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<p>10 Transfers Exceeding €40 Million</p>
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<p><img alt="Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonardo Bonucci & Co. - The Most Expensive Transfers for Players Aged 30 or Over" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/most-expensive-transfers-o30-spotlight-1761735687-181549.png" title="Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonardo Bonucci & Co. - The Most Expensive Transfers for Players Aged 30 or Over"></p>
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<p>In contemporary football, a noticeable shift has emerged among top clubs, with an increasing focus on acquiring younger players. This change is driven by stricter financial fair play regulations, prompting teams to manage their finances more prudently. Lowering the average squad age is now seen as a pathway to sustainable success. Once known as the 'Galacticos' for their lavish spending on elite talent, Real Madrid has shifted its strategy. In recent years, they've prioritized developing young talents like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, or securing players on free transfers when contracts expire, as evidenced by signings like Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold.</p>
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<p>This strategic evolution at the Spanish powerhouse has inspired many of Europe's elite clubs. However, not all teams have followed suit; some continue to invest significant sums in players nearing the end of their careers. At <em>Transfermarkt</em>, we've explored the archives to highlight the most expensive transfers involving players aged 30 and older. While some of these signings provided great value, others are better left in the past.</p>
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<h2>Top Transfers for Players Aged 30 or Over</h2>
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<p>Leading the pack is global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who transferred from Real Madrid to Juventus at the age of 33 for a staggering €117 million. His market value was still approximately €100 million at the time, and he remarkably scored 101 goals in 134 appearances for Juventus, partially justifying the hefty fee before moving to Manchester United three years later for just €17 million. In second place is Harry Kane, the England captain, who made his switch from Tottenham to Bayern Munich at 30 years old for €95 million in the summer of 2023, promptly netting 77 goals in 83 matches for the Bavarians.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/most-expensive-transfers-players-o30-1743415194-164734.png?lm=1743415203" width="503"></p>
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<p>Neymar holds the third position, transferring from PSG to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for €90 million at 31 years old in 2023. However, this transaction is largely viewed as a failure, as Neymar played only seven games in two years before leaving on a free transfer to return to his first club, Santos. Casemiro takes fourth place, making headlines when Manchester United invested €71 million to acquire the 30-year-old midfielder from Real Madrid in 2023. Fifth is Miralem Pjanić, who controversially moved from Juventus to Barcelona for €60 million at the age of 30. In sixth place is Marco Verratti, who switched from PSG to Qatari side Al-Arabi for €45 million.</p>
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<p>Prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski joins the list at seventh, transferring from Bayern Munich to Barcelona for €45 million at 33 years old. The eighth position is occupied by Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, who moved from Barcelona to Chinese Super League side Evergrande for €42 million at 30. Legendary defender Leonardo Bonucci is also noted for his €42 million transfer from Juventus to AC Milan at age 30. Rounding out the top 10 is Kalidou Koulibaly, who moved from Napoli to Chelsea for €42 million at 31 in 2022.</p>
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