Aston Villa shirt in the past, but his performances at Anfield were lacking and he only spent one season at the club.

Certainly Benteke’s spot-kick against Manchester United was stunning, albeit losing, but a tally of just 10 goals in 42 appearances outlined his struggles as he failed to justify his £32m price tag. Like Sakho, he was sold to Crystal Palace, with Liverpool breaking even after his departure.

9

Jarell Quansah

Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen (£35m)

Jarell Quansah was a product of Liverpool’s academy, so his £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 was seen as pure profit to help the club’s FFP and summer spending.

The centre-back made 58 appearances for the Reds before his move to the Bundesliga, and a buyout clause is believed to be included in the deal.

8

Sadio Mane

Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£35m)

It’s easy to view current stars Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah as the poster boys of the current era at Liverpool, but Sadio Mané cannot be ignored.

The Senegalese was an incredible servant for the Reds for a six-year period between 2016 and 2022, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances and standing out as arguably his side’s best player during the title-winning 2019/20 season.

Fast, skillful, strong, tenacious and full of finished goods, Mane was a world-class player at the peak of his powers before joining Bayern Munich for £35 million, just when he was showing signs of decline.

7

Fabinho

Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (£40m)

Fabinho felt like a huge piece of the puzzle being filled when he joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2018, and it’s no coincidence that the Reds won the Champions League and Premier League in his first two seasons at the club.

A dominant presence in the heart of midfield, the Brazilian was one of Europe’s best number 6s in his prime, combining elite reading of the game with his underrated quality on the ball.

However, Fabinho’s legs looked fine in 2022/23, as was the case with Jordan Henderson, and it made sense to sell him to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £40m the following summer.

6

Darwin Nuñez

Liverpool to Al-Hilal (£46.2m)

Darwin Nunez cost Liverpool an initial £64 million from Benfica in 2022, and after failing to hit the heights at Anfield for three seasons, the Reds decided a change was necessary.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal came calling in 2025, and with the Reds already having Hugo Ekitike walk through the door at Anfield and soon to sign Alexander Isak, cashed in on Nunez for just over £46 million.

5

Raheem Sterling

Liverpool to Manchester City (£49m)

Raheem Sterling’s meteoric rise at Liverpool has been hugely impressive, with the Englishman going from youth team star to key first-team player in no time at all in the early 2010s.

He was outstanding in the 2013/14 season despite still being a teenager, coming so close to playing a big part in the Reds’ Premier League victory, and played at a level of maturity beyond his years.

However, Sterling cut ties with Liverpool fans when he opted to join Manchester City for £49 million in 2015, and numerous appearances at Anfield since have seen him booed relentlessly.

4

Fernando Torres

Liverpool to Chelsea (£50m)

When Fernando Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, he felt like one of the most exciting signings in the club’s history.

The Spanish star has lived up to the hype, becoming one of the world’s best strikers in his first two years on Merseyside, giving defenders nightmares, including Nemanja Vidic. He may not have won a trophy at Liverpool, but 81 goals in 142 games is a stunning return.

When Torres controversially joined Chelsea for £50 million in January 2011, many supporters were devastated, but the truth is his best days were already behind him.

3

Luis Diaz

Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£65.5m)

Luis Diaz was brilliant for Liverpool during his three-and-a-half year stay at Anfield, so it was a slight surprise that he wanted to pursue a move to Bayern Munich in 2025.

The Colombia international, who initially cost the Reds £37million, won the Premier League before heading to the German giants, with Liverpool making a tidy profit on Diaz.

2

Luis Suarez

Liverpool to Barcelona (£75m)

Has there ever been a more talented player in Liverpool history than Luis Suarez?

What the Uruguayan achieved in the Reds jersey between 2011 and 2014 was unforgettable, with only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo arguably better than him during that period.

Suarez came close to inspiring Liverpool to title glory in 2013/14, scoring 31 goals in just 33 league appearances, and his £75 million exit to Barcelona at the end of that campaign was difficult to accept.

1

Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool to Barcelona (£142m)

Looking back, the sale of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool to Barcelona for £142m in 2018 is one of the best deals the Reds have ever made.

Although there was dissatisfaction with his departure at the time, having become his team’s attacking talisman, it allowed Liverpool to use the funds to sign Alisson and Van Dijk, and the rest is history.

The legendary goalkeeper and central defender completely transformed the Reds as a team under Klopp, turning them into one of the best club teams of their generation. Meanwhile, Coutinho’s career has completely fizzled out since then, with injuries and inconsistent form turning him into a shadow of his former self.