Over the years, Ghanaian footballers have commanded hefty transfer fees on the global stage, reflecting their talent and influence in world football in history.
Leading the pack is Mohammed Kudus, whose big-money move to West Ham United in 2023 turned heads.
Mohammed Kudus has etched his name into the record books as the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history, following his £55 million transfer from Dutch giants Ajax to Premier League club West Ham United in 2023.
The attacking midfielder’s move capped off a meteoric rise in European football and highlighted Ghana’s growing influence on the global transfer market.
This deal eclipses previous Ghanaian transfer records, surpassing Thomas Partey’s £50 million move to Arsenal in 2020.
Kudus’s earlier transfer to Ajax from FC Nordsjælland in 2020 had already commanded a significant £38.4 million, bringing his cumulative transfer value to an astonishing £93.4 million across his career.
Partey’s big move still among the elite
Thomas Partey, who made headlines with his dramatic deadline-day switch from Atlético Madrid to Arsenal, remains Ghana’s second most expensive individual transfer.
The Gunners triggered his release clause in 2020, paying £50 million for the defensive midfielder who had become a linchpin in Diego Simeone’s midfield setup.
Partey’s transfer was a major statement by Arsenal and demonstrated the Premier League’s appetite for African talent.
The former Tema Youth player joined a distinguished list of Ghanaian internationals to grace England’s top flight.
Michael Essien’s record-breaking era
Before Kudus and Partey, it was Michael Essien who carried the mantle of Ghana’s most expensive player. His £24.4 million move from Olympique Lyon to Chelsea in 2005 set a then-record for both Ghana and African football. At the time, it was one of the most talked-about transfers in Europe.
Essien, nicknamed “The Bison” for his strength and tireless engine, went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career at Stamford Bridge, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. His move marked a turning point in the international recognition of Ghanaian talent.
Sulemana breaks through with dual appearances
Kamaldeen Sulemana, one of the brightest young stars of Ghana’s recent generation, features twice in the list.
His £22 million transfer to Southampton from Rennes in January 2023 was a record-breaking acquisition for the Saints and made him the most expensive African in the club’s history.
Before that, Sulemana had transferred from Danish side Nordsjælland to Rennes for £18 million in 2021, following in the footsteps of Kudus. Known for his blistering pace and dribbling skills, Sulemana continues to draw interest from top clubs despite Southampton’s relegation.
Baba Rahman and Andre Ayew also among Ghana’s costliest
Left-back Baba Rahman made a high-profile move from FC Augsburg to Chelsea in 2015, with the Blues paying £21.7 million for his services.
Despite limited appearances, Rahman’s price tag reflected the intense competition for left-backs in Europe at the time.
Andre Ayew also makes the list with his £20.5 million transfer from Swansea City to West Ham United in 2016. The versatile forward, a son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, had already impressed in the Premier League with Swansea and carried significant expectations upon his arrival in East London.
Gyan’s landmark move to the Middle East
Completing the top nine is Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer, Asamoah Gyan. His £13 million transfer from Sunderland to Al Ain in 2011 was a landmark deal for Middle Eastern football and sparked a wave of high-profile African signings in the Gulf region.
Though controversial at the time, the move proved fruitful for Gyan, who became a fan favorite in the UAE and helped Al Ain to multiple domestic titles while continuing to score prolifically for the Black Stars.
Ghanaian talent continues to command big fees
Ghanaian players continue to attract significant attention and investment in the global transfer market, with many scouts now prioritizing the country as a fertile ground for emerging talent. The country’s long-standing tradition of producing technically gifted and physically dynamic players appears to be stronger than ever.
With younger players like Kudus and Sulemana leading the charge and others like Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku beginning to make waves, Ghana’s footprint in elite football looks set to grow even larger in the years to come.
