AS Monaco, a club renowned for nurturing young talent and achieving impressive results on the European stage, have also made their mark in the transfer market with some significant signings over the years.
The club’s strategy of investing in promising players has often paid off, both on the pitch and financially. Soccernet.football takes a look at the top ten most expensive signings in Monaco’s history.
10. Pietro Pellegri – €20.9 million (2018)
Monaco made headlines in January 2018 when they signed Pellegri from Genoa for a then-record fee for a 16-year-old. The Italian striker was one of the brightest prospects in Europe, drawing comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović. Despite his potential, Pellegri’s time at Monaco was plagued by injuries, limiting his impact and leading to an eventual transfer to Serie A side Torino.
9. Youri Tielemans – €25 million (2017)
Monaco secured the services of the Belgian midfielder from Anderlecht in 2017 for €25 million. Tielemans was highly regarded as one of Belgium’s most promising talents, known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game. Although his time at Monaco was somewhat inconsistent, he displayed glimpses of his talent, which eventually led to a successful move to the Premier League with Leicester City.
8. Joao Moutinho – €25 million (2013)
In 2013, Monaco signed the Portuguese midfield maestro from Porto. Moutinho was one of the key players in Monaco’s resurgence, helping them secure a second-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2013/2014 season and playing a crucial role in their 2016/2017 Ligue 1 title-winning campaign. His experience and versatility made him a mainstay in Monaco’s midfield before he eventually moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018.
7. Keita Baldé – €30 million (2017)
Baldé joined Monaco in 2017 from Lazio for a fee of €30 million. The Senegalese forward was brought in to add pace and dynamism to Monaco’s attack following the departure of Kylian Mbappé. He had a solid first season, contributing with goals and assists, but struggled to consistently hit top form, eventually leading to loan spells at Inter Milan and Sampdoria before leaving the club permanently.
6. Aleksandr Golovin – €30 million (2018)
Monaco secured the signing of the Russian from CSKA Moscow for €30 million following his impressive performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Golovin was seen as a key player for Monaco’s midfield rebuild due to his dribbling, creativity, and work rate. The Russia international has been a vital player for the Ligue 1 side ever since, showcasing his talents in both Ligue 1 and European competitions.
5. Gelson Martins – €30 million (2019)
In January 2019, Monaco signed Gelson Martins from Atlético Madrid for €30 million after an initial loan spell. The Portuguese winger brought speed, flair, and directness to Monaco’s attacking play. Although his time at Monaco had ups and downs, the Portuguese remained a valuable asset until he departed for Greek Super League side Olympiacos Piraeus in January 2024.
4. Folarin Balogun – €30 million (2023)
One of Monaco’s most recent signings, Balogun, arrived from Arsenal in the summer of 2023 for €30 million. The young striker had a breakout season on loan at Reims, where he finished among the top scorers in Ligue 1. Monaco’s investment in Balogun is a testament to their belief in his potential to lead the line and become one of Europe’s top strikers in the coming years.
3. Wissam Ben Yedder – €40 million (2019)
Ben Yedder became Monaco’s most expensive signing when he joined from Sevilla in 2019 for €40 million. The French striker immediately made an impact, finishing as one of Ligue 1’s top scorers. The Frenchman’s clinical finishing, movement, and leadership made him one of Monaco’s most important players as he consistently delivered goals season after season. Ben Yedder has ended his five-year stint at the French club and is now a free agent.
2. Radamel Falcao – €43 million (2013)
Falcao’s arrival at Monaco in 2013 for €43 million from Atlético Madrid was a statement of intent. The Colombian striker was at the peak of his powers and was considered one of the best forwards in the world. Falcao lived up to the hype, scoring crucial goals that helped Monaco secure the Ligue 1 title in 2017. His time at Monaco solidified his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
1. James Rodríguez – €45 million (2013)
Top of this list is James, who joined Monaco from Porto in 2013 for a fee of €45 million. The Colombian playmaker was part of the wave of big-name signings that transformed Monaco into a European powerhouse. James dazzled in his sole season at the club, with his vision, creativity, and set-piece mastery making him a fan favorite. His performances at Monaco paved the way for a big move to Real Madrid following an outstanding 2014 World Cup.