Atletico Madrid, having earned a reputation for their fierce competitiveness and tactical discipline under Diego Simeone, have also made some significant investments in the transfer market over the years.
These signings have often reflected the Atleti’s ambition to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. Soccernet.football takes a look at the top ten most expensive Atletico Madrid signings of all time.
10. Matheus Cunha – €35m (2021)
Cunha joined Atletico Madrid in 2021 from Hertha BSC for a fee of €35 million. The Brazilian forward was brought in to add depth to Atletico’s attacking options, however he struggled to secure a regular starting spot in a highly competitive squad despite showing a lot of promise. Cunha joined Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023 and has since become a key player at the Molineux.
9. Jackson Martinez – €35m (2015)
In 2015, Atletico Madrid signed Martinez from FC Porto for €35 million. Atleti signed the Columbian striker as Diego Costa’s replacement. However, he failed to replicate his prolific form from the Portuguese league, scoring only three goals in 22 appearances before moving to Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League after just one season.
8. Alvaro Morata – €35m (2020)
Following spells at Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea, The Spanish forward joined Atletico Madrid initially on loan in January 2019, before making a permanent switch for €35 million in July 2020. Morata’s physicality and aerial ability made him a valuable asset for Atletico, contributing with crucial goals during his time at the club. Following a successful Euro 2024 outing with the Spain national team, the 31-year-old has made a return to Italy’s top-flight where he will be donning the Rossoneri of Milan.
7. Rodrigo De Paul – €35m (2021)
Atletico Madrid secured the services of De Paul from Udinese in 2021 for a fee of €35 million. The Argentine midfielder was a standout performer in the 2020/2021 Serie A season and played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America triumph. De Paul brought creativity and tenacity to Atletico’s midfield, quickly becoming a very important player under Simeone’s guidance.
6. Vitolo – €35.6m (2017)
Vitolo arrived at Atletico Madrid in 2017 from Sevilla for €35.6 million. The Spanish winger’s transfer was a complicated one, as he had to spend six months on loan at Las Palmas due to Atletico’s transfer ban. Vitolo, widely known for his dribbling and work rate, had an inconsistent spell at the club, often struggling with injuries that hindered his ability to make any sort of significant impact.
5. Radamel Falcao – €40m (2011)
The arrival of the Columbian center-forward at the Wanda Metropolitano in 2011 from FC Porto for €40 million was a landmark signing for Atletico Madrid. Falcao quickly established himself as one of the best forwards in the world, scoring 70 goals in 91 appearances. His prolific record in front of goal helped Atletico win the Europa League in 2012 and the Copa del Rey in 2013.
4. Diego Costa – €60m (2018)
Costa rejoined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in 2018 for €60 million. The Brazilian-born Spanish striker had previously been a key figure in Atletico’s La Liga title win in 2014 before moving to the Premier League and his return was met with high expectations. However, while he remained a physically imposing presence, his second stint at the club was marred by injuries and inconsistent form.
3. Thomas Lemar – €72m (2018)
Thomas Lemar’s transfer to Atletico Madrid from AS Monaco in 2018 for €72 million remains one of the club’s most expensive signings. Following his highly impressive performances in Ligue 1 and for the French national team Lemar became one of the most sought after players in Europe. The Frenchman took some time to adapt to Simeone’s system but eventually became a more integral part of the squad.
2. Julian Alvarez – €75m (2024)
Atletico Madrid have made headlines in this summer transfer window by signing Argentine sensation Alvarez from Manchester City for €75 million. The 22-year-old’s technical ability, coupled with a keen eye for goal, makes him such a huge signing for Simeone’s side. It will be interesting to see how well he combines with Antoine Griezmann upfront.
1. Joao Felix – €127.2m (2019)
The Portuguese forward is Atletico Madrid’s most expensive signing of all time. Atletico acquired Felix from Benfica in 2019 for a staggering €127.2 million. Felix was touted as the future of Atletico, however, his time at the Spanish capital hasn’t quite gone to plan. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the immense pressure of his price tag has made his time at Atletico quite challenging. Following unsuccessful loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona respectively, both club and player are reportedly looking for a permanent solution.