Thomas Partey’s transfer to Arsenal FC has made him the most expensive Ghanaian professional footballer of all time after The Gunners triggered his 50 million Euros buy out clause on deadline day.
But who were the Ghanaian players with the biggest transfer fees commanded before Thomas? Here SPORTSWorldGhana.com takes you through the top five list below.
5.Asamoah Gyan – £13 million. From Stade Rennes to Sunderland
On 31 August 2010, Gyan signed for Premier League club Sunderland on a four-year deal for a club record £13 million.
4.Baba Rahman – £14 million. From FC Augsburg to Chelsea.
On 16 August 2015, Rahman signed for Chelsea on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be an initial £14 million, rising to a potential fee of almost £22 million.
3.Andre Ayew – £20.5 million. From Olympique de Marseille to West Ham United
On 8 August 2016, Ayew signed for West Ham United for a then club record fee of £20.5 million on a three-year contract, with the option of an extra two years
2.Michael Essien – £24.4 million. From Olympique Lyon to Chelsea
On 14 August 2005, Lyon and Chelsea agreed a £24.4 million fee for Essien, ending one of the longest-running transfer sagas. At the time, the fee made Essien Chelsea’s most expensive signing of all-time, surpassing the £24 million Chelsea paid for Didier Drogba the previous summer.
The transfer went through on 19 August. The transfer came under scrutiny in the Stevens inquiry report, which expressed concerns because of the lack of co-operation from agents Pini Zahavi and Barry Silkman.
1.Thomas Partey – £45.3 million (€50 million). From Atletico Madrid to Arsenal FC
In the surprise move of Monday’s 2020/21 summer transfer deadline extravaganza, Thomas Partey officially signed for Arsenal after the London club deposited his 50 million euro buyout clause with LaLiga.
