Tottenham Hotspur’s 10 Most Expensive Signings Of All Time

Unlike many other Premier League big guns, Tottenham Hotspur are not known for splurging hefty figures on new signings, or at least not frequently. 

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is no stranger to opening his chequebook when he spots good value in the market, although it only happens occasionally, which sometimes frustrates the fans. 

Despite spending less than their peers, Tottenham have developed into one of the heavyweights in Premier League football, building a spectacular venue to accompany their recent on-field success.

While a busted attempt to lift the Champions League title in 2019 is the closest they have come to backing their new status as a household club with silverware, Spurs are seemingly on the right course. 

Below are the ten most expensive Tottenham Hotspur signings of all time.

1. Tanguy Ndombele (Lyon, 2019) – €62m
2. Richarlison (Everton, 2022) – €58m
3. Cristian Romero (Atalanta, 2022) – €50m
4. Davinson Sanchez (Ajax, 2017) – €42m
5. Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United, 2016) – €35m
6. Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis, 2020) – €32m
7. Steven Bergwijn (PSV Eindhoven, 2020) – €30m
8. Sergio Reguilon (Real Madrid, 2020) – €30m
9. Erik Lamela (Roma, 2013) – €30m
10. Roberto Soldado (Valencia, 2013) – €30m

Let’s see how Tottenham’s ten most expensive signings ever panned out. 

#10 Roberto Soldado

A Spaniard who would rather forget he has ever considered plying his trade in the Premier League, Roberto Soldado, remains one of the worst signings in the club’s history.

Brought in for around from Valencia in 2013, the veteran striker only lasted for two years before quitting London to join Villarreal on a cut-price deal in 2015.

Soldado never quite cut it in the English top-flight, tallying a measly seven league goals in two seasons. Not one of the club’s best moves.

#9 Erik Lamela

Erik Lamela’s outrageous form for AS Roma transferred him to Tottenham in 2013, as many saw him as a potential main man for Spurs for years to come. 

But the Argentine’s fragile body had other plans for the skilful winger. Recurring injury problems often interrupted his progress in London and eventually forced him to wave goodbye in 2021. 

Lamela is still reflecting fondly on his career-defining ‘rabona’ goal against fellow London rivals Arsenal down the final stretch of his Spurs career. 

#8 Sergio Reguilon

Sergio Reguilon boarded the same plane as his ex-Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale to join Tottenham in the summer of 2020 following an eye-catching season-long loan at Sevilla. 

Unlike the Welshman, the Spanish left-back is here to stay, as he’s taken no prisoners while establishing himself as a regular first-team fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Injury woes saw Reguilon hand his place in the starting XI over to Ryan Sessegnon and he was eventually loaned to Atletico Madrid.

#7 Steven Bergwijn

When Steven Bergwijn slotted home to sink reigning champions Manchester City and win the Man of the Match award on his Tottenham debut, many considered him the next big thing in the Premier League.

However, the Dutch winger slipped down the pecking order and turned into a rotation player, eventually returning to his homeland with Ajax in 2022.

Before calling time on his brief Premier League career, Bergwijn made sure to enter the history books for his memorable stoppage-time brace against Leicester City. 

#6 Giovani Lo Celso

Initially signed on loan from Real Betis in 2020, Giovani Lo Celso earned a permanent membership at the Lillywhites the following summer on the back of an impressive maiden Premier League season.

A technically gifted playmaker with a devastating left foot, the Argentine attacking midfielder was tipped for greatness at Tottenham before falling from grace in 2021.

Spurs sent him to Villarreal on loan to reignite his career.

#5 Moussa Sissoko

How’s that for the club’s fifth-record signing? Instead of following a then-relegated Newcastle United side to the Championship, Moussa Sissoko joined Tottenham in 2016.

The box-to-box midfielder became a cult hero and a fan favourite, racking up over 140 appearances for Spurs, who he helped reach the iconic 2019 Champions League final. 

A transitional period under sacked manager Nuno Espirito Santo spelt the end for Sissoko’s superb spell in north London, forcing him to link up with Watford in 2021.

#4 Davinson Sanchez

Supporters are still pretty mystified as Davinson Sanchez continues to blow hot and cold despite becoming Tottenham’s most expensive signing back in 2017.

On his day, the Colombian centre-back is a defensive monster, with decisive tackling, noticeable aerial presence and persistent man-marking making him a nightmare for a host of Premier League strikers. 

Unfortunately, consistency is not his strong point.

#3 Cristian Romero

The Argentinian defender has shown plenty of signs of promise, but his penchant for picking up yellow and red cards cannot be ignored.

When he is on his game, Romero is a rugged defender who is extremely difficult to beat.

However, he often makes rash challenges to leave his team in trouble – if he eradicates this from his game he could still prove to be a good signing.

#2 Richarlison 

Richarlison took the Premier League by storm since touching down in Watford in 2017. One year on, he allied with Everton to develop his talents but to no avail.

The Brazilian undoubtedly boasts world-class talent, but a lack of final product had often cast a shadow on his dazzling ability during his time at Goodison Park.

He subsequently failed to live up to expectations after joining Tottenham and is yet to justify his sizeable fee.

#1 Tanguy Ndombele

How would Tottenham fans react to seeing Tanguy Ndombele sitting on top of the pile? Ask them if you dare. 

Signed for a club-record fee of £54m and with great expectations, the Frenchman proved the worst gamble ever taken by the club.

Ndombele still seems unable to recover from his brutal time in the Premier League – as costly errors go, this was a big one.