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<p>Is there a "Bundesliga tax"?</p>
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<img alt="Flops or smart deals? Analyzing the Premier League's 10 biggest signings from the Bundesliga" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/sesko-havertz-and-haaland-1754666927-174391.png" title="Flops or smart deals? Analyzing the Premier League's 10 biggest signings from the Bundesliga">
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<p dir="ltr">Benjamin Sesko’s transfer from RB Leipzig to Manchester United for €76.5 million marks a significant milestone. It is not only the third most expensive deal of the summer transfer window but also the seventh priciest signing in the history of the Old Trafford club. Moreover, it underscores the increasing trend of high-profile transfers from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. This summer, English clubs collectively splurged around €495 million on players hailing from the German top-flight, bringing in talents like Jamie Gittens, Hugo Ekitiké, and Florian Wirtz to the energetic atmosphere of English football.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Despite this influx, a lingering stigma has followed players transitioning from Germany to England, often referred to as the “<em>Bundesliga tax</em>.” This term suggests that English clubs tend to inflate transfer fees for players coming from the Bundesliga. Is this notion valid? Today, we will examine the ten highest transfer fees paid by English clubs for German-based players, analyzing their market values upon joining the Premier League to see who met or exceeded expectations.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">10. Naby Keita: €65m Move to Liverpool</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Kicking off our list is Naby Keita, who struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League. Liverpool secured his services for €65 million from RB Leipzig in 2018, following two standout seasons in the Bundesliga. However, Keita's performance did not live up to Liverpool's hopes, with his market value plummeting from €65 million to just €10 million over five seasons before he returned to the Bundesliga in 2023.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">9. Erling Haaland: €60m Move to Manchester City</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">In contrast, Erling Haaland's €60 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in 2022 provides a clear success story. His market value was a remarkable €150 million at the time of transfer and has since increased to €180 million. The Norwegian striker has absolutely thrived under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, proving to be an exceptional value for money.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">8. Christopher Nkunku: €60m Move to Chelsea</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Christopher Nkunku's journey has been far less fortunate. Arriving at Chelsea for €60 million in 2023 amid much anticipation, the French winger has not met expectations, hampered by injuries and competition within the squad. His market value has steadily declined, now standing at €35 million, demonstrating the challenges faced by players adapting to the Premier League.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: €64m Move to Arsenal</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's €64 million transfer to Arsenal in 2018 set a benchmark for subsequent Bundesliga signings. The Gabon striker made an impressive impact at Arsenal, scoring 54 goals in his first two and a half seasons. However, his value fluctuated, peaking at €75 million before declining, ultimately leading to his release on a free transfer in 2022. Nonetheless, fans remember his tenure fondly, with a tally of 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 appearances.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">6. Christian Pulisic: €64m Move to Chelsea</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Similarly, Christian Pulisic’s €60 million move from Dortmund to Chelsea in January 2019 didn’t quite hit the mark. The American winger made a solid initial impact with 15 goals and assists in 25 games during his first season, but injuries plagued his career thereafter, causing him to miss 65 games across four seasons. As a result, his market value have dipped from €60 million to a low of €25 million before leaving the club in 2023.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">5. Dominik Szoboszlai: €70m Move to Liverpool</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Dominik Szoboszlai's recent €70 million transfer to Liverpool in 2023 has proven to be a stellar acquisition. In a short span, the Hungarian midfielder has established himself as a crucial player, contributing 15 goals and 14 assists in 94 appearances. His market value has soared from €50 million at the beginning, now reaching €80 million, highlighting a remarkable start to his Premier League career.</p>
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<h2>4. Kevin de Bruyne: €76m Move to Manchester City</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Kevin de Bruyne made a significant €76 million switch from the Bundesliga to Manchester City, where he quickly became a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad. His initial value of €45 million skyrocketed to €150 million by 2018, establishing him as one of the best playmakers in Premier League history. His journey is a prime example of a Bundesliga player seamlessly transitioning to the Premier League.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">3. Jadon Sancho: €85m Move to Manchester United</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Jadon Sancho's €85 million transfer to Manchester United is marked by disappointment. Despite arriving with a market value of €100 million, the English winger has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford and now faces the possibility of leaving the club with a devalued market worth of just €28 million.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">2. Josko Gvardiol: €90m Move to Manchester City</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Josko Gvardiol's €90 million transfer to Manchester City in 2023 has proven to be fruitful. Although his initial value remained at €75 million, the Croatian defender has emerged as one of Guardiola's key players at just 23 years old, with ample potential for growth.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">1. Kai Havertz: €100m Move to Chelsea</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Finally, Kai Havertz, the most expensive Bundesliga export at €100 million to Chelsea, presents a mixed bag. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, many fans remain skeptical about his true worth, given that his market value has decreased from €81 million to €55 million during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.</p>
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